Knowledge Management for Nonprofits: A Strategy for Organizational Sustainability

The purpose of this paper is to describe knowledge management strategies for nonprofits to promote and support sustainability of the organization. The paper frames knowledge management for a nonprofit within the context of the unique business model employed in the nonprofit domain. This business model sets the stage for the knowledge management strategy by identifying needs particular to nonprofits. Strategies are presented on the basis of identified concepts of sustainability for nonprofit organizations and the types of knowledge pertinent to meet the information needs. Additionally, the paper focuses on the roles of key stakeholders/players for nonprofits in knowledge management. The special aspects of nonprofit business model of revenue generation, volunteer workforce, cost-containment emphasis, leadership model, and importance of image and brand are stressed throughout the paper noting the importance of capturing tacit knowledge in order to sustain the organization for the future.