Innovation in nonprofit organizations in the post-pandemic era: an exploratory study

PurposeUsing firsthand insights from nonprofit executives, our study aims to contribute to a refined understanding of innovation within nonprofit organizations, particularly in the aftermath of a disruptive event – the COVID pandemic.Design/methodology/approachWe adopted an inductive, qualitative approach based on in-depth personal interviews with executives of ten nonprofit organizations operating in the Northeast of the United States.FindingsOur study uncovers the main challenges facing nonprofit organizations in the aftermath of the global pandemic. Our findings provide empirical evidence of how nonprofit organizations responded to these challenges through innovative efforts. We also have identified the innovation-enabling factors and types of innovation that allowed nonprofit organizations to sustain their services and social mission in the aftermath of this disruptive event.Originality/valueBy capturing the perspectives of nonprofit leaders, we contribute to the literature on how nonprofit organizations and nonprofit leaders pursue innovation after a disruptive event that dramatically alters routines and established practices.