The lure of the for-profit subsidiary

Description

Abstract: In the wake of a severe recession — with a drop in public grants and private donations — for-profit endeavors can have a magnetic appeal as nonprofit survivors look for new sources of revenue. But there are a number of factors that a nonprofit should consider before taking on the significant cost and responsibility of operating a for-profit company. This article lists the incentives and drawbacks, while a sidebar lists two key actions that nonprofit executives have taken in successfully creating a for-profit subsidiary.