The Advantages of Time-Limited Nonprofits

(11-29-10) Maureen West for The Chronicle of Philanthropy:

While a small but growing number of foundations, such as Atlantic Philanthropies, have made clear their intentions to spend all their assets and shut down, charities that set their own expiration date are relatively rare.

But the leaders of two [time-limited] groups, and researchers who have studied one of them, say more charities may want to consider the approach...Self-imposed life spans sharply changed the office culture of the two groups, according to their leaders, and quell turf battles among groups that share similar goals.

A limited life span frees charity heads to speak their minds, they say, and to reach out without jealousy or competition to others who can advance the organization’s good works.

Read the article here.