Why nonprofits matter - Part 5

We are accountable to the community.

Nonprofit corporations are designed to promote accountability. Rather than reporting to owners or shareholders, nonprofits are governed by volunteers representing the community. Board members are not motivated by personal gain. Nonprofits are not always as accountable as they should be, and there are challenges with the traditional governance structure. But they are generally striving to fulfill their mission and make the best impact they can.

The Mockingbird Society is one example of an organization that is designed to keep the priorities of their population front and center. The Mockingbird Society focuses on improving foster care and ending youth homelessness. Youth and young adults with lived experience with foster care and homelessness are organized in chapters around the state and come together to craft the advocacy agenda for the organization each year, then participate in lobbying for change. Their annual advocacy cycle ensures that youth voices are heard and their ideas are acted on.