This text offers an overview of the size, scope, structure, historical development and current policy environment of the German nonprofit sector.

The economic importance of the non-profit sector is growing rapidly in the USA and Europe. However, the law has not kept abreast with its development. The European Court of Justice has extended certain freedoms of the EC Treaty to non-profit organisations, and more case law is expected to follow in the near future, but the observations, theories, solutions and legal and non-legal rules in this field are manifold. The chances of harmonising the law on a European level are slim. Despite these differences, a common core of international corporate governance problems and regulatory solutions can be seen. This volume of essays brings together a variety of international experts from both corporate governance and governance of non-profit organisations to compare the two areas and explore the lessons that can be learned regarding comparative corporate governance for non-profit organisations.

The author examines the employment potentials of the German nonprofit sphere of voluntary organizations (Third Sector) in times of tight public budgets and more competitive conditions. The recent results of a nation-wide postal survey show a slowing down of the Third Sector >. However, connecting her empirical results with a thorough analysis of the legal and political conditions for nonprofit organizations (NPOs), the author points out that new job potentials could be created -- provided that specific reforms are undertaken. The outlined policy proposals aim at a greater autonomy of NPOs and a modernized relationship to the state. Beyond drawing a detailed picture of the German Third Sector, the book stimulates the debate on the future role of nonprofit organizations in modern society.

The nonprofit sector occupies an ever more central role in economic and social policies, from the redesign of welfare system in the U.S. or UK, to fostering democracy in Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time, non-profit organizations face increased public scrutiny, and calls for more 'efficiency' and greater 'accountability'. Against this background, this revealing book explore keys policy issues such as: * Is the nonprofit sector in crisis? * What are the common themes and patterns in current policy debates concerning the future of the nonprofit sector? * What policy models are being discussed, and what are their implications? * How can nonprofit organiztions negotiate a course between commercialization and tighter government regulation? As this sector is confronted with often conflicting demands of new public management, tight budgeting, and greater competition, it arrives at a crucial crossroad in its development. Through the detailed investigations presented in this key book, postgraduate students of business and politics can fully explore this significant sector and analyze it's position in today's society.

Chapter 6: Country profiles.