Organizational structure and non-profit minority HIV organizations: A qualitative study of the effects of funder-mandated organizational requirements on minority community-based organizations (MCBOs)

Background: High HIV rates among minorities in the United States has compelled minority communities to develop community-based HIV programs to meet medical and social service needs of people with HIV. Most MCBOs are grass-roots – lead by a charismatic leader. The organic nature of these organizations is challenged by a bureaucratic system that demands organizational requirements to receive federal and state funding.

Methods: MCBOs that received Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) funds in 2006 were offered an online survey to describe the impact funder-mandated organizational requirements had on providing HIV services to the community. Interviews with founders of MCBOs were also conducted to explore what types of leadership these organizations have and how they react to funder mandates.

Results: The presentation will provide information on the MCBOs responding to the survey, a summary of the findings from the founder interviews, and facilitate discussion of the positive and negative impact funder-mandated organizational requirements have on the evolution of MCBOs and the ultimate impact they have on HIV programs and the individuals those programs serve.

Conclusion: MCBOs are challenged when asked to formalize organizational activities and adhere to funder-mandated organization requirements, including documentation of activities, financial policies and procedures, personnel policies, organizational structure, and client-identifying information.