The Multiple Sources of Mission Drift

Abstract

This article examines Weisbrod's contention that nonprofits should avoid unrelated business activities, primarily because of their potential for mission drift. The conclusion reached is that commercial ventures are only one among several paths to mission drift, and not the most threatening. Furthermore, the bottom line retains its potential for mission drift, even in nonprofits that have no unrelated business activities. However, if mission drift has multiple sources, then the exclusion of one relatively minor source is not an adequate remedy.