Why Researchers Choose Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly for High-Impact Publications
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly stands as a cornerstone in the field of nonprofit management and voluntary action research. Established as the flagship journal of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), it provides a vital platform for scholars exploring the complexities of the third sector. With a focus on empirical and theoretical advancements, the journal attracts contributions from around the globe, emphasizing rigorous analysis of nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and civic engagement. Its reputation for high standards ensures that publications here carry significant weight in academic and professional circles.
Researchers value Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly for its interdisciplinary approach, bridging sociology, public administration, and economics. The journal's commitment to advancing knowledge on topics like fundraising strategies, governance in nonprofits, and the role of volunteers in society makes it indispensable for those in development and fundraising. Over decades, it has evolved to address contemporary challenges, such as the impact of digital tools on philanthropy and the measurement of social impact in voluntary initiatives. This adaptability keeps it at the forefront of scholarly discourse.
The editorial process at Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly is designed to foster excellence, with peer reviews that enhance manuscript quality. Authors benefit from detailed feedback that refines their work for broader applicability. For those in development and fundraising, publishing here opens doors to influential networks and policy discussions. The journal's integration of quantitative and qualitative methods appeals to diverse research styles, ensuring comprehensive coverage of sector dynamics.
As nonprofit landscapes shift with economic and social changes, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly remains a trusted source for insights. Its articles inform practitioners and policymakers, amplifying the reach of academic research. Whether examining fundraising efficacy or voluntary sector sustainability, the journal delivers nuanced perspectives that drive progress. To explore career opportunities in this domain, consider browsing nonprofit management jobs for roles that align with your expertise.
Overview & History
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, often abbreviated as NVSQ, was founded in 1972 as the Journal of Voluntary Action Research. It transitioned to its current name in 1981, reflecting a broader scope in nonprofit studies. Published by SAGE Publications on behalf of ARNOVA, the journal has grown into a quarterly outlet with a global readership. Its history mirrors the expansion of nonprofit scholarship, from early focuses on volunteerism to today's emphasis on organizational effectiveness and social innovation.
Key milestones include the introduction of special issues on emerging topics like social entrepreneurship and the digital nonprofit. Under SAGE's stewardship since 2000, production quality and accessibility have improved, including online-first publication. The journal's evolution underscores its role in shaping the field, with over 50 volumes documenting the sector's transformation.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly encompasses a wide array of topics within the nonprofit and voluntary sectors. It prioritizes original research on organizational behavior, policy implications, and theoretical frameworks. Manuscripts should contribute new insights into philanthropy, civil society, and third-sector dynamics.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Nonprofit Management | Strategies for governance, leadership, and operations in nonprofit entities. |
| Philanthropy and Fundraising | Trends in donor behavior, grantmaking, and resource mobilization. |
| Voluntary Action | Studies on volunteer motivation, participation, and community engagement. |
| Social Policy | Intersections between nonprofits and public policy, including advocacy. |
| Civil Society | Broader societal roles of voluntary organizations in democratic processes. |
Key Journal Metrics
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly maintains strong metrics indicative of its influence. These figures, sourced from Clarivate Journal Citation Reports and Scopus, highlight its academic standing.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 4.8 | Clarivate JCR |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 5.2 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 7.9 | Scopus |
| SJR | 1.456 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 102 | Scopus |
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is widely indexed, ensuring visibility for authors. It appears in Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, and EBSCO databases. Additional coverage includes ProQuest, JSTOR, and Google Scholar. This broad indexing facilitates citations and discoverability across academic platforms. For open access options, it is listed in DOAJ, though primarily hybrid.
Publication Model and Fees
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly operates on a hybrid model, allowing authors to choose traditional subscription-based publication or open access. The standard route is subscription, with no fees for non-OA articles. For open access, an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,000 applies, covering gold OA publication. SAGE offers waivers for authors from low-income countries via Research4Life. Page charges are not imposed, making it accessible for diverse researchers.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through SAGE's online portal at the journal homepage. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, up to 10,000 words, following APA style. An abstract of 150 words and keywords are required. The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-anonymized peer review. Average time to first decision is 8 weeks. Guidelines emphasize originality and ethical standards, with plagiarism checks mandatory.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team is led by Editor-in-Chief Chao Guo from the University of Pennsylvania. Associate editors include experts like Thad Calabrese from NYU and Susan Phillips from Carleton University. The board comprises 20+ international scholars specializing in nonprofit finance, policy, and international comparisons. Their diverse backgrounds ensure balanced, high-quality reviews.
Why Publish in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly?
Publishing in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly offers researchers enhanced visibility and credibility. With its 4.8 impact factor, articles reach influential audiences in academia and practice. The journal's rigorous yet supportive review process refines work for maximum impact. Authors gain from ARNOVA affiliations, networking opportunities, and citation advantages. For careers in development and fundraising, such publications bolster profiles—check Rate My Professor for peer insights.
Comparison with Similar Journals
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly compares favorably with peers in nonprofit studies.
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntas | 2.9 | Springer | International nonprofit research |
| Nonprofit Management & Leadership | 2.1 | Wiley | Leadership and strategy |
| Philanthropy & Education | 1.5 | Indiana University Press | Philanthropy in education |
| Public Administration Review | 6.1 | Wiley | Broad public and nonprofit admin |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed with submissions to Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, align your work with current calls, such as those on equity in philanthropy. Use robust methods and clear implications for practice. Engage with recent issues for contextualization. Revise based on feedback promptly. For academic planning, visit the academic calendar to time your efforts. Network via ARNOVA conferences. Other tips include collaborating internationally and emphasizing innovation in nonprofit challenges.
