Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management

Pittsburgh, PA

Organization Description:

As a Management Support Organization, the Bayer Center has a mission to increase the capacity and operating effectiveness of the nonprofit community of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Under its objective to utilize technology to strengthen nonprofit organizations the Bayer Center is proud to bring boardnetUSA to its community.

Programs & Resources for Nonprofit Governing Boards and Board Members:

As the sector matures, the issues of effective decision-making by nonprofit staff and board become ever more critical. In the current climate of intense competition and the emphasis by funding agencies on program outcomes, the need is crystal clear for a Center for Nonprofit Management which provides the necessary tools to enhance its clients' ability to compete.

The Center must work with its clients to assure that the money invested from public and private sources is efficiently and effectively spent to advance their charitable mission. Also, it should serve as a community convener for in-depth discussion of the problems of society addressed by NPOs. There is a need for inclusive forums where all who share concerns for the overall community can create visionary alliances and be the social architects who build the world we leave to our children.

With a business plan approved in early spring of 2000, the Center's work is underway. The services offered by the Center are the result of over 160 interviews with leaders of NPOs, foundations and businesses. Their comments revealed important challenges including strategic thinking about leadership, organizational structure, fund development, technology, collaboration, and employment practices. NPOs have shaped and will continue to shape the Center's services. The Center will offer information and referral services; consulting services; educational programs including seminars, certificates and a graduate degree; and research on important issues facing the sector.

Working in partnership with existing community-based technical assistance providers and the consortium of university nonprofit management programs, the Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University will celebrate the very real achievements of the nonprofit sector in the region, be a partner to the national dialogue and bring the best minds to Pittsburgh to explore the necessary responses to social problems, now and in the future. The Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University will serve all who work for effectiveness and efficiency of the nonprofit sector locally, regionally and nationally.