Improving the quality of public administration research on nonprofits: Dismantling the three-sector model

Does the three sector model of public (government), private (business), private/nonprofit still have validity? Did it ever? The following article examines the definitions, history, economic constructs, and evolving position of nonprofit organizations in the United States and finds the three sector model lacking. A briefcase study of a Denver-based not-for-profit community development corporation illustrates the many overlapping roles these organizations play including for-profit business, governmental functions as well as traditional nonprofit sen ice-oriented activities. A new paradigm is called for that reflects the "brave new world" of collaboration between and among public and private entities.