Friday, February 17, 2012

In this time of economic uncertainty and heightened competition for the discretionary dollar, charitable nonprofits simply cannot afford to neglect their donors.

Past studies have shown that a top reason that donors say they stop giving is indifference by the charity they give to – a feeling that they and their giving don’t really matter.

I know that I’ve felt that way on more than one occasion, surprisingly when its from organizations with which I’ve been closely connected.

Janet focuses her recommendations around the strategy of Donor Touchpoint Management (DTM). She describes DTM as an intentionally designed process of donor relations that extends well beyond the interaction that the development department has with the donor. Donor loyalty, interest and commitment are direct results of the donor experience, which are shaped by every interaction a donor has with your organization.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Described as a national treasure, an inspiration and a shining light, Frances Hesselbein and her life story continue to be one of the most remarkable sagas that have been rooted in the nonprofit sector. How did a woman with no college degree rise from a troop leader to become the CEO of the Girl Scouts, win the Presidential Medal of Freedom and be named by Fortune Magazine as the “Best Nonprofit Manager in America”?  I guess you will just have to read the book…

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Michael Wells provides a very valuable overview of nonprofit finance, accounting, and budgeting. While the book is written as part of a series for grant writers, it is also very applicable to others interested in the subject.   He presents very technical subjects in a way that clearly delineates financial reporting in relationship to management reporting and the differences between the two.  He provides extensive samples of financial statements with explanations, taking into account the differences based on the size of the nonprofit.  For grant writers the book has several additional sections of added value relating funders and grant management.

Monday, January 09, 2012

This books challenges nonprofit leaders to re-examine their decision making processes and recalibrate how we think about mission impact and financial return. Jeanne, Jan, and Steve draw on their vast and well respected expertise in finance, strategy, governance and funding to offer us common language, process, analysis, and insights to help Boards and staff find objective balance in the ongoing subjective debate of impact vs. sustainability. They are not preachy or fluffy in their message. Rather, they pull together fairly complex topics in a simple way that engages nonprofit organizations in a values driven discussion that blends mission with strategic business planning.

Saturday, January 07, 2012

Nonprofit Management 101 is huge for nonprofit professionals! This compilation of topics addressing nonprofit issues, needs and trends, is an essential component of any toolkit for leaders. The content is well-organized and the replicated format of each chapter allows the reader to gain insight into multiple aspects of our nonprofit world.

Thursday, January 05, 2012

With our political and economic institutions seemingly overburdened and incapable of true progress, along comes a book like this offering insight and hope through emphasis on civic entrepreneurship. One could call this splendid volume the updating and contemporary operationalization of the American Dream--one with a framework of innovation for actionable, responsible, creative social change.

Monday, January 02, 2012

When I first began reading this book, it appeared to be a simple collection of good works and success stories pulled from the files of CARE. However, Mary Cantando has actually provided a significant look at the ways that small steps can lead to huge changes in communities across the globe. The focus of the text is on women, which is no accident, as CARE is an organization that works with women around the world to inspire individuals, create opportunities and empower communities. From nomadic tribes in Mali to women’s professional business organizations in North America, there is significant diversity among the women whose stories Cantando has included and the various methods they have employed to make substantial positive changes in the lives and communities in which they work and live.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

As someone who grew up hearing about the importance of always having the right tool for the job, I have a keen interest in toolboxes whether they be for carpentry, craft projects or problem solving. There is no one tool that works every time, so it is prudent to have a wide array of devices, gear, tackle or utensils in your toolkit to ensure success.

If you are looking for the ultimate, top of the line, must-have comprehensive reference on outcomes, Dr. Penna's “toolbox” is brimming with models, examples, case studies, options, and exercises.

Friday, December 09, 2011

Whether you represent a foundation looking to make good decisions about your grantmaking, or you represent a nonprofit seeking to win grants, the stories in this book will give you some amazing insights into the process. These cases help you see how looking at the reasons behind problems, and funding collaborative solutions to those can really make a huge difference in people’s lives. As noted in the foreword, “Social justice philanthropy helps people gain the ability to change their own lives” (p.xiv). We’ve all been invited to learn how to empower communities to create change.

Monday, December 05, 2011

The Green Museum, authored by veteran CharityChannel colleague Sarah Brophy and her writing partner Elizabeth Wylie, is about the greening of museums. As the authors admit at the outset, “we are unabashed museum people.” Yet, this primer could easily inform the greening of just about any kind of organization or institution that is housed on planet earth, because even the smallest, just-getting-started nonprofit, much less the established, successful larger institution, is impacting the planet.

Sunday, December 04, 2011

With this book, Joan Roberts continues the wise advice she gave in Alliances, Coalitions and Partnerships:  Building Collaborative Organizations, 2004. Many advisors recommend that organizations collaborate more, but admit if challenged that many collaborations fail. Joan gives practical advice for increasing not only the chance of a successful collaborative, but also the degree of positive community impact from the collaborations. Her books fill a void in the nonprofit literature.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

The new Fifth Edition of Getting Funded is out and is still the best “how to” book in the grantwriting field. The book’s changes reflect the many changes in the grant funding world as grantmakers and grantees become more sophisticated, funding gets more competitive and application processes get more complex.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Everyone knows somebody who wants to get into fundraising. Whether they want save the world or change careers, you should give them a copy of Fundraising as a Career: What, Are You Crazy?

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

What a fantastic idea for a series! As the author points out in the Introduction to “The Skinny On” Series at the beginning of this book, the “goal is to do the reading for you, identify what is important, distill the key points, and present them in a book that is both instructive and entertaining.”

Friday, October 07, 2011

The book addresses many issues such as creation of an exciting vision, building broad based board support, financial risk assessments, and negotiation of terms and transitions. It also identifies some of the typical obstacles faced by organizations going through a merger or acquisition process, such as....

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Many books call themselves “toolboxes,” but this one truly is a book which provides you the tools that you need to assess your outcomes.