Nonprofit organizations play an important role in our society – and the role that they play has evolved over the years. Within the past few decades, nonprofit organizations have been slowly replacing many core government functions, and many government agencies are now contracting out their work to nonprofit organizations. I personally view this as a very positive thing, since it encourages innovation in our society. One example that comes to mind is the KIPP Charter Schools that provide high-level, rigorous education to inter-city children that are low-income. These students often go on to attend Ivy League institutions and pursue incredible careers in science, medicine, and law. KIPP receives government funding (along with corporate, individual and foundation support) to carry out its programs. While the charter school debate continues to carry on, one cannot deny that this program is doing wonderful things for bright minds that otherwise may have gotten lost in the public school shuffle. Nonprofits often innovate so much to the point that governments agencies have began to replicate their programs across the country – I see this as a phenomenon as the nonprofit sector’s superpower – When there is a competition for funding, the entire sector works to find ways to deliver services faster, better, and cheaper.