Preparing Nonprofits for New Accountability Demands

Abstract

Although the role of nonprofits in Canadian society has always been important, the sector now plays a greater role as more and more government services have been transferred to the sector as part of the move toward governance over government. Complementing this changing role is the need, within both government and the sector itself, to enhance accountability and transparency based on evidence. Although program evaluation offers a viable tool to achieve these ends, a great deal of apprehension must be overcome, as must the lack of a sound infrastructure of technical leadership capacity within the nonprofit sector. This article examines these challenges within the context of nonprofits in the social/health or human services areas. It suggests building evaluation capacity through a particular approach to evaluation courses. It examines the role of the nonprofits, an approach to teaching, and the role of funders and educational institutions in developing this capacity. The capacity to conduct evaluation has been ignored by funders, who may mandate an evaluation with the unrealistic intent of it providing accountability.