Adaptive Strategies of Nonprofit Human Service Organizations in an Era of Devolution and New Public Management

This article reviews the results of a multiphase study of nonprofit human service organizations serving children and youth in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The purpose of the study was to identify adaptation strategies organizations found effective for the current environment. The study reviews the results of longitudinal focus groups and a final workshop directed to analyzing strategies for maintaining organizational viability. Effective adaptations included strategic expansion of services and client bases, networking as a means to acquire and stabilize revenue streams and resources, and increased use of business techniques and technology to generate outcome measures and an image of effectiveness with funders.