Expanding Capacity in Nonprofit Organizations Using the Baldrige Excellence Framework (A Single Case Study)

Abstract

Grounded in general system theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies leaders of a small nonprofit organization in southern California used to grow their organization to serve a larger population. The participants comprised 3 nonprofit leaders with documented success at developing and growing their business. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and organizational documentation. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data; 4 themes emerged: effective fundraising cycles, leader development, strategic planning, and long-term growth. The results of the study indicated nonprofit leaders create standard operating procedures and focus on short and long-term goals such as growth, hiring, and recruitment to support growth and development planning for future leaders. The implications for positive social change include the possibility of nonprofit organization leaders to offer expansion and growth strategies to increase their organizations’ capacity, enabling them to positively transform their communities by improving and maintaining available services and adding additional services.