Zone of Insolvency - Hardcover

by Ron Mattocks (Author)

Written by Ron Mattocks, Zone of Insolvency shines a bright and urgent light on the real issue of creating financial strength across the whole spectrum of nonprofit organizations. This insightful book uniquely shows you how to rise above "business as usual" with workable solutions to launch your organization out of the Zone of Insolvency and into financial viability.

Front Jacket

Zone of insolvency

How Nonprofits Avoid Hidden Liabilities and Build Financial Strength

Would you know if your nonprofit is in the Zone of Insolvency and understand the related legal responsibilities and liabilities of operating in financial distress? Approximately one-third of nonprofits--more than 450,000 organizations--function perpetually in the Zone of Insolvency, i.e., in financial distress, and approximately seven percent are completely insolvent. What is the impact of hundreds of millions of dollars given to charitable organizations that operate in perpetual financial distress? Do board members have an inherent obligation to keep nonprofit organizations in operation regardless of their financial condition, or theirmission effectiveness?

Written by Ron Mattocks with the knowledge and authority that comes from many years of leadership and consulting in the nonprofit sector, Zone of Insolvency shines a bright and urgent light on the real issue of creating financial strength across the whole spectrum of nonprofit organizations. This stirring book confronts the brutal facts of financial self-examination in nonprofits and equips professionals with a framework for thinking about their organizational options that will lead them to move beyond resigned acceptance of perpetually living in the Zone of Insolvency.

Required reading for nonprofit managers, board members, and volunteers, Zone of Insolvency takes an honest look at the fundamental obstacles facing the nonprofit sector through case studies of organizations including:

• United Way of America: Business or Charity?

• American Red Cross: Aggressive Stance Against Fraud

• Allegheny Health, Education & Research Foundation: Toxic Growth

• United Way National Capital Area: Rights of Ownership

• Electronic Industries Alliance: Dissolution Celebration

A rousing wake-up call to nonprofits of every size and background, this insightful book uniquely shows you how to rise above "business as usual" with practical, workable solutions to launch your organization out of the Zone of Insolvency and into financial viability.

Back Jacket

Praise for Zone of insolvency

How Nonprofits Avoid Hidden Liabilities and Build Financial Strength

"Zone of Insolvency is a true wake-up call to all board and executive leaders in the nonprofit sector. The combination of real-life cases and practical tools provides a clear and powerful guide to a financially sound and responsible organization."
--Carol Thompson Cole President and CEO, Venture Philanthropy Partners

"Zone of Insolvency raises the vexing financial questions that every nonprofit organization needs to ask itself regularly to justify its continued existence, and Ron Mattocks serves well the entire sector by combining research, practice, and an action plan that fits all sizes of nonprofits."
--Dr. Tim SeilerDirector, Public Service and The Fund Raising School, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University

"Too many nonprofits think the risk of financial insolvency doesn't apply to them since they operate on the financial edge so much of the time. It's way too easy to slip into the zone and way too difficult to get out. I hope nonprofit execs, financial managers, and board members use this excellent resource to help them recognize the peril of operating in, or even near, the Zone of Insolvency."
--Christine Park President, New York Life Foundation

"A comprehensive and thoughtful guide . . . required reading for any nonprofit board member."
--Darrell Clark, Attorney

"Ron Mattocks's book is a must-read for any nonprofit executive who wishes to be a good steward of its resources."
--Chad W. Davis, MBA, CPAC.W. Davis & Associates

"Zone of Insolvency should top the reading list for every nonprofit board member, manager, or donor . . . Ron Mattocks articulates a compelling strategy that will launch your organization to a whole new level of fiscal strength."
--Frank Lofaro CEO, Christian Management Association

Author Biography

Ron Mattocks has over thirty years' experience developing financial strength for nonprofit organizations. He has served as executive staff, board member, and/or consultant with a wide array of nonprofits, from the largest to the smallest, from financially strongest to financially weakest, participating in hundreds of board meetings and working with dozens of management teams. As a consultant, lecturer, and author, he focuses on helping nonprofit organizations identify the liabilities of living in the Zone of Insolvency, and commit to solutions for long-term strength. For additional information, visit www.zoneofinsolvency.com.