Sustainability in non-profit organizations : Exploring drivers, challenges, and opportunities

Abstract: Title: Sustainability in non-profit organizations. Exploring drivers, challenges, and opportunities This study explores the drivers, challenges, and opportunities that non-profit organizations face when adopting sustainability practices. By focusing on the drivers, challenges, and opportunities, the study investigates what motivates these organizations to adopt sustainability practices, challenges, and unique opportunities.  The method chosen for the study has enabled an in-depth analysis using triangulation of the organization's sustainability information and interviews. These have illustrated a complex interplay of cultural, strategic, collaborative, and institutional factors driving sustainability efforts. For example, resource constraints were consistently mentioned in interviews as a predominant challenge, whereas organizational documents pointed towards collaborative endeavors as a critical solution. This dual perspective underscores the balance between challenges and solutions in sustainability work. The findings indicate that sustainability in non-profit organizations is subject to change, influenced by internal dynamics, including the alignment with core objectives and the necessity to maintain societal relevance. External pressures, such as expectations from stakeholders such as donors, volunteers, and regulatory bodies, further shape these initiatives. These organizations encounter challenges, including resource limitations and knowledge gaps, which they address through collaborative initiatives and educational endeavors. Opportunities arising from sustainability include enhanced member engagement and environmental impact mitigation. This research portrays sustainability as an ongoing process with challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability into operational strategies.