Rebuilding Broken Systems: Bringing Companies, Governments, Foundations and Nonprofits Together to Save Communities - Hardcover

by Matt Miszewski (Author)

Insights and practical strategies for businesses, foundations and nonprofits to help create a better world for all

In Rebuilding Broken Systems. Bringing Companies, Governments, and Nonprofits Together to Save Communities, author Matt Miszewski walks readers through a new approach that holds the promise of building new institutions moored to a unique pairing of American justice and hope. Inspired by his time in the world's largest companies, some of its most impressive builders, and various international nonprofits, this book reveals a model to answer one of the biggest problems in the nonprofit world today: finding and inspiring people who want to be the boots on the ground to help change the world.

With inspiring stories interwoven throughout, this book delves into topics including:

• The seamless integration of the mission commitment of government workers, the passion and skillsets of volunteers, and the intellect of corporate wizards
• Effective strategies to build socially conscious for-profit companies at a time when commitment to institutions has all but been abandoned
• The interplay between community activism, corporate philanthropy, and the desires and behaviors of stakeholders

Practical, comprehensive, and thought-provoking, Rebuilding Broken Systems. Bringing Companies, Governments, and Nonprofits Together to Save Communities serves as a timely, essential roadmap for all business leaders, social activists, and nonprofit professionals looking to make real, noticeable change in the world.

Front Jacket

The institutions that once held American communities together have collapsed, leaving nonprofits understaffed and communities struggling. In Rebuilding Broken Systems: Bringing Companies, Governments, Foundations, and Nonprofits Together to Save Communities, Matt Miszewski draws on his decades of experience leading initiatives at Microsoft, Salesforce, Digital Realty and the State of Wisconsin to reveal a revolutionary model that pairs passionate professionals with mission-aligned organizations to rebuild what has been lost.

Rebuilding Broken Systems chronicles Miszewski's journey from corporate America through the labor movement to his role as CEO of Catchafire, one of America's first benefit corporations. Learning from Catchafire clients which range from major foundations to Fortune 500 companies, the book outlines how strategic collaboration among the four institutional forces in society can create impact at scale.

Woven throughout are inspiring stories of transformation alongside practical strategies for building socially conscious enterprises. The book explains how forward thinking communities combine the efficiency of capitalism with deep community care, creating a sustainable model where growth fuels broader social impact. Readers will gain concrete guidance on stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, and mission-driven business development. The book explains how nonprofits can use community partners to achieve results quickly and in an impactful way.

Essential reading for business leaders, nonprofit professionals, foundation executives, and government reformers, Rebuilding Broken Systems provides a proven roadmap for making meaningful change and rebuilding the institutions that strengthen communities across America.

Back Jacket

"Miszewski's book is a powerful call to action for the next generation of leaders. He provides a practical roadmap for young professionals in public service, showing them exactly how to navigate and fix the broken systems they are inheriting. This is essential reading for anyone early in their career who wants their work in government to truly matter."
--JIM DOYLE, Former Governor of the State of Wisconsin

"For young professionals in philanthropy, this book is a revelation. Miszewski clearly outlines how foundations must partner across all four forces--foundations, nonprofits, government, and corporations--to achieve sustainable change. Rebuilding Broken Systems is the playbook our emerging changemakers need to move beyond traditional grantmaking and truly empower communities."
--ANGELIQUE POWER, CEO of The Skillman Foundation

"Rebuilding Broken Systems is an essential tool for every young professional in the nonprofit sector. Miszewski provides an invaluable map showing how our work in the nonprofit world is deeply connected to government, philanthropy, and the corporate world. This book will inspire and empower the next generation of nonprofit leaders to think bigger and demand systemic change."
--WALTER J. LANIER, CEO of Great Lakes Urban Empowerment Center

"Miszewski proves that the business of business is more than just business; it's about social impact. And more important, does your impact drive outcomes like we enable organizations to do at Impact Genome. This book is the definitive guide for early-career professionals who demand that their work aligns with their values. It provides a clear framework for how purpose-driven companies can collaborate with the other three forces to build a better, more just society."
--JASON SAUL, CEO of Mission Measurement, CEO of Impact Genome

Author Biography

MATT MISZEWSKI is the former CEO and Chief Builder at Catchafire. He's a social impact advocate, activist, and nonprofit leader who's passionate about building revolutionary, disruptive organizations and teams. Matt previously led Public Sector businesses for Microsoft and Salesforce and built the global revenue organization for Digital Realty Trust.