Building Bridges - The TANGO Blog
TANGO’s mission is to build bridges between the nonprofit sector and the business sector. The mission is based on the belief that the interests of the sectors are capable of being aligned, and that communities do better when their interests are aligned.
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An alignment of interests is not the same as a merger of interests. Each sector is responsible for different tasks within a community, both sets of tasks are necessary conditions for community stability, and each sector should be allowed to perform the tasks for which it is best suited without undue interference from the other. However, recognizing the equally important role each sector plays in the community, the sectors should support each other, and doing this will require a bridge over which information, ideas, problems, solutions, and goals are exchanged freely in both directions. |
The principles upon which the bridge will be built are the TANGO Founding Principles appearing at the beginning of our textbook, The TANGO Nonprofit Method. This Blog is one component part of the bridge we will be building, and it will be both a platform and a portal to identify relevant information, ideas, problems and solutions and to discuss them openly and critically. Finally, our roots are in the business sector, and we will bring “business-like” rigor to our commentary. We will be frank and clear so as not to be misunderstood, while always being respectful. We also invite counter-opinion from those who disagree. Having said this, our critique of nonprofit sector organizations will be based on the following rigorous standards and principles: |
ONE: Tax-exempt status is a privilege conferred by federal and state legislative acts. Tax exemptions and tax deductions reduce public tax revenue, and, as such, indirectly subsidize nonprofit sector operations.
TWO: The governing boards and management teams of these organizations must adhere strictly to high fiduciary standards when expending and managing the funds and assets of the organizations they serve. Moreover, as fiduciaries of financial and other assets dedicated to a public/charitable purpose, nonprofit governing boards have a higher level of responsibility than do our elected officials who are not held to fiduciary standards when they exercise their voting authority over public assets.
THREE: Nonprofit governing boards have a duty to develop a set of measures and metrics to gauge both internal operating functions and the social impact of their organizations. The applicable measures and metrics should be prepared in conformance with the fiduciary standards mentioned above consistent with applicable benchmarks, data, and known industry standards.
FOUR: Organizations should report prominently and candidly the results of operations relative to the measures and metrics. The fiduciaries governing boards of these organizations must have the courage to report poor measures and metrics, not unlike the manner in which publicly traded business organizations are required to do so – even if over the objections of management.
FIVE: Nonprofit Organizations should not misuse the emotional appeal of their mission. The emotional appeal of a mission statement should be subordinate to the measurement and metric outcomes.
February 2025 – Founders Forum by Rollin Schuster
February has been a busy month, our travels have taken us from the frozen tundra of New England and the Capital Region of NY to the warming breezes of Georgia. The one common thread we’re seeing as we travel to speak with our TANGO members is “the times are different now…and we as nonprofits need to look at things differently.
Transparency, Efficiency, and Embracing Technology: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Blockchain
In order to best understand how blockchain might enhance and enrich the nonprofit space, the CT Blockchain Association has produced legible, concise video guides to blockchain basics, beginning with the fundamental questions: “what is blockchain?” and “how does blockchain work?”
Women’s Mentoring Network, Inc. Membership Showcase February 2025
Reliance Health provides services to adults with mental health, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities via 2 office locations in downtown Norwich, CT and 14 residential sites throughout Eastern Connecticut.
January 2025 – Founders Forum by Rollin Schuster
Change is in the wind!
Habitat for Humanity North Central CT Membership Showcase January 2025
Reliance Health provides services to adults with mental health, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities via 2 office locations in downtown Norwich, CT and 14 residential sites throughout Eastern Connecticut.
2025 Outlook for Not-for-Profits: Insights from FML CPAs
As we enter 2025, not-for-profits are navigating an increasingly complex landscape. With potential changes in tax laws, economic uncertainty, and evolving donor expectations, not-for-profits must be proactive to remain sustainable and impactful. Here are a few key considerations that organizations should be aware of in the upcoming year.
Reliance Health Membership Showcase December 2024
Reliance Health provides services to adults with mental health, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities via 2 office locations in downtown Norwich, CT and 14 residential sites throughout Eastern Connecticut.
December 2024 – Founders Forum by Rollin Schuster
Yes, that’s part of the lyrics from one of my favorite songs Old Man by Neil Young. I thought it a fitting title for this commentary. Not because I’m an old man (I really am) but because of the inspiration this song for some reason gives me. Maybe because of my “Old Man”, who was my mentor, I think he’d be proud of what we’ve accomplished in ‘24…and there’s so much more!
November 2024 – Founders Forum by Rollin Schuster
Thank you for all you do!
As the founder and president of TANGO I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our member nonprofits for their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in our communities.
Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc. Membership Showcase November 2024
Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc. Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc. is a Meriden-based 501(c)3 non-profit that specializes in supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or behavioral health disabilities to obtain and maintain...
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