Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Albemarle County Public Schools and the ...

Matherne, G. Paul

Case

Albemarle County Public Schools and the Albemarle Foundation for Education

Matherne, G. Paul

OM-1830 | Published February 18, 2025 | 2 Pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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Learning Objectives

This brief case describes a public school system’s attempt to start a nonprofit, Albemarle Foundation for Education (AFE), to help support its mission. The Albemarle County Public School (ACPS) system is located in a moderately affluent area, but one with great disparity between, and sometimes within, schools. AFE was started to help fund initiatives to support schools with greater need, as documented by higher percentages of students with free and reduced lunch, compared to other ACPS schools. After a great deal of initial enthusiasm, it was difficult for AFE to achieve success. The inaugural executive director moved to another position, and many on the board started leaving. At the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, this case is taught as an introduction to a course on nonprofit management called “Changing the World: Understanding Nonprofits.” This 60-minute case discussion is usually followed by an overview of the course; it also includes optional videos of interviews with the AFE executive director.

The teaching goal of this case is to discuss what it takes to get a new nonprofit off the ground. What are the most important things that need to occur? How does an aspiring nonprofit founder develop public awareness about a need and garner community support to fulfill the mission?