Professionalization in the nonprofit sector

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of issues related to the professionalization in the nonprofit sector. We focus on special tools of change, particularly organizational development or the implementation of management methods in nonprofit organizations. Based on desk and empirical research, the article proves that the continuously changing environment makes everyday operations and service delivery increasingly challenging for the sector's organizations. As a result of this research it was possible to identify the pillars of professionalization (supporting processes, supporting structures and people), and also the capacity and types of capacity. Empirical research also showed that the organizations participating in the survey have recognized the learning and development needs of their everyday operations. This was proved by the part of the survey that points out that organizational development programs provide the opportunity for the nonprofits for capacity building, to acquire new knowledge, to learn new methods. Expanding the pilot project on a greater population helps us gain a more reliable picture of the Hungarian non-profit sector, especially under consideration of the regional differences.