I've had some thoughts on it and I have a model that I think would work well - I give you -
The Distributed Autonomous Non-Profit. (DAN, so named, just to tease him)
Based on MemoryCoin (which itself could be viewed as a DAN) with the following differences -
1. 100% Premined - distributed to trusted organizations in the sector, or a benevolent philanthropist
2. 100% Proof-of-Stake (because mining is wasteful)
3. Angels (instead of officers, varying numbers with varying salaries)
4. Proxy voting (so Philanthropists can delegate governance)
Here's how it works -
1. Angels - these are the people or organizations who are working to forward the DAN's manifesto. They announce their projects or goals and ask for votes. If they win a position, they receive a salary in the DAN's shares which they have discretion to use to further their projects and goals.
2. Philanthropists - these are the people who buy and hold the DAN's shares. By keeping shares off the market it boosts the DAN's share price, boosting funds for the Angels. They can keep score with other Philanthropists and never lose their investment - they can sell it anytime if they lose confidence in the DAN, or pass it onto their heirs. They can even increase their investment by supporting DAN's that other Philanthropists later want to support. Their contribution is the risk that the DAN's share price declines.
3. Governors - someone needs to keep an eye on the Angels to make sure they're delivering on their promises. Governors can ask for a Philanthropist's proxies - a Philanthropist therefore doesn't need to get involved with voting directly for Angels, they just need a Governor that they trust, and vote a proxy. A Governor might also be an Angel and vice versa.
Angels are motivated to deliver to keep Governors voting for them.
Governors are motivated to choose good Angels so that Philanthropists give them their proxies.
Philanthropists are motivated to choose good Governors to keep their investment valuable.