Do you See What I See? Nonprofit and Resident Perceptions of Urban Neighborhood Problems

Abstract

Using 85 qualitative interviews collected in three low-income Philadelphia neighborhoods as part of the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation's (MDRC) Project on Devolution and Urban Change, nonprofit directors and poor residents'views of neigh-borhood problems, other residents, and services needed were examined. In doing so, the assumption that local nonprofit leadership is in touch with the resident population that they serve was questioned. Nonprofit directors described neighborhood problems related to unemployment and education, whereas residents focused on crime and safety issues. Both groups agreed that drugs were a major problem in the community. Additionally, the resident group conveyed a more negative view of other neighborhood residents than the nonprofit directors did. Lastly, nonprofit directors wanted to add job placement and training services, whereas residents wanted to add youth programs. Overall, nonprofit directors across neighborhoods held more similar views with each other than they did with residents within their own communities.

Organizational Strategy in a Gentrifying Neighborhood

“…While some of this shifting philosophy was positive (in that donors appreciated the new approach to service), some organizations expressed concern about how donors might respond if events or programming changed. Kissane and Gingerich (2004) called for future research on the relationship between nonprofits and funders and how this impacts an organization's connection to its clients. Based on our results, this future research could offer significant insights into other factors that may impact organizational responses to service provision in a changing environmental context.…”

How Do Faith-Based Organizations Compare to Secular Providers? Nonprofit Directors' and Poor Women's Assessments of FBOs

“…Additionally, the interviews give no indication that the FBOs understood the community, its needs, and its resources better than the secular providers. In fact, previous analyses with the institutional data reveal that both secular and nonprofit directors are largely disconnected from community residents in their assessments of neighborhood needs (Kissane & Gingerich, 2004).…”

“…Moreover, examining multiple perspectives in the same study can reveal whether various local service providers and constituencies are disconnected from one another as some previous research suggests (Kissane & Gingerich, 2004). Organizational and professional interests may shape nonprofit directors' understandings of FBOs in interesting ways.…”

Rethinking Needs Assessment in Planning Services for Older Adults

“…Moreover, the standard changes with each respondent. Kissane and Gingerich (2004) found significant differences in perception of needed services by community residents and service providers.…”