The Nonprofit Complexity Conundrum

The rub is that clear, simple, urgent, emotional offers generate better results in direct-response fundraising than complex, complicated, long-term offers.

CARE was absolutely right that long-term solutions to poverty in the developing world hinge on empowering women. Rescue missions were right to offer expanded programs beyond "three hots and a cot." World Vision was right to create sustainable community-development programs in partnership with the people it seeks to serve.