Nonprofit

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  site:nptimes.com - Google News

• Historic Drop In Giving To Higher Education - The NonProfit Times

  3 Feb 2010 | 9:15 am

  Historic Drop In Giving To Higher EducationThe NonProfit TimesCharitable giving to colleges and universities dipped by historic percentages during 2009, declining 11.9 percent to $27.85 billion, according to the and more »

• Donors Can Still Give And Get '09 Deduction - The NonProfit Times

  26 Jan 2010 | 1:57 pm

  Donors Can Still Give And Get '09 DeductionThe NonProfit TimesNonprofits fundraising for Haitian relief have something for donors to sweeten the pot. Donors will be able to take the donation off their 2009 tax returns.

• Supreme Court Overturns Campaign Spending Rules - The NonProfit Times

  21 Jan 2010 | 1:31 pm

  Supreme Court Overturns Campaign Spending RulesThe NonProfit TimesSplit along conservative-liberal lines, the United States Supreme Court potentially changed the landscape for future elections with its decision in Citizens and more »

• House Approves '09 Tax Breaks For Haitian Relief - The NonProfit Times

  21 Jan 2010 | 12:12 pm

  House Approves '09 Tax Breaks For Haitian ReliefThe NonProfit TimesDonors planning on giving to relief efforts in Haiti may be able to write off their donations on their 2009 taxes under a measure passed by and more »

• Getting Relief To Quake-Stricken Haiti Is Perilous For Charities - The NonProfit Times

  13 Jan 2010 | 11:22 am

  Getting Relief To Quake-Stricken Haiti Is Perilous For CharitiesThe NonProfit TimesThe devastation caused by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday is so widespread that many relief and more »

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  Nonprofit Online News

• Idealist Needs Our Help

  As you probably know, Idealist.org has done tremendous things for civil society over the years. Their directories, job fairs, the Nonprofit FAQ, and many more projects have touched the lives and careers of tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people working for social change. Their model for supporting most of this was classified ads for nonprofit jobs. During this economic downturn, that revenue has slowed to a trickle. They need our help to weather this recession. I'm a big believer in the organizations, like Idealist, that help make our sector successful. I am familiar with every business…

• "Online Fundraising: You're Doing it Wrong!" Seminar Now Available On Demand

  Sometimes the best way to stay on the path is to have clear warning signs that keep us from straying off of it. That's what we're aiming for with our new series of workshops with the "you're doing it wrong" subtitle. Our first such seminar - Online Fundraising: You're Doing it Wrong! - is now available on demand. Most of us have room for huge improvement in our online fundraising. Find out what your organization's biggest mistakes, and biggest opportunities, are by signing your team up for this one. Taking this workshop is a great way to instigate some renewal in your fundraising program,…

• Nominate an Organization for a Just Award!

  Last week, we made public a new project called Just Awards, brought to you by Nonprofit Online News and Blue Avocado. With your help, Just Awards will be the IgNobel Prizes of the nonprofit sector. We aim to call a little bit of possibly unwanted attention to those parts of civil society that deserve it. We have recruited a stellar group of judges to make the final decision on these awards. We are asking you to participate by submitting nominations for the two "Justies" we will award in 2010: one for most amazing example of narcissism by a U.S. philanthropic organization and another for most…

• "Technology Planning: You're Doing it Wrong!" Seminar on Feb 17th

  I've taught a lot of organizations and consultants how to do communication centered technology planning over the years and a certain lesson has dawned on me: Sometimes we just need to have our mistakes pointed out clearly. That's what we'll be doing with our new seminar, Technology Planning - You're Doing it Wrong!. It'll be delivered live online February 17, 2010. Among other things, we'll cover key warning signs, managerial causes of tech problems, numerous examples, and the costs of doing it wrong.

• How to Say Stupid Things About Social Media

  People often criticize online social network sites like Facebook and Twitter for the wrong reasons and that can get us in trouble. They should be criticized for being closed and proprietary. They should be criticized for teaching people to give up their privacy. They should be criticized for how they are designed to make people obsess. But they should not be criticized for their banal content. We should all be so lucky as to build communication networks that inspire the sort of trivial communication that we all use for social bonding. Cory Doctorow explains all this in How to Say Stupid…

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  PND - Philanthropy News Digest

• Eli Broad Looms Large Over Los Angeles Arts Scene

  Broad, who founded two Fortune 500 companies before taking up philanthropy full time, places exacting demands on how the millions he donates are spent and has been known to pull his support when a project does not come together in a way he likes....

• Kellogg Foundation Awards $1.4 Million to Preserve Montana's Indigenous Cultures

  The grant will support the efforts of Salish Kootenai College educator Julie Cajune to preserve and share American-Indian history and culture in classrooms throughout Montana....

• Arctic Melting Could Cost $2.4 Trillion by 2050, Report Suggests

  The report from the Pew Environment Group found that this year alone, retreating Arctic sea ice and snow and thawing permafrost could warm the Earth by an amount equivalent to bringing online more than five hundred large coal-burning power plants....

• America's Biggest Donors Increasingly Looking to Address Social Problems, New Ranking Suggests

  According to the Slate 60, a growing number of major donors are funneling money into ambitious projects designed to address global and societal challenges instead of choosing to support more traditional nonprofit entities such as hospitals and colleges....

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  Buzz! News onPhilanthropy

• News Briefing: Haiti Disaster Puts Red Cross CEO to the Test

  Kate Golden

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:26 am

  Gail McGovern, Red Cross CEO, inherited the agency in a time of turmoil, but watchdogs say she has been a stabilizing force.  [Washington Post] The Chronicle of Philanthropy's list of top 50 philanthropists shows that total giving by the group plunged almost 75%.  [Wall Street Journal] A judge sentences Alberto Vilar to nine years in prison for his role in a $22 million fraud scheme.  [New York Times] Michelle Obama launches Let's Move, a nationwide campaign to fight childhood obesity.  [Associated Press]

• News Briefing: In High Court Ruling on Haiti, Swiss Make an Awkward Break with Neutrality

  Kate Golden

  5 Feb 2010 | 6:32 am

  Switzerland's top court rules that at least $4.6 million from Swiss bank accounts previously awarded to charities must be returned to the family of former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier.  [Associated Press] Sean "Diddy Combs, Queen Latifah, and Pharrell will host a two-hour concert and telethon to benefit relief efforts in Haiti.  [Associated Press] The financially ailing St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan gets a month's reprieve to keep the hospital from closing.  [New York Times]

• News Briefing: Pace of Giving Slows for Haiti Relief Effort

  Kate Golden

  4 Feb 2010 | 9:09 am

  Bill Clinton will return to Haiti on Friday to coordinate aid efforts.  [Associated Foreign Press] The pace of giving is slowing for the Haiti relief effort.  [Washington Post] UK banks expand their philanthropy services.  [Reuters]

• News Briefing: Coupons for Rice Like Gold in Haiti

  Kate Golden

  3 Feb 2010 | 7:36 am

  In Haiti, paper coupons that can be redeemed for rice have become more valuable than Haitian money.  [Dallas Morning News] Simon Cowell-backed Haiti charity reworking of 'Everybody Hurts' gets first radio airplay.  [Associated Press] The aid flooding into Haiti by plane and boat is not reaching victims quickly enough to stem growing unrest because of transportation bottlenecks.  [Associated Press]

• News Briefing: Williams College Will Bring Loans Back to Aid Packages

  Kate Golden

  2 Feb 2010 | 7:45 am

  Charity experts say there are downsides to cellphone philanthropy.  [USA Today] Boston College's Center on Wealth and Philanthropy estimates that US household giving for calendar year 2009 will total between $216 billion and $218 billion.  [Boston Globe] Williams College reintroduces loans - as opposed to direct scholarships - as a result of a $500 million drop in its endowment.  [New York Times] 

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  Balancing the Mission Checkbook

• The Case for Sabbaticals

  kate barr

  3 Feb 2010 | 9:15 am

  How many of you have wanted to take a break from the pace and pressure of work and decompress? I have been given this gift in the form of a one-month sabbatical during February. After seeing the positive effects of a similar break on a friend of mine, I made the request and our board quickly agreed. While I didn’t do any other research about sabbaticals, it made instinctive sense that time away would be a good idea for both me and for Nonprofits Assistance Fund. In the year since my request, two other professional colleagues have taken one-month sabbaticals and had very positive…

• The Year For “Right-Sized” Donations

  kate barr

  14 Jan 2010 | 1:06 pm

  What amount is the right size of donation for your organization? Most of us would laugh at the question and answer “$1 million, of course.” But ask again, with a dose of both reality and prudence. What is the amount that would have a long term, stabilizing impact on your organization if you could rely on annual gifts from many donors? It’s probably far, far below $1 million. It’s probably even below $1,000. Many nonprofits overshoot this number, though, chasing larger gifts and grants, thinking that bigger dollars are the answer. I’m not sure that’s ever a…

• Top Five Reasons to Not Hate 2009

  kate barr

  31 Dec 2009 | 12:58 pm

  We can all agree that 2009 has been a very tough year for nonprofits. Have any of you ever worked so hard, or navigated through more uncertainty? While we may all be eager to leave this year behind and hope for more signs of turnaround in 2010, there have been some remarkable highlights. Here is my personal list of the top five reasons for Nonprofits Assistance Fund to celebrate 2009. Real Collaboration: We learned a lot about collaborating to provide some great resources, training, and customized assistance to help nonprofits this year. Collaboration requires openness, communication, and…

• Hear Ye, Hear Ye - Overhead is Over

  kate barr

  16 Dec 2009 | 11:25 am

  There was a breakthrough last week for nonprofits. In a joint announcement, Guidestar and other major charity “watchdogs” made a very strong case that overhead ratios are meaningless. The phrase used in the opening paragraph says the ratio is “useless for evaluating a charity’s impact.” Read the full release The Worst (and Best) Way to Pick a Charity This Year and then copy it to share far and wide. Some of the reasons for de-emphasizing this ratio cited in the announcement will be familiar to nonprofit leaders: It tells you nothing about the impact the charity…

• Charter Schools Under a Microscope

  kate barr

  30 Nov 2009 | 11:31 am

  I am so glad that I’m not the director of a Minnesota charter school. Imagine working in a small segment of the nonprofit sector, comprised of 150 organizations, and opening the paper to regularly find a headline announcing that your field is “out of control” or in “rough waters.” Meanwhile, you go to work every day to lead the teachers at your school and together work to educate the students whose families have chosen to enroll at your school. I wouldn’t appreciate, much less enjoy, the attention. Every report brings with it questions about whether our…

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  Beth's Blog: How Nonprofit Organizations Can Use Social Media to Power Social Networks for Change

• Opening Session at NASSCOM and Social Innovation Winners

  Beth

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:28 am

  Lighting of the lamp is a traditional way to begin a conference here in India. I'm still very jet-lagged and adjusting to both the time zone and culture in Mumbai.   I was lucky enough to have a front row seat in the reserved section with laptop and digital camera in hand to cover the opening ceremonies on Twitter.  Following the #nilf was an excellent way to gain a better of understanding of what was happening on the stage.  The opening session started with the lighting of a lamp and welcome from NASSCOM officials to the crowded ballroom fill with 1600 conference attendees from 27…

• The Universal Language of Technology Conferences: Schwag

  Beth

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:24 pm

  I arrived in Mumbai on Monday morning in the very early morning hours (3:00 am) after a trip that lasted nearly 24 hours and hopped across 12 time zones. I greeted at the airport with a sign that read "Nasscom Leadership India Forum - Miss Kanter."   The driven took me to the Grand Hyatt Hotel saying that during the day the traffic is much different.  The conference hotel one of the largest hotels in Mumbai with many rooms and a large convention area.  After going through security to enter the hotel and registering, I got into my room and then I crashed. Although my body still thinks it…

• Win A HP Computer and Printer: What's Your Theory of Change for Social Media Use?

  Beth

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:51 am

  HP is giving away laptop and printer bundles as part of its  HP’s Create Change program which is an example of "embedded giving."   That's a buzz word coined by Lucy Bernholz to describe the common practice of building a philanthropic gift into another, unrelated, financial transaction.  Embedded giving is easy for individuals to do, and probably gives them an added psychological boost to know that spending money on purchasing something is not just an act of commerce, it's an act of generosity. The idea here is that if you purchase an HP product, they'll donate 4% to one of seven…

• PepsiFresh Contest: Real Tracking and Social Impact Analysis

  Beth

  6 Feb 2010 | 11:01 am

  I've been following the PepsiFresh contest since the launch in December, the largest social media for social good cause marketing effort put forth to date.  I recently posted a guest post by Bonin Bough from Pepsi that gives the insider view. This is a big bold effort.   I'm most curious to see how Pepsi will demonstrate leadership in social marketing and of course the longer term result - social impact.Jeremiah Owyang has shared his initial analysis of Pepsi's Contest, summarizing the opportunity, risks, strengths, weaknesses, metrics, and impact.  Strengths:Pepsi's campaign has a few…

• I'm Headed for Nasscom Foundation's Indian Leadership Forum in Mumbai

  Beth

  6 Feb 2010 | 9:54 am

  The Nasscom Foundation in India is the epicenter of nonprofit technology and social innovation.   They are hosting the Global CSR track at the Indian Leadership Forum in Mumbai Feb 9-11.   I'll not only be speaking at the conference and CSR Track, but will be leading two workshops for NGO and CSR practitioners.   Nasscom Foundation is a partner of TechSoup Global and has an impressive technology product donation program called "BIGTech"Here's how they describe their mission and impact.NASSCOM Foundation was set up to support the Indian IT industry’s role in nation building and to…

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  Osocio Weblog

• Осколки: Splinters

  Marc

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:45 am

  This video, launched early December last year, is a part of the integrated drink and drive prevention campaign in Russia. The campaign is created for the Federal Authority for Road Traffic Safety of the Russian Federation with financial support of the Russian Association of Motor Insurers. The key image of the campaign is a broken bottle: Осколки / Splinters. The message of this campaign is to show that alcohol and driving is a bad match. We continue to believe that gentle persuasion prevailing negative stereotypes of behavior can not be reversed on perch, - said Natalia Agra, CEO of…

• 63 reasons to stop smoking

  Reuben Turner

  9 Feb 2010 | 3:20 am

  This website collects dozens of anti-smoking campaigns from around the world. Fascinating to look at how the same brief can be approached again and again. Author: Reuben Turner

• Campaign of the Month January: Aides

  Marc

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:27 pm

  From now on we will choose the best campaign every month according to the Osocio bloggers. At the end of the year we will have twelve great campaigns from which we will choose the Campaign of the Year. I’m currently working on a rating tool meant for you. It’s because we love to hear from you, your choice isn’t necessarily ours. The campaign of January came in loud and clear. It got the most votes from us: Aides - Graffiti, the great video made by TBWA\Paris for the French Aids awareness organization Aides. A second place in January for three other campaigns: - Victims…

• Webdesigner depot has 8 tips to design a Charity website

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:49 am

  Lee Munroe published last week at Webdesigner depot a useful post on webdesign for non-profits. Do check the article for more about the 8 tips that make a good charity website: A mission How sponsors will be helping Photos of people the sponsors will be helping Donate button Donations to date A funding goal Keep in touch How can people help Drop a few comments if you know of any more tips on how to create a sucessful non-profit website.

• Zero Rupee note fights corruption

  Reuben Turner

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:28 am

  Indian NGO Fifth Pillar have come up with a new weapon in the fight against corruption – a zero rupee note that can be handed to those demanding a bribe. Genius idea. (NB the organisation’s website is temporarily suspended, perhaps because of all the traffic this idea is generating. But you can search to find lots of inspiring stories about the note.) Author: Reuben Turner

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  Beth Dunn

• A Preoccupation with Manners

  Beth Dunn

  6 Feb 2010 | 6:57 am

  Jane Austen I’ve got a new post up on the HubSpot Inbound Marketing Blog titled “What Did Jane Austen Know About Social Media?” and I’ve been thinking ever since it went up about the role of manners, and first impressions, both online and off, and how they affect our perceptions of people and brands. One of the most common admonitions I make to newcomers to the social media space is to Listen First; don’t go barging in to a new account on Twitter or Facebook or even a blog without first spending some serious time listening to the people who are already there,…

• The Birth of Inbound Marketing

  Beth Dunn

  3 Feb 2010 | 6:04 pm

  I love a good infographic as much as — OK probably more than — the next guy. Today the folks at HubSpot (my place of employment and the source of much personal and professional joy for me) came out with this beauty: Pretty sweet, right? Whenever I see a timeline like this, I can’t resist mentally building a personal timeline alongside it, and seeing how they intersect. For instance, I started blogging in 2003, just before Google bought Blogger. My first blog was on Blogspot (as it was called then) and after about six months I moved over to Wordpress because I liked the user…

• Listen first, tweet later

  Beth Dunn

  3 Dec 2009 | 3:23 pm

  Image by CarbonNYC I was getting a client started on Twitter the other day, and we talked for a while about how important it is to get the “feel” of a place before jumping in there and yammering away. Of course, this goes for any situation where conversation is the medium, doesn’t it? Listen first On a recent episode of the excellent marketing podcast Marketing Over Coffee (iTunes link), Chris Brogan made the point that he hears a lot of people worrying about what to say on Twitter, and not enough people worrying about how to listen. We tend to rely on the trusty old…

• Fun & effective social marketing from Ikea

  Beth Dunn

  25 Nov 2009 | 11:33 am

  I love this creative use of Facebook by an Ikea store in Sweden. Because: It’s easy for people to use and understand It uses features on Facebook that people already use and trust It offers something of real value to users (free furniture!) The game activity (win free Ikea stuff!) is directly tied to one of the goals of the organization (get people stoked about Ikea stuff!) It allows people to easily share the game with others, and gives them a compelling reason to do so It allows fans and potential customers for a real business to self-identify, and gives the business a way to contact…

• Still think social media is a fad?

  Beth Dunn

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:43 am

  Image by Jenikilo I’ve seen videos like this before (see below – this related one comes to mind), but it’s good to see an updated version with the latest stats — considering how rapidly things are changing, videos like these need to be updated constantly. It’s easy to get a little jaded about social media these days, even if you’ve pretty much signed on with it. New platforms seem to emerge every day, each one claiming to be the Next Big Thing. Should you jump on that bandwagon? Or should you hold out until the business case is more clear? The key is to…

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  NTEN: THE NONPROFIT TECHNOLOGY NETWORK

• Calling all NPTech Knights to the RoundTable!

  Anna

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:18 am

  Flickr Photo by Trainer62You may have noticed there's a lot going on at the NTEN court as of late -- new nten.org (just look around), release of the NTEN Data Ecosystem Report, NTC Scholarship Campaign, the NTC, and a great line-up of webinars! Along with the many ways to engage and learn, we still want to continue to give NTEN Members the opportunity to talk with their colleagues who might be struggling with the same issues they are.  So we invite you to gather 'round with the NTEN Community at one of our upcoming RoundTables. The NTEN RoundTables focus in on 3 areas -- Consultants,…

• Why My Mom Is My Fundraising Guru

  Holly

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:26 pm

  Flickr Photo: Mez LoveYou may have heard by now that we're raising money for scholarships to the 2010 Nonprofit Technology Conference.Last year was the first time we ran the campaign, and while we met our goal, it was a stretch, and we almost burnt ourselves out. The challenge in online fundraising today is that it's more than just email: it's Facebook, and Twitter, and e-mail, and widgets, and your website, and your blog, and your supporters blogs, and... well, you get the idea.  During the course of the 2009 fundraising campaign, the task ahead of me often felt like Medusa: if I stared…

• Introducing the New NTEN.org

  Brett

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:12 pm

  After what seems like months of work, we've finally implemented our web site redesign. (If you've been following this space, you'll know it seems like months because it was: 8 of them since the start of our information architecture review. So, to those of you who've been waiting with bated breath, our apologies. Hopefully the faster-loading site makes it up to you.) While the new look has thrown off a few of us here at NTEN HQ -- years of habituation to click the same spot to go the the NTC pages, undone! -- we hope it will make the process of finding things on our site more intuitive for…

• NTEN Member Buzz Round-Up: February 5th

  Annaliese

  5 Feb 2010 | 10:43 am

  (Note: This is a weekly round-up of NTEN members doing and sharing their nptech awesome. Members are in bold. Tag your own news with "nten member" or "nptech" to help us find your awesome online, or contact Annaliese with your updates.) Amy Sample Ward blogs about a new report on nonprofit's use of social media, summarizing the findings and adding a few insights and tips of her own. Thank you for sharing, Amy! ReadWriteWeb wants to point out the "social media for good" organizations that deliver on the "good" part, not just the social media.

• The Overhead Question: What's Our Role?

  Holly

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:27 pm

  Flickr Photo: tylerdurden1Ask any nonprofit to describe how they feel about their overhead percentage, and you're most likely to be met with groans, sighs and rolls of eyes. None of us like the fact that the percentage of income we spend on "overhead" is the primary measure of our effectiveness. The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle aptly summarized the problem with the overhead measure this summer. Then, in December, some of the sector's top rating agencies, including Guidestar and Charity Navigator, agreed that a new measure is needed. Here at NTEN, we're keenly interested in this…

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  Skip A Lunch

• Coca-Cola and the Boys & Girls Club

  admin

  28 Jan 2010 | 4:48 pm

  Coco-Cola, through a special partnership with Facebook, is giving us a way to contribute to the Boys & Girls Clubs and a chance to get a sneak peak at one of their upcoming Super Bowl spots. If you’re like me, not only do I love the Super Bowl commercials but I love Coca-Cola commercials. In order to participate you need to visit the Live Positively tab on the Coca-Cola Facebook fan page. From here you can share a virtual gift with your friends. By sharing a virtual gift, Coca-Cola will do the following: Coca-Cola makes a one-dollar donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

• McHappy Day … Just One Dollar Makes a Difference!

  dote

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:18 am

  Dear readers, what a perfect charity that symbolizes Skip a Lunch. Just one dollar, not even half a latte! Let’s all get together and support the McDonald’s charity event known as “McHappy Day”, from November 10th to the 20th. Purchase a hand for $1 or certain food items and your dollar will help make a difference to a child in need. McDonald’s has raised nearly $150 million since 2002. You can donate online or learn more here. If you purchase a hand, take a photo with your mobile phone and email it to blog [at] skipalunch.com and we’ll post it here. Mmm, now…

• 2009 America’s Giving Challenge

  dote

  14 Oct 2009 | 12:45 pm

  The Case Foundation, Causes, and PARADE magazine launched the 2009 America’s Giving Challenge on October 7th and has already surpassed 10,000 donations and raised $250,000. Imagine that, in just one week they’ve achieved this! Let’s get involved with this great program! Details on the 2009 America’s Giving Challenge: America’s Giving Challenge participants will compete for 30 days to bring in the highest number of donations for their nonprofit cause through the Causes application on Facebook. Causes that net the most donations will receive a total of $170,000 in prize money…

• Ask.com Breast Cancer Search for the Cure

  dote

  13 Oct 2009 | 1:03 pm

  Ask.com has a great program running from September 13th to December 31st, 2009 called “Search for the Cure“. Ask.com will donate up to $100,000 in addition to monies raised by folks answering breast health questions and those who adopt the special homepage skin. From this program, Ask.com has pledged to invest at least $1 million through the “Search for the Cure” program and sponsorship of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure series. So, all we have to do is adopt the skin, answer questions, and make a difference! For those that are not aware, the Susan G. Komen for…

• The Fresh Air Fund – a Summer 2009 Update

  admin

  22 Sep 2009 | 1:00 pm

  Wow, The Fresh Air Fund had nearly 8,000 children enjoying their best summer yet. If you recall, we featured The Fresh Air Fund back in July for the NYC Half-Marathon they hosted. Check out the latest here. The Fresh Air Fund 2009 Summer Memories video is worth the visit. From their News Facts section: 2009 Summer Highlights: • Nearly 8,000 children enjoyed their best summers yet • 370 students participated in the Career Awareness Program • 11 counselors-in-training spent three days on the Appalachian Trail • 168 young people were Leaders-in-training That’s what I call a…

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  Katya's Non-Profit Marketing Blog

• Inspiration for arts orgs: Virtual season launch

  katya.andresen@networkforgood.org

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am

  A little while back, Kim Witman of the Wolf Trap Opera Company contacted me about helping with her virtual season launch.  She asked to do a guest post. I thought this was a very innovative way to engage bloggers, so I’m featuring her here.  I hope it inspires other arts organizations to think about how to drum up support in this down economy! By Kim Witman Thanks to Katya for letting me sit in the guest blogging seat today.  As we create a mini-internet buzz on the occasion of our 2010 season announcement, I want to merge the topics closest to Katya’s heart: marketing…

• HP has given me a laptop and printer to give away…

  katya.andresen@networkforgood.org

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:18 pm

  Really! They emailed me to say they are giving away laptop and printer bundles as part of their Create Change program, which highlights how individuals and technology are creating change in the world. More on the campaign here. So here’s the deal.  Write in comments one great, brief story about how technology helps you transform lives.  Use all those great storytelling skills.  I’ll give you till Friday to post your comments.  Then I’ll pick the most moving story and HP will send that person a laptop and printer.  That’s it.  Everyone else…

• Extreme Website Makeover: From Ick to Slick!

  katya.andresen@networkforgood.org

  2 Feb 2010 | 10:02 am

  I’ll confess it right here: I love a good makeover show. My daughters and I are avid fans of What Not to Wear. I also adore a good nonprofit website makeover, though they are harder to find than reruns of Stacy and Clinton steering women away from shapeless clothes. Most nonprofit websites are still at the “before” stage. It is therefore with great excitement that I get to unveil a highly successful makeover from Project Hope. They took their website from dull to dynamic, meeting all the important requirements of a great site. To be clear how I judge a site, I think a good…

• News roundup: Foundation transparency at Glass Pockets, new social media benchmarks

  katya.andresen@networkforgood.org

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:28 pm

  Glass Pockets - Foundations Go Transparent: A handful of foundations are trying to appear more transparent to the public.  They’ve started glasspockets.org, a website with “facts about all 97,000 U.S. foundations, illustrations of philanthropy’s impact on the issues that people care about, and information on the ways in which foundations are striving to become more transparent.” M+R has released a new social benchmarks study: Get the study here or read a summary at frogloop.

• You’re not in competition with Haiti

  katya.andresen@networkforgood.org

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:17 pm

  And if you are as a fundraiser, you really should not be thinking that way in the first place, folks. If you do it right, fundraising is not a zero sum game.  My wonderfully provacative blogger friend Eric Foley says we should stop looking at Haiti as a diversion from our own missions, and I could not agree more. Read his whole post today, and especially note this good advice: So if you are a nonprofit and you suspect your donations are down due to the Haiti disaster, what should you do? He says (and I quote): 1. Don’t–just don’t–write your donors and draw comparisons between the…

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  Philanthropy Journal - All Articles

• United Way honors 7 Forsyth employers

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:16 am

  Seven Forsyth County organizations won 2009 Spirit of North Carolina Campaign Excellence Awards for United Way campaigns.read more

• Indiana University business school gets $1M

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:01 am

  Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, received $1 million from 3M Corp. and its foundation for new professional sales and communications lab for students. read more

• DDI names associate executive director

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:57 am

  Kim M. Kubasek, former chief operating officer, United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Suffolk, Hauppauge, N.Y., named associate executive director, Developmental Disabilities Institute, Smithtown, N.Y. read more

• Book on collaboration to be published

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:12 am

  The Power of Collaborative Solutions: Six Principles and Effective Tools for Building Healthy Communities, by Tom Wolff, to be published in March by Jossey-Bassread more

• Convio clients raise over $250M for Haiti relief

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:08 am

  Convio says nonprofits using its online software to create Haiti-specific fundraising campaigns raised over $250 million for relief in first three weeks after the quake.read more

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  Have Fun • Do Good

• How to Start, or Join a Social Action Book Club

  Britt Bravo

  5 Feb 2010 | 3:33 pm

  This week two fellow BlogHer Contributing Editors (Virgina DeBolt and Elana Centor), and BlogHer co-Founder (Elisa Camahort Page), and me had a virtual book club call to discuss Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Half the Sky, which discusses sex trafficking, forced prostitution and gender-based violence is a tough read, and we all agreed that discussing it together really helped to process the information.We've decided to read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer together next. If you'd like to join us, email me at…

• Supporting Have Fun Do Good with TranquiliT and the Right Brain Business Plan

  Britt Bravo

  2 Feb 2010 | 8:08 am

  I'm trying out an experiment, and have added a couple digital ads to the sidebar of Have Fun Do Good for creative women entrepreneurs whose work I believe in: Jennifer Lee's Right Brain Business Plan, and Kimberly Wilson's eco-fashion company, TranquiliT. Both women, along with Lisa Sonora Beam and myself, are planning a 2010 creative women entrepreneur retreat together.Basically, if you click on the ads and make a purchase, I get a portion of the sale, which will help support my writing Have Fun Do Good, and my producing the Big Vision Podcast.I took Jennifer Lee's Right Brain Business Plan…

• How Did You Decide to Help Haiti for the Rest of 2010?

  Britt Bravo

  31 Jan 2010 | 8:26 am

  Last week in my post, Keeping Your Balance While Helping Haiti, I suggested that you research organizations working in Haiti that you would like to support by donating, volunteering, or helping in some other way throughout 2010. We need to support the people of Haiti now, but also in the future, when the hard work of rebuilding begins.Although I have a particular interest in grassroots organizations, I decided to donate to a large organization, CARE. CARE is a humanitarian nonprofit that works in poor communities. They focus on women and children. I contributed to their Haiti Emergency…

• Your Feedback Requested on The Have Fun Do Good Guide

  Britt Bravo

  28 Jan 2010 | 12:11 pm

  Hello Have Fun Do Gooders!One of my 2010 New Year's resolutions is to complete either a book proposal, or a self-published e-book that I am tentatively titling, The Have Fun Do Good Guide.You have no idea how scary it is for me to share that with you. Yikes!Anyway, I am writing The Have Fun Do Good Guide because:1. I've always wanted to write a book.2. I want to explore how to add more having fun and doing good into my own life.3. I want to share stories, ideas and resources that are inspiring and useful to other people.I have my own ideas about what I would like to include in the book, but I…

• Keeping Your Balance While Helping Haiti

  Britt Bravo

  22 Jan 2010 | 4:15 pm

  When a tragedy like the earthquake in Haiti happens, and the images and stories are so disturbing, it is normal to feel extreme emotions: despair, depression, anxiety that help isn't getting their fast enough, guilt, even denial. The thing is, extreme emotions are not always the most productive ones. Eventually, Haiti will be out of the 24-hour news cycle, but its people will still need support. Make a commitment this month to do your part to help over the long term, in a balanced way.Below are five ideas for how to keep your balance, while helping Haiti, or any cause you are passionate…

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  SSIR Articles

• Grassroots Concrete

  lynch_loreal@gsb.stanford.edu

  3 Feb 2010 | 2:39 pm

  On the morning of Jan. 26, 2001, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the western Indian state of Gujarat. More than 20,000 people were killed and 160,000 injured, many of them crushed by falling buildings. International aid agencies flocked to the scene and began reconstruction. One year later, civil engineer Elizabeth Hausler traveled to Gujarat on a Fulbright scholarship, hoping to learn how she could use her skills to build homes that withstand tectonic shifts. She found that many survivors didn’t want to live in their new, donor-built earthquake-resistant houses because they were made…

• Second Chances and a Third Bottom Line

  lynch_loreal@gsb.stanford.edu

  26 Jan 2010 | 4:14 pm

  Inside the steel and glass office towers of Chile’s capital, Santiago, computers, printers, and faxes hum. Out on the streets, business executives and taxi drivers chat away on some of Chile’s 14 million cellular telephones. Urbanized, well educated, and home to 17 million people, Chile is one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America. And as is the case in the United States, all its electronic gadgets are beginning to lead to a whole lot of electronic waste. The country currently discards 300,000 computers a year, and by 2020 it will be grappling with an annual pile of 1.7…

• Strength Through Flexibility

  lynch_loreal@gsb.stanford.edu

  20 Jan 2010 | 2:36 pm

  In June 1992, the five founders of what became the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) met at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center on Lake Como, Italy. Each woman was a minister of education in her home country (Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, the Seychelles, and Zimbabwe). And each lamented that only half of Africa’s school-age girls enrolled in school. FAWE’s founders understood the obstacles that girls met on the way to the schoolhouse. Many parents simply couldn’t afford school tuition and fees. Others preferred to keep their daughters at home to perform household…

• An Ounce of Advocacy

  lynch_loreal@gsb.stanford.edu

  11 Jan 2010 | 1:38 pm

  For years before Hurricane Katrina laid waste to the Gulf Coast, scientists, engineers, and journalists warned that New Orleans’ levees might not withstand the inevitable “Big One.” Yet government officials at every level ignored the warnings and cut the programs designed to fortify the city’s defenses. So when disaster finally struck in late August 2005, government agencies were woefully unprepared to deal with the devastation. Into this breach waded nonprofits and businesses. The American Red Cross, for instance, spent more than $2 billion and deployed 220,000 volunteers to assist…

• Podcasts

  lynch_loreal@gsb.stanford.edu

  8 Jan 2010 | 3:01 pm

• 
  Tactical Philanthropy

• Innovation & Effectiveness in Philanthropy

  Sean Stannard-Stockton

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:39 am

  This is my most recent column in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. You can find an archive of my past columns here. More Than Money, a Lack of Research Hampers Nonprofit Innovation By Sean Stannard-Stockton | Chronicle of Philanthropy The federal government will soon release guidelines to spell out how it will award $50-million through its new Social Innovation Fund, one of the Obama administration’s signature efforts to aid promising, innovative nonprofit groups. But if the draft version of the guidelines, released in December, is any indication, the fund’s approach is geared toward a view…

• Philanthropy Daily Digest

  Sean Stannard-Stockton

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:01 pm

  Corporation for National and Community Service 2011 Budget The proposed 2011 budget for the Social Innovation Fund is $60 million, up from 2010's $50 million. Many people have pointed to the SIF's $50 million budget as too small, but if it is truly $50 million a year (with potential for annual increases), it is comparable to a $1 billion-plus endowment. (tags: philanthropy) Haiti Crisis Prompts Fresh Talk of Pooling U.S. Relief Money – NYTimes.com Stephanie Strom highlights how the Red Cross out-fundraised Partners in Health even thought PIH seems better positioned to help in…

• Words That Describe Philanthropy

  Sean Stannard-Stockton

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:37 am

  Wow! Thanks so the more than 25 of you who submitted an entry to our mini-contest in search of words that describe philanthropy. You can click on the link above to see a Wordle made from the entries. The entries covered a lot of ground. Here’s a couple that jumped out at me: By Jeanine Buford Gracious When it’s at its best, philanthropy is gracious, graceful, and administered with a light touch. When we think of grace, apart from the religious connotations, we think of support given with seriousness of purpose, but with a light touch. Graciousness supports without judgment, without pity,…

• Words That Describe Great Philanthropy

  Sean Stannard-Stockton

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:03 am

  On Wednesday, I asked readers to submit words that they thought best described great philanthropy. You will find all the details here. On Monday, we’ll be randomly selecting a reader who submitted a word and give them a $50 gift certificate to Vittana.org (microfinance for student loans in developing countries). Here’s a couple of entries so far: By Rich Polt Passion Passion is the lifeblood of good philanthropy because it sustains ones giving over the course of a lifetime. Effective philanthropy, like anything in life, requires experimentation and long term commitment. Some things work.

• Philanthropy Daily Digest

  Sean Stannard-Stockton

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:01 pm

  The Overhead Question: The Future of Nonprofit Assessment and Reporting Here's the recording of the conference call I did today with Bob Ottenhoff, Guidestar, Ken Berger, Charity Navigator, Lucy Bernholtz, Blueprint R & D, Peter Campbell, TechCafeteria, Christine Egger, Social Actions, David Geilhufe, NetSuite, and Holly Ross, NTEN. (tags: philanthropy) Stanford Social Innovation Review : Highlights of 2009: Top Five Articles The Stanford Social Innovation Review offers fantastic, thought provoking articles. Here's their five most read articles of last year. (tags: philanthropy)…

• 
  Donor Power Blog

• Darwinism and Fundraising – an Observation.

  DonorPower Blog

  3 Feb 2010 | 7:59 am

   “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.” – Charles Darwin Most industries, whether it be financial services, telecommunication carriers, sportswear brands, or whatever other commercial entity you can think of, go through a general business cycle as they evolve.  A period of initial expansion, where many new “players” enter into an industry to capitalize on an opportunity, is then followed by a period of contraction or consolidation, where the strongest “players” acquire,…

• An Equal Opportunity Stimulus

  DonorPower Blog

  22 Jan 2010 | 7:09 am

  On Wednesday, the House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill allowing taxpayers who make a donation to victims of the Haitian earthquake to claim a charitable donation when filing their 2009 taxes this spring.   Nonprofits who have the most to gain from this legislation, such as the American Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations, “wholeheartedly” favor this move because it encourages people to continue supporting their relief efforts.  My initial thought that this was a good thing.  Anything done to motivate more people to support earthquake…

• What can we learn from TV’s most popular curmudgeon?

  DonorPower Blog

  23 Dec 2009 | 8:36 am

  I am referring to Gregory House, the brilliant medical diagnostician who is the poster-child for unconventional thinking.   Season 4 introduced a group of Fellowship candidates that had to compete to make the final team of three.  In Guardian Angels (episode 404 if you are interested), House axes the oldest candidate because the candidate thinks too much like House (ignore the fake doctor part). House needs alternatives. His professional relationship with his colleague Wilson is similar. He often says that Wilson’s thinking is nonlinear and sloppy, but it takes House…

• What can we learn from TV’s most popular curmudgeon?

  DonorPower Blog

  23 Dec 2009 | 8:33 am

  I am referring to Gregory House, the brilliant medical diagnostician who is the poster-child for unconventional thinking.     Season 4 introduced a group of Fellowship candidates that had to compete to make the final team of three.  In Guardian Angels (episode 404 if you are interested), House axes the oldest candidate because the candidate thinks too much like House (ignore the fake doctor part). House needs alternatives. His professional relationship with his colleague Wilson is similar. He often says that Wilson’s thinking is nonlinear and sloppy, but it…

• Compete or Cooperate?

  DonorPower Blog

  11 Dec 2009 | 11:30 am

  USA Today recently published an article about several animal welfare charities cooperating with each other in dogfighting and disaster rescues; they included HSUS, ASPCA, American Humane, UAN and Best Friends.     Kudos to those organizations for working together, because like many same-cause non-profits that compete for money from the same funding sources, those in the animal sphere vigorously protect their own individual projects and successes. The groups' differing approaches, scope and reach, plus, some ego issues, often block the notion of cooperation, except in…

• 
  AE on the Verge

• What Associations can learn from "Blind Side" marketing

  5 Feb 2010 | 8:43 pm

  How do we as associations engage our base, and grow it?I'm fascinated with an article in the New York Times about the movie "The Blind Side" that includes a description about how they built an audience base. Such as:"In this case Grace Hill [Media] took the unusual step of offering online sermon outlines based on 'The Blind Side,' with clips that could be used in churches equipped with video screens. According to Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kosove, about 23,000 churches downloaded the sermons, laying an exceptionally strong base for the film."Thoughts:1. Online outlines and clips. How good are we…

• 6 tips for a less chaotic webinar or conference call

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:27 pm

  If you're hosting a webinar (or conference call), be sure to do these 6 things:1. On the same email you send to participants with dial-in/log-in instructions, include: a) how to mute the call when listening; b) how to un-mute the call; c) how to ask a question during the call2. Go over those 3 details again at the START of the call (remind them it's on their email too), AND when it's time to take questions. If you only have instructions on a slide, and then REMOVE that slide from view, the Participants might not remember how to un-mute or ask a question when it's time.3. If you have a feature…

• Uh, Oh: Your Association Member Ordered WHAT?!

  30 Jan 2010 | 12:50 pm

  What if you had in your records something really personal about a member that has nothing to do with the association directly?An association is an affiliate member of a major online retailer, and receives a commission on orders generated from their link, along with a report.Good news: more non-dues revenue incomeBad news: report shows a member ordered a "personal product" (use your imagination)Many of us likely underestimate how much we're revealing about ourselves in ways we don't fully understand when we do a search, go to anyone's site, or place an order especially through a link from…

• 10 Thoughts from a Virtual Participant

  26 Jan 2010 | 7:42 pm

  Yes, even virtual participants in association meetings have expectations. Today I participated in an association's virtual Town Hall Forum. Much better than flying to DC for those 3 hours. A few thoughts:1. Big thank you for virtual option. Thank you to every organization that provides a virtual attendance option. There just aren't enough hours in a day or in life to participate in so many meetings. I absolutely loved having a virtual option, because it's a meeting I absolutely would have needed to attend in person otherwise. The meeting info was important, as was hearing the debate.2. Big…

• 8 Lessons Association Execs Can Learn Like Student Athletes

  25 Jan 2010 | 8:22 pm

  I sometimes teach a new association executives "boot camp" and often try to figure out where we actually learn what the position entails. Because my teenagers play sports I realize there are certain lessons kids get playing high school varsity and college sports that applies to association executives too:1. Allow Yourself to be Coached. Sometimes you're going to be asked to play a different position than what you believe you're best at, or to change how you do something. Give the other position or alternative your best effort too. You may find you like it, you may learn something, it may help…

• 
  Getting Attention Blog

• 5 Ways to Charge Up Your Marketing Skills -- Reach Beyond Your Niche

  Nancy E. Schwartz

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:25 am

  It's typical for most of us humans to focus on keeping up within our fields. That's more than enough -- There's no way I can keep up with even 60% of "general" marketing and nonprofit communications content (not issue-, field- or audience-specific). But rather than putting all my energies there, I cherry pick what's highest value and go elsewhere for learning and inspiration. Digesting other types of content enables me to: Get a clearer perspective, outside the nonprofit communications headspace.  It's crucial but challenging to do so if that's what you focus on. But remember, most folks…

• NEA's Open Call for Logo Design Builds Awareness & Improves Understanding

  Nancy E. Schwartz

  4 Feb 2010 | 8:36 am

  Earlier this week, National Endowment for the Arts(NEA) chairman Rocco Landesman announced the NEA's open call for a new logo design to convey its focus (tagline?), "Art Works." Designers, you'll find the RFP here, The deadline is February 26th,with the winner gets $25,000. Much better than the take from typical design crowdsourcing ops like 99designs.com.The announcement, made to students at Miami's architecture and design high school, gave the NEA a wonderful chance to take center stage. That's an opportunity usually left to the programs it funds. Landesman described the NEA's needs…

• How to Communicate in the Shadow of Disaster -- Guidelines for Respectful but Effective Outreach

  Nancy E. Schwartz

  3 Feb 2010 | 4:48 am

  As I read accounts of Haitians struggling for basic needs post-earthquake, I'm struck by the number of lives that have been taken and touched by this disaster. It’s almost all one can think of.That's a significant communications challenge for the nonprofit organizations delivering aid: How to mobilize giving while communicating respectfully about their efforts and impact on the ground? How to keep giving going even as the earthquake, and the plight of survivors, is no longer top of mind? And what about the many other organizations not directly providing relief efforts but soliciting…

• PETA's Media Relations Win: Groundhog Day as Animal Rights Platform

  Nancy E. Schwartz

  2 Feb 2010 | 6:13 am

  Here's a a fantastic model of an organization linking its issues to a major news event to generate headline attention.Shortly before Groundhog Day, PETA took on the Punxsutawney groundhog club, heralding its call for groundhog (and more broadly, animal) rights via a blog post and press release. And PETA advocates went one step further to suggest that Punxsutawney Phil's annual weather forecasting responsibilities be taken over by a robot. PETA says it's wrong that Phil is subjected to the bright lights and crowds related to the Feb. 2 tradition. Event organizers downplay those concerns and…

• Nonprofit Marketing Crisis: Survey Shows Messaging Fails to Connect With Key Audiences

  Nancy E. Schwartz

  26 Jan 2010 | 4:21 am

  Our recent survey of more than 900 nonprofit leaders reveals a major crisis among charitable organizations: Many are doing an inadequate job of connecting with their key audiences and characterize their primary messages – intended to motivate donors, volunteers and advocacy – as poorly targeted, difficult to remember and uninspiring.Key findings include: Most nonprofit messages don’t connect strongly with key audiences. Behind the disconnect—86% of nonprofits characterize their messages as difficult to remember. Inconsistency reigns, leaving confusion and annoyance in its path. I…

• 
  Gift Hub

• Why is Community So Hard?

  PBC

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:38 pm

  Dave Pollard: The idea that we are individually and collectively responsible for the well-being of all life in our community and through it for all-life-on-Earth, now and for generations to come, is unfathomable. He has this filed under "Preparing for Civilization's End." Palin supporters will say we must defend what we own. The strong prevail, the weak perish.

• 5 For Fairness

  PBC

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:44 pm

  The Big Idea of 5 for Fairness OUR VISION is a world where girls share fully in the best humanity has to offer: education, human rights and the opportunity to live healthy, productive and meaningful lives.OUR STRATEGY is unique. When members join our group, they contribute a minimum of $5 to our Grant Account. As the Account balance grows, members of the community create Teams for organizations they believe deserve a 5 for Fairness grant. When the Account reaches $5000, the community votes where to send the grant, choosing from among the five Teams with the most supporters. Then the whole…

• Second Act for Entrepreneurs

  PBC

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:09 pm

  Folio: The management team at Irvine, California-based Entrepreneur magazine is gearing up for a product launch that puts the team outside its usual business-minded comfort zone. This spring, the magazine is planning to launch SecondAct.com, a Web site targeted to an older audience that’s looking to begin a “second act” in life. If life expectancy is 85-90 these days, then "retiring" at 55-65 leaves a lot of living to do, and perhaps the second act can top the first, c.f, Bill Gates. Counseling entrepreneurs about what comes next is interesting and challenging, particularly if…

• Corporatism

  PBC

  7 Feb 2010 | 4:21 pm

  Imaginary Magnitude reviewing a book by J.R. Saul: The Unconscious Civilization lays out in dense, history-shifting references, the problems and origins of corporatism and how it has become an increasingly acceptable means to run modern societies, in spite of its history of stifling democracy and rewarding conformism. Perhaps civil society is the alternative to a society managed by companies, lobbyists, think tanks, advertising, and media. The case in point would be the tea-baggers, I suppose. What they call for is more Freedom. The most recent progress in Freedom has been in giving companies…

• Superbowl Sexism Watch

  PBC

  7 Feb 2010 | 2:29 pm

  Gloria Steinem in Superbowl sexism watch.

• 
  DEBORAH ELIZABETH FINN

• ResourceMatcher.Org - what are we waiting for?

  Deborah Elizabeth Finn

  24 Jan 2010 | 12:32 pm

  The bottom line is that it can happen

• Ten things (just ten!) that every nonprofit executive needs to know about information technology

  Deborah Elizabeth Finn

  23 Jan 2010 | 8:01 am

  1.  Very little technical knowledge is required in order for nonprofit CEOs to participate actively in strategic IT planning.    As long as you thoroughly understand your organization's overall mission, strategy, and tactics and (are willing to learn a little bit about the technology), you can keep your information technology infrastructure on target...

• Searching and aggregating online answers to frequently asked nonprofit management questions

  Deborah Elizabeth Finn

  13 Jan 2010 | 7:30 pm

  So here's the road map for creating a working prototype...

• A cash grant and in-kind donation opportunity from C3 Conferencing

  Deborah Elizabeth Finn

  7 Jan 2010 | 4:34 pm

  C3 Conferencing, which provides audio, video, and web conferencing services for nonprofits, has just announced a program that combines $2,500 in cash with $2,500 in in-kind donations for enhancing communications...

• Compiling the "Directory of Awesome" - Online tools for resource matching and capacity matching to assist nonprofit, philanthropic, and community-based organizations

  Deborah Elizabeth Finn

  19 Dec 2009 | 8:14 am

  As readers of my blog know, I'm working with an informal brain trust of nonprofit, philanthropic, and technological professionals who are focusing on online tools that assist nonprofits and philanthropies with capacity mapping and resource matching. I'm currently compiling a directory for the brain trust of projects that are relevant to the topic...

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  PHILANTHROPY 2173

• In a changing landscape, whither the 501c3?

  Lucy Bernholz

  3 Feb 2010 | 9:39 am

  I'm concerned about nonprofits. Are they aware of the threats they face?Are they prepared to demonstrate their value in the face of changes in corporate and tax law, and, as importantly, changes in the cultural zeitgeist about social capital markets and social enterprise?For almost a century, 501c3 nonprofits have held a privileged place in our communities and in our tax code. They are provided tax exempt status, and supporters can deduct their contributions to these organizations from their income taxes. In so doing, the US tax code privileges these organizations - from major hospitals and…

• The Changing Ecosystem of Change

  Lucy Bernholz

  2 Feb 2010 | 10:15 am

  I'm pleased to draw your attention to a newly published paper we've written with the support of The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. "The Changing Ecosystem of Change" looks at the many new enterprise forms, from social businesses to nonprofits, that are now actively producing and distributing social goods. The paper also looks at the opportunities and challenges these new enterprise forms raise for funders, and that funders raise for these enterprises.Thursday, February 4 in the SF Bay Area is a big day for discussing these issues. Criterion Ventures, with backing from the…

• What kind of Apps would your foundation build?

  Lucy Bernholz

  26 Jan 2010 | 11:40 pm

  I admit it - I tossed the question out onto Twitter in a bit of a lark. I was preparing for a presentation to 50+ of America's largest community foundations and I've been thinking about Apps quite a bit (not only because of the new Apple Tablet due out tomorrow) because I was about to declare Apps as Buzzword 2010.1.Most of what I will talk about has to do with ways that certain technologies (and the expectations/behavior they allow) are shifting philanthropy, the shifting sands of social businesses, policy opportunities, intersections with the public sector, new ways of organizing for…

• Nonprofit Data Scorecard goes live

  Lucy Bernholz

  26 Jan 2010 | 5:16 am

  (Sorry folks - The first version of this post (January 25) somehow got corrupted/encoded. Lots of email readers received empty emails and/or gibberish. Hope this one posts better. Thanks for your patience.)I've written about the Nonprofit Mapping effort before and am thrilled to say they've launched their test version. Go to the site, check out the data, check out the rankings, comment on the methods, improve the data, use the data, and consider the implications. For all of us as donors to nonprofits. For all of us as taxpayers who pay for the data. For people who use, enjoy, benefit from the…

• How technology is disrupting philanthropy

  Lucy Bernholz

  24 Jan 2010 | 4:00 pm

  I hope readers in the SF Bay Area will join us at Stanford this Thursday, January 28 at 5 pm for a discussion with me, Sonal Shah, and Rob Reich on how technology is changing philanthropy.For those on twitter, the hashtag for the conversation is #sempacs. The hashtag for the Disrupting Philanthropy paper is #disruptphil.Tags: philanthropy, #sempacs, technology, #disruptphil

• 
  The Official google.org blog

• Applications now open for the 2010-2011 Global Heath Corps

  Jamie Yood

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:22 pm

  We are pleased to share with you that the Global Health Corps (GHC) is now accepting applications for their 2010-2011 class. GHC sent their inaugural class of 22 recent university graduates to complete year-long assignments in public health organizations in various countries. This program came to fruition after discussions at the aids2031 conference hosted by Google.org in March 2008.GHC is a unique program that enhances a fellow's cultural experience by pairing cross cultural teams - one fellow from the host country and one international fellow. Once accepted, all chosen fellows must…

• How much power do you use in the middle of the night?

  Niki Fenwick

  2 Feb 2010 | 2:10 pm

  "Always On" power is the lowest level of sustained power used during a day-long period. On our energy-monitoring software tool, Google PowerMeter, this shows up as a dark green bar on your power usage graph. We've found that American users, on average, have 589 watts of electrical power being consumed all day long. What items are using all this electricity?- "Vampire loads" - appliances that don't really turn off, even when you're not actively using them- Old appliances, especially refrigerators- Lights that are never turned off- Outdoor lights- Cable box or DVR- Computers that never turn…

• FCC broadband plan to call for access to real-time energy info

  Jamie Yood

  21 Jan 2010 | 10:00 pm

  (Cross-posted from Public Policy Blog)Over the past six months we have been providing you with periodic updates and comments on the FCC's National Broadband Plan, which is scheduled for release in mid-March. Earlier today FCC energy and environment director Nick Sinai gave a sneak preview of one of the Plan's key components: how broadband will facilitate smarter energy usage.He told an audience at the Clean-tech Investor Summit that the FCC will call on States and the Congress to give consumers and consumer-authorized third parties access to real-time energy information. This kind of…

• Staying connected in post-earthquake Haiti

  Jamie Yood

  15 Jan 2010 | 7:41 pm

  (Cross-posted from the Official Google Blog)With relief efforts underway, many displaced Haitians and their friends and families around the world are deeply concerned about the safety and whereabouts of loved ones. In response to the Haitian earthquake, a team of Googlers worked with the U.S. Department of State to create an online People Finder gadget so that people can submit information about missing persons and to search the database.You'll find this gadget on our Haiti earthquake response website as well as on the State Department website. In order to prevent the proliferation of…

• Helping Haiti respond to the earthquake

  Jamie Yood

  14 Jan 2010 | 2:35 pm

  (Cross-posted from Official Google Blog)These recent satellite images of Port-au-Prince, Haiti before and after Tuesday's earthquake dramatically show the devastation caused by magnitude 7.0 trembler. Here are before-and-after screenshots of the National Palace and an area of Port-au-Prince:Click to see full-sizeIn order to help the people of Haiti respond to this catastrophe, Google is donating $1 million to organizations on the ground that are rescuing those still trapped and providing clean water, food, medical care, shelter and support to those affected. We'd like to make it easy for…

• 
  SocialButterfly

• The Fight for Good: Disney vs. Pepsi

  Alex

  7 Feb 2010 | 12:44 pm

  Lots has been said about Pepsi’s Refresh Everything Project. However, not as much has been said about Disney’s “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” Why? Both projects launched around the same time and both stand to do good. Thus, let’s match them up and see who’s left standing: Disney or Pepsi. Let’s begin. Disney: Give a Day. Get a Disney Day. What: Inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service. How: Individuals can sign-up to volunteer at participating community organizations in their area. In return, that person will be awarded with a 1-day,…

• One Word of Advice for Voters of Pepsi’s Refresh Project

  Alex

  1 Feb 2010 | 7:50 pm

  Sustainability. In a fast-paced, 140-character world, short term and one-hit wonder thinking is rampant. But when it comes to making a difference and solving the great problems of our times, we need to be thinking for the long-term. This is why I hope the voters of Pepsi’s Refresh Everything Project will keep the concept of sustainability top-of-mind. Let me first say that I applaud Pepsi’s jump into social good–and I hope more groups follow their lead. Perhaps if more did, then we’d have more case studies, a deeper set of lessons learned and more refined best…

• How Do You Define Good Journalism?

  Alex

  30 Jan 2010 | 8:56 am

  This is a big question–I realize that.  As, you could dedicate a whole blog to the topic. For the sake of this post, the key point I want to share is: “The supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.” These are not my words, as they were actually written over 100 years ago. Walter Williams, the founder of the world’s first journalism school (Missouri’s School of Journalism), actually penned this statement as part of the larger Journalist’s Creed. It was relevant then, and it’s still relevant today. In a world with media…

• The Pollyanna Principles for Social Change

  Alex

  24 Jan 2010 | 11:04 am

  Have you ever been frustrated about the impact of your efforts? I have–even when we’ve been successful, if not especially then. For example, you may reach the number of donors you set out to reach, but still feel disconnected. You could have a bigger list of e-newsletter subscribers, but still question if what you’re doing is achieving the change you want. You can change the life of one person and wonder how you can change the life of another. This is why I turned to social marketing. Social marketing is something you address, plan and implement at the strategic level. If…

• Change Between the Pages

  Alex

  21 Jan 2010 | 7:57 pm

  The #read4change book club met twice in 2009 to discuss Tom Watson’s CauseWired in November, and Actions Speak Loudest in December. This January, we decided to take a break to take some lessons learned, tweak and plan for the rest of 2010. We hope you’ll join us in gathering and sharing community amongst some good books and great thinkers. What to Expect Once a month–using the Twitter account @read4change and the hashtag #read4change–do gooders, social changers, nonprofiteers and the like gather around the last Wednesday of the month and read a social change-themed…

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  A Small Change- Fundraising Blog

• Rochelle Zeidman: Featured Fundraiser

  Jason Dick

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am

  This week’s Featured Fundraiser is Rochelle Zeidman.Thank you Katherine Wertheim for referring her to me. If you ever would like to nominate someone for Feature Fundraiser just send me an email. - Jason What kind of fundraising do you do and who do you do it for? Strategy, campaign, foundation, corporate, individual major and principal gifts, and board fundraising are the kinds of fundraising I do for local, national, and global non-profits. Also develop fundraising products. What keeps you going? Why do you keep working in development? Development is a means to an end. I work in…

• The Sun Will Be Out Tomorrow

  Jason Dick

  3 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am

  A couple months ago, I wrote a post, Want to Versus Need to Hear. I had some great follow-up comments from that post, but I didn’t really give any practical advice about how to cope with receiving unwanted but needed advice. When I was heartbroken over some difficult issue at school, my father always had the same advice for me. My Dad would tell me, “no matter how bad it gets, it won’t feel as bad in the morning.” I’ve found that advice to be mostly true. Whenever I’m discouraged or frustrated, giving it a night’s rest has almost always worked in taming my emotions and giving me…

• A Donor List is More Than Past Giving

  Jason Dick

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am

  When I first started fundraising, I was always disappointed at how few names were on my prospect lists. It seemed that the majority of names I sent a letter or made phone calls to were the same names over and over again, and I consistently received a rather low response rate. So, I started looking in new places outside of just lapsed donors and donors from last year’s drive. Your local Book of Lists. Every community has those businesses that have become the popular ones to ask for money. Because these businesses get so much charitable attention, they can be the most difficult from which to…

• Who Talks to Your Donors

  Jason Dick

  27 Jan 2010 | 6:00 am

  I have seen major gifts fundraising done in two significantly different ways. One involves an active fundraising board who participates in all the major gifts solicitations for the organization. The other involves staff cultivating and growing these relationships themselves. Each of these two models focus on a different component of the traditional linkage, ability, interest concept I mentioned earlier this week. Using your board to fundraise leans heavily on linkage as the major tool for fundraising. As community and business leaders, board members are a great connection to the community and…

• Linkage, Ability, Interest

  Jason Dick

  25 Jan 2010 | 6:00 am

  Linkage, ability, interest are terms often used to describe a donor’s relationship to an organization; they do a pretty good job illustrating the key relationships donor’s have with an organization. Linkage- You have a connection, or link, through past giving or through a board member or volunteer. Finding this link is often your key to getting a meeting with a donor prospect and the key to closing the gift. Often, whoever you link is should be a part of the cultivation and solicitation process. Ability- A donor has the wealth or capacity to give a significant gift right now. Especially…

• 
  Frogloop

• Five Online Fundraising Tips to Raise More Money

  Allyson Kapin

  6 Feb 2010 | 4:20 pm

  Repeat after me. "I will no longer send out fundraising appeals with boring subject lines and long-winded pitches." In today’s battle of the inboxes, tweets, Facebook updates, text messages, and banner ads flying across the screen, organizations can’t afford to ignore online fundraising 101 strategies to motivate and inspire supporters to donate money. Don’t have the budget to hire fundraising strategists to help you craft your online fundraising campaigns? No problem. Follow these five tips and you will be on your way to increasing open and click-through rates and more…

• Cheap, Fast, and Good. Can Nonprofits have them All?

  Michelle Murrain

  5 Feb 2010 | 11:52 am

  When a nonprofit organization is beginning the process of doing a software implementation (such as a new website, or a new CRM or donation management product,) it is often unaware of the things that might underly whether such a project will succeed, how long it will take, and how much it will cost. Since nonprofits focus on their mission, and not software projects, that is an unknown to them, and understandably so.In software development or implementation projects, this triangle (shown below) is often talked about. Software projects can be fast (that is, done quickly), done well, and/or…

• Care2's Community Impacts Global Change

  Allyson Kapin

  2 Feb 2010 | 6:11 pm

  Communities like Facebook, Twitter, and Ning are great networks to help brand your nonprofit, engage with your supporters, and connect with potential new members. But there’s no question you need to invest time in finding those people who are passionate about your organization's issues. With cause-based communities like Care2 (the B Corporation that started the Frogloop blog) however, it’s easy for nonprofits to connect with over 12 million do-gooders who care to make a difference in this world. In 2009, Care2's community created more than 22,000 petitions resulting in more than…

• Nonprofit Social Media Benchmarks Study

  Allyson Kapin

  31 Jan 2010 | 4:28 pm

  Interested in setting Facebook and Twitter benchmarks for your nonprofit but don’t know where to start? Check out M+R Strategic Services first Nonprofit Social Media Benchmarks Study, which includes sample research by groups such as Easter Seals, Oxfam, Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters, and more. Facebook Key Findings:                Organizations posted to their Facebook Pages about six times weekly. 2.5% of each organization's Facebook fans took some sort of an action weekly such as…

• Webinar Recap: Connecting Advocacy to Fundraising

  Allyson Kapin

  27 Jan 2010 | 3:47 pm

  On Tuesday, Care2’s Justin Perkins moderated the webinar Connecting Advocacy to Fundraising for Maximum Impact. Steve Daigneault, former Internet Director for Amnesty International, and Blackbaud’s Mark Davis discussed how activists on nonprofit’s email list are seven times more likely to donate money to organizations than non-activists are. However, according to M&R’s eNonprofit Benchmark study, 61% of online activists take action one-time. This is why nonprofits need to identify and cultivate super-activists. The best strategies to hook activists and turn them…

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  GlobalGiving Blog

• A Tough(er) Sell

  Bill Brower

  6 Feb 2010 | 4:23 am

  Poor kids, sick people and threatened animals. As is the case in much of the development sector, projects that deal with any one of these tend to have an easier time raising funds on GlobalGiving. The problem is easy to grasp and a remedy is obvious (at least conceptually in the short run): Give food; provide medicine; build an animal rescue center. These are big problems that warrant significant attention. But a recurring concern as I meet with organizations throughout Southeast Asia is how to engage donors for everything else. Some NGOs are particularly frustrated because their projects…

• Gathering real-time feedback in haiti can improve disaster response

  Marc Maxson

  1 Feb 2010 | 2:42 pm

  Judging from some of the comments GlobalGiving donors have made on recent haiti updates, I gather that television news falls short of presenting a multifaceted view of the earthquake recovery effort. There is a mix of ongoing challenges with some successes. Last Friday someone wrote in: Sent: Friday, January 29, 2010 4:36 PM Project ID: 4559 / IMC provides medical care to Haiti Project URL: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/haiti/ It gives me a first hand account of what medical relief is taking place as oppose to what’s being transmitted over the airways showing de-humanizing…

• Maryland Teen Raises over $3,000 for fuel-efficient stoves in Rwanda

  Donna

  16 Dec 2009 | 4:31 am

  Reposted from www.reliefweb.int 15 Dec 2009 Local Teen Raises Over $3,000 for CHF International’s Fuel Efficient Stoves Program Spencer Brodsky, a Maryland teen, has raised $3,300 for CHF International’s Fuel Efficient Stoves program in Rwanda through Global Giving’s Give More, Get More Challenge. Through social media, Spencer encouraged hundreds of like-minded individuals to give to CHF through Global Giving, who were matching donations by adding a matching percentage to however much grassroots donors raised. For over two years, Spencer has been working with CHF…

• International Giving Can Be Tough for Companies, but…

  Donna

  7 Dec 2009 | 6:30 am

  Last month the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (”CECP”) published its annual report on corporate philanthropy, “Giving in Numbers2009.“  This is one of the reports we look forward to seeing each year, as CECP is very highly regarded and counts among its member CEOs of many of the leading global corporate citizens, including several of GlobalGiving’s corporate partners - Applied Materials, Gap, Inc.,  Hasbro and PepsiCo, to name a  few. CECP describes itself as the only international forum of CEOs and chairpersons pursuing a mission exclusively…

• Do You Believe in Life After Love (and War)?

  Donna

  16 Nov 2009 | 3:08 pm

  In her 1998 worldwide number one hit iconic superstar Cher asks, “Do you believe in life after love?”  But these days that memorable line could be amended to add “…and war?” For years Cher has been a visible and unabashed advocate for ensuring that women and men who serve our country are honored through policies and programs that lift up their heroism and ensure their dignity, both during deployment and after they return from combat.  She has demonstrated this commitment  by supporting organizations from Operation Helmet to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, and…

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  About.com Nonprofit Charitable Orgs

• Just Say No to Accidental Branding

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:00 pm

  Are you the victim of "accidental" branding? That is what happens when a nonprofit or business leaves its branding to chance. It results in confusion about what the organization is and does. Brandraising: How Nonprofits Raise Visibility and Money Through Smart Communications, by Sarah Durham, is the clearest blueprint I've seen lately to rationally building your brand and implementing it. It is "branding in a box." If you do one thing about your organization's brand this year, make it reading this book. Once you do that, you'll be so excited to have a step-by-step plan that you're bound to…

• Largest Philanthropists Gave Less, Follow Their Own Drummer in 2009

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:06 pm

  It's that time of year when we learn who gave how much and to what. The Chronicle of Philanthropy has a list of the top 50 philanthropists of 2009, and Slate Magazine profiles the top 60 philanthropists. In a Wall Street Journal article, Robert Frank notes some trends in philanthropy after studying the lists. They include: Philanthropy is down. That's not much of a surprise given the state of the economy in 2009. But the percentage is large at 75% down. In 2008, the top 50 philanthropists gave $15.5 billion. That fell to $4.1 billion in 2009. That hurts. The median gift of these…

• Is Micro-Giving the New Layaway?

  7 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

  The recession has changed us all in many ways. Not least among them, the return to some budgeting habits of yesteryear. We are saving more, spending less, and reviving old-fashioned techniques such as putting things on layaway so we can save up the money to buy them or pay them off in installments. We are also giving to charity in more ways, but in smaller amounts. Nicole Wallace, writing on one of the The Chronicle of Philanthropy blogs, has pointed out that although charities raised millions of dollars in the wake of the Haiti earthquake, more than after the 2004 Asian tsunamis, the average…

• Best Links: Social Media, Planned Giving, and Recession Tips

  5 Feb 2010 | 5:48 am

  Buddy, can you spare a dime? So far the recession has not much improved for nonprofits. Philantopic discusses the outlook for this year and provides some excellent tips for where best to put your resources while we wait for the upturn. If not now, when? Tony Martignetti, in an article at GuideStar, says Make 2010 the Year You Start Planned Giving. Martignetti outlines how to do it and where to find prospects. This is the first of three articles on the topic, so you'll want to stay tuned. Haiti Is a Marketing Lesson. Dan Palotta, in his blog at the Harvard Business Review, uses the example of…

• K.I.S.S. for Good: Improving Nonprofit Messages Through Simplicity

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:05 pm

  No, I don't mean to literally kiss for good. I'm referring to "Keep It Simple Stupid" for good. It's a mantra among writers, but still too many communicators in the nonprofit world don't keep it in mind. I think that all nonprofit writers should have to write a blog at some point in their careers. The short format is demanding, calling on the skill of brevity, and the tone is conversational, forcing polysyllabic writers to consult a thesaurus. I can remember a time, before blogs, when I and many others greeted the new USA Today as a sign that civilization was going off a cliff. We thought…

• 
  Rosetta Thurman

• 5 Ways to “Emerge” as a Nonprofit Leader

  rosettathurman

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:19 am

  Hildy Gottilieb’s latest post has got me to thinking more about the so-called generational leadership gap in nonprofit organizations. She and I agree that there is not really a “gap” in leadership. What we really have is an ongoing disconnect around the myth that young people aren’t yet “ready” to take the reigns from current leaders .  . . when it’s clear that we absolutely are. This inability for many older leaders to pass the torch is partly what causes young people to become disenchanted with nonprofit work and often underperform in their current…

• 28 Days of Black Nonprofit Leaders: Erica Williams

  rosettathurman

  8 Feb 2010 | 6:16 am

  Erica Williams is the Deputy Director of Progress 2050, a project of the Center for American Progress, a nonprofit think tank headquartered in Washington, DC. From the Center for American Progress website: Erica Williams is the Deputy Director of Progress 2050, a project of the Center for American Progress that develops new ideas for an increasingly diverse America. The project seeks to build a progressive agenda that is more inclusive and reflects the rich racial and ethnic makeup of the nation. Progress 2050 does this by promoting innovative policy ideas, facilitating honest dialogue about…

• 28 Days of Black Nonprofit Leaders: Geoffrey Canada

  rosettathurman

  7 Feb 2010 | 8:47 am

  Geoffrey Canada is the President and CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone. From the Harlem Children’s Zone website: In his 20-plus years with Harlem Children’s Zone, Inc., Geoffrey Canada has become nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping children and families in Harlem and as a passionate advocate for education reform. Since 1990, Mr. Canada has been the President and Chief Executive Officer for Harlem Children’s Zone, which The New York Times Magazine called “one of the most ambitious social experiments of our time.” In October 2005, Mr. Canada was…

• 28 Days of Black Nonprofit Leaders: Marian Wright Edelman

  rosettathurman

  6 Feb 2010 | 6:12 pm

  Marian Wright Edelman is the founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund. From the Children’s Defense Fund website: Marian Wright Edelman has been an advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life.  Under her leadership, CDF has become the nation’s strongest voice for children and families.  The Children’s Defense Fund’s Leave No Child Behind mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families…

• Join Me for Live Discussion Series on the State of the Nonprofit Union

  rosettathurman

  4 Feb 2010 | 10:48 pm

  Just about every week, I invite you to tune in to my live internet radio show, which has now been renamed to the more fitting . . . drumroll please . . . All Nonprofits Considered on BlogTalkRadio This month, I invite you to join me on your lunch break every Wednesday at 12pm EST for the State of the Nonprofit Union, a series of live (and lively!) discussions about the current state of the nonprofit sector with a special focus on careers, fundraising, and organizational sustainability. This is free, real-time professional development where you will get to learn about what’s happening right…

• 
  The Naked Idea

• Can you manage the engagement?

  John

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:53 am

  Every time we turn around we are being told by the experts that we need to be blogging, be on twitter, dive into social media – and start making conversations and interacting with people – developing relationships. We are scolded and told we need we are not to be “all about me”. We are warned that not engaging with those who are reaching out to us – is the very worse offense. And “the experts” are right. What troubles me, is the very “do as i say and not as I do” attitude of these experts. This past weekend, one of them asked me, pleaded…

• What did you fail at today?

  John

  7 Jan 2010 | 5:54 am

  Hopefully in the midst of all the busy work you do, you take the time to celebrate the successes and victories – not just the big ones, but the small ones too. But when was the last time you celebrated a failure? Certainly, there is more value to you in a failure than a success isn’t there? What did you fail at today? Just a reminder: please resubscribe over at our new blog which can be found at: http://blog.agentsofgood.org

• What’s your word for 2010?

  John

  3 Jan 2010 | 12:00 pm

  For the past few years, I’ve come up with a word that has helped define the year ahead and keep me on track. What’s your word of the year? Just a reminder: please resubscribe over at our new blog which can be found at: http://blog.agentsofgood.org

• Ode To Joy

  John

  24 Dec 2009 | 6:18 am

  Beaker rules ok? We hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing holiday season and we will see you in the new year. Just a reminder: please resubscribe over at our new blog which can be found at: http://blog.agentsofgood.org/

• Are you an Agent of Good?

  John

  13 Dec 2009 | 1:41 pm

  What is an Agent of Good? And Agent of Good is someone like you. You exist in the world to make positive change, you live your life guided by the principals of being a good human and the desire to make some sort of difference in this world. You are an Agent of Good if you love what you do, as difficult as it is sometimes, and you love to work with others – not to make yourself look better – but you know your weaknesses and can admit that the help of someone else will make the end product far better. We are Agents of Good and – so are you. Before I go much further, if you are…

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  Step By Step Fundraising

• 12 Ways to Use Social Media to Market Your Fundraiser

  Sherry Truhlar

  4 Feb 2010 | 6:23 am

  Social media applications like blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can be useful tools to help you publicize, gain attendees and supporters for fundraisers such as benefit auctions. Not only are these tools free to use, but they enable you to relay short, constant reminders about your  fundraiser. Creating “something to write” can be overwhelming for some people, so here are 12 auction-related ideas on what you (or your public relations volunteer) can post on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, or other social networking sites to promote your benefit auction. 1. Announce donations: When an…

• 2 Simple Ways to Increase Your Online Giving

  Pamela Grow

  1 Feb 2010 | 7:19 am

  Several weeks ago I decided to feature a local nonprofit organization I worked with years ago for Twitter’s #CharityTuesday, thinking that I might be able to drive a few extra dollars their way. So I paid a visit to their website to make a donation and copy the url. I searched and searched for a way to give.  I knew that they had the capability because yours truly had set it up all those years ago. After searching through several pages, I finally came across this paragraph at the bottom of one page: If you would like to donate via the internet please go to www.JustGive.org or…

• Free Teleseminar: Tips for Creating a Fundraising Plan

  Sandy Rees

  27 Jan 2010 | 2:17 pm

  Want to hear some of my best ideas for creating a successful fundraising plan? Then join me for a f ree call next Thursday, February 4 at 3:00 pm eastern as I present my “Simple Success” Fundraising Plan.  Register here for the call. Here’s some of what you’ll hear: Why you need a fundraising plan 7 questions your plan must answer The optimum number of goals you should set How to create goals that you can reach My proven tool to keep yourself on track each month Plus, you’ll hear about a virtual planning retreat I’m hosting in February.  It’s unlike anything…

• Your Time and Effort Matter for Effective Fundraising

  Sandra Sims

  26 Jan 2010 | 6:05 am

  In last week’s newsletter I featured Marc Pitman’s great ideas about The Pareto Principle: The 80/20 Rule for Fundraising.  (If you’re not on our newsletter list you can sign up here.) Basically the rule says that 20% of your efforts produce 80% of results.  This concept reminds us that effective fundraising is not just about the total amount of funds raised.  It’s also not just about the age old debate about the costs to produce a fundraiser.  Time, whether it’s paid staff or volunteer, is also really important. In this worksheet I include a column for you…

• The Pareto Principle: The 80/20 Rule for Fundraising

  Marc Pitman

  21 Jan 2010 | 5:00 am

  January can be a great month to gain a new perspective on the things we do every day. One of those areas can be in the area of time management. There are so many time management techniques that it can be confusing. Often simplicity is the best! One of the simplest ways of organizing our time is using the Pareto Principle. The Pareto Principle Vilfredo Pareto was an economist in Italy around the turn of the century. One of his greatest legacies to us was his finding that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. This became known as the Pareto Principle, also known as the…

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  nonprofiteer.net

• This e-mail just arrived from Idealist; RSVP!

  Nonprofiteer

  2 Feb 2010 | 9:42 am

  I need your help to save Idealist.org Monday, February 1, 2010 5:28 PM Dear Kelly, You know how sometimes in life you go through a bad moment, and when your friends hear about it later, they say, “Why didn’t you say something? Why didn’t you ask? We would have helped.” That’s where Idealist is now, and I am writing to ask for your help. Very briefly, here’s what happened. Over the past ten years, most of our funding has come from the small fees we charge organizations for posting their jobs on Idealist. By September 2008, after years of steady growth, these…

• Dear Nonprofiteer, Does a staff member get a seat on the Board?

  Nonprofiteer

  19 Jan 2010 | 9:49 am

  Dear Nonprofiteer, Can you please clarify for me about a paid Program Director having voting rights on the executive board? I am currently on a non-profit board that will be modifying the by-laws. The Program Director (paid position) insists that he should be a voting member of the board. I feel this is a conflict of interest. Do you have any guidelines etc that I can present to the board? I appreciate your help on this. Do you have any books etc to purchase that could serve as good training tools? Signed, Conflicted Dear Conflicted, The Nonprofiteer doesn’t have any books or pamphlets…

• Bankers: Don’t try to use charities as human shields

  Nonprofiteer

  11 Jan 2010 | 9:29 am

  The Nonprofiteer comes roaring out of seclusion to point out that big-bank donations to charity, and/or big banks’ making donations to charity mandatory among their employees, are NOT substitutes for big banks’ and bankers’ payment of a fair share of their earnings in taxes that support the operation of the United States government.  (You’re welcome to translate “fair share” as “the 90-plus percent banker-bonus tax recently enacted in the United Kingdom.”) While the Nonprofiteer is as enthusiastic as anyone about the work of the nonprofit…

• Dear Nonprofiteer, How do we keep it all in the family?

  Nonprofiteer

  5 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

  Dear Nonprofiteer, My wife and I started a small non-profit 3 years ago which has grown to have a budget of almost $200,000 per year.  When we started the organization she was made the Executive Director and the Chairman of the board and I was also a board member. She receives compensation in her full-time role as Executive Director and I volunteer my time (which is plenty). In addition to us, there are currently 3 other board members (Searching for 2 more). This non-profit initially started as a for-profit enterprise to help women that struggle with addiction by providing…

• A modest proposal–that might actually work

  Nonprofiteer

  23 Oct 2009 | 1:45 pm

  This is the most innovative idea I’ve heard to date for modifying the nonprofit model to better suit organizations which aren’t properly “charities” but still serve the public interest.  The conversation has been about theater companies–and I salute Stolen Chair’s leadership for introducing it–but it would work equally well for the newspaper business, where very little else seems to work.  The Nonprofiteer promptly and shamelessly cribbed the idea for a “Whither journalism?” discussion, and intends to do so again. H/t to Thomas Cott of…

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  Zyozy Foundation Blog

• Be a Part of the ‘Haiti Choir Project’ Power Tribe!

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:10 pm

  To all those who have signed on to support the spread of the Brighter Way Haiti Choir Project, Let’s have a quick call! If you’re free on Friday, February 12 at 5PM CST, join us for 30 minutes to discuss the plan to spread the message of this project and the song! We’ll discuss ways for you to be involved on the social media, networking and fundraising sides of things! And we’ll gladly take your suggestions!  Come with ideas and excitement!! All are welcome! Call-in details: Number: (712)-775-7100 Access Code: 429712# We’ve been tweeting some of the choir…

• Something so simple

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:49 pm

  We’re looking for something so simple. So simple, that we can’t hold it in our hands or in our heads. So we look to him. To her. To them. To there. We look to everywhere but here. To when. To then. But not to now. It’s hidden just beyond our cleverness. So we presume it’s out there. But perhaps it’s in here.

• One Week to Wait: Haiti Choir Project Update

  3 Feb 2010 | 12:29 pm

  I woke up this morning, looked at what day it was and smiled. In one week, we’ll have all of the videos to start compiling the final piece. And then it begins. We have already raised $200 for people in Haiti. That buys a lot of water, some clothing, maybe even some medical supplies. But I want for us to do so much more. It really isn’t about how much money you are able to give - it is about the lives of these orphaned children- it’s about protecting them from the traffickers, providing them with education, offering them love. On Valentines Day, I am going to ask that you…

• Help Heal Haiti

  31 Jan 2010 | 4:06 pm

  deisgn by Kyle Ellis

• US corporate and foundation donations to Haiti

  29 Jan 2010 | 8:54 am

  People walk on a debris-covered street in Port-au-Prince January 17, 2010. (REUTERS/Daniel Aguilar) Below are selected corporate donations of $100,000 or more. The list omits gifts of goods and services, while including money from customers and corporate matches. Company releases are the source. Nonprofit recipients are listed when identified. via Bloomberg ========================================================================= Corporate Donors Amount Recipients ========================================================================= = Verizon Wireless Capital LLC $7,820,000 American Red…

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  The Agitator

• Who Do You Trust?

  tbelford

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  If there’s one approach marketers have been united in touting as the best form of advertising or promotion, it’s word of mouth recommendation … referrals and endorsements from friend to friend, colleague to colleague, relative to relative. I’d count myself as one of those marketers. Of course a huge surge of support for "word of mouth" was generated by the arrival of social media tools and platforms, which seemed to significantly diminish the cost and logistical challenges of stimulating and spreading "buzz." In fact, "viral marketing"…

• Facebook’s “Senior Surge”

  tbelford

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:39 am

  Can’t ignore Facebook as a channel for reaching nonprofit donors. Apart from the sheer volume of traffic on Facebook, 112 million unique visitors in 2009,  as reported in Online Media Daily, consider this … "…older users remain among the fastest-growing populations on Facebook. Men 45 to 54 showed the highest growth rate last month — with 472,000 joining, or 10.5%, followed closely by women 55 to 65, at 9.4% (391,000). That compares to growth rates, respectively, for the two groups of 0.8% and 1.6%. Why the senior surge? Inside Facebook surmises that young…

• Fundraising Tactics Versus Messaging

  tbelford

  4 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  Roger has been systematically working us through the "who, what, when, why, where" of nonprofit fundraising fundamentals … with only "where" yet to go (coming next week). I hesitate to interrupt the flow, but we received a response from Fraser Green at FLA Group that provides a useful bridge between the tactics of targeting (who) and timing (when), and the crucial necessity of  effective messaging (what) that Roger emphasized a couple of days ago. Here’s Fraser’s article — Check for Purple Cow Before Joining Online Herd — from …

• The Value Of Now!

  tbelford

  3 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  A lot of what I’ve learned about the “when” of fundraising I learned from selling funeral flowers. Let me explain. My father was a florist– a business that depends on event and emotion-driven buying impulse — funerals, weddings, Mother’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries – with most transactions completed over the telephone and by credit card. But back then there were no credit cards. Thus my Dad instructed me that on the very day of the funeral I must mail the bill for the flowers to the customer. I remember feeling a bit queasy about the timing,…

• Forget The Message. Just Send Money!

  rcraver

  2 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  “The most poorly written mail I get is from people who want my money.”                       –January 26 post signed by “Disgruntled Writer” The lesson I’ve learned in 40 years as a copywriter is this:  Even if only 50% of your clients can read, you can be absolutely certain that 100% of them are convinced they can write! No wonder that Nancy Schwartz’ recent survey of 900 nonprofit leaders found that “86% of the organizations…

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  VOLUNTEER BOSTON

• How to Help out Haiti in Boston

  Krystle

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:47 am

  The mainstream media no longer seems to be showcasing the devastation that is going on in Haiti, but that doesn't mean that the issue has been resolved. Actually far from it, and there are still ways you can help impact the lives of the Haitian Community right here in Boston.From February 8th -21st several Boston area locations along with FUNTOSALUD International will be collecting donations to help Haiti rebuild. The locations are as follows:Super Stop & Shop, 779 MacGrath Highway, Somerville, MAHaitian Coalition of Somerville, 268C Rear Powder House Blvd, #17CCentro Latino, 267…

• You're Fired

  Krystle

  25 Jan 2010 | 6:00 am

  I don't know about many of you but I am tired of hearing about the big banks in America, and the enormous payouts they give to some of their employees. If you were "top big to fail" then how come you needed a large sum for bailout money from the government a year ago?You may not have heard of it yet but there is a grassroots effort to Move your Money from the big banks to a smaller bank. The thought behind this movement is that smaller community banks did not and will not make the risky investments that brought us to the current financial crisis. As Arianna Huffington writes, "Consider it a…

• Is NBC Really That Bad?

  Leif

  21 Jan 2010 | 10:06 am

  Clearly mistakes were made. Ratings were lost. Feelings were hurt.NBC screwed up. Big time. By trying to shake up the up the late night show lineup, they inadvertently rattled the cages of throngs of die-hard Conan O'Brien fans. This has been the center of attention throughout popular media for the past week, even on NBC shows, and especially on Conan's show.I love Conan, and like many other fans, felt slighted, even personally insulted, by NBC's selfishness and insensitivity. How could they do that to Conan?? But upon reflection, was I really mad at NBC or simply frustrated with an…

• Volunteer Ideas, Vol 2

  Adj

  1 Dec 2009 | 5:32 am

  No. 2:HEET:Home Energy Efficiency TeamWant to show off your handy man/woman skills or learn some new ones? "HEET organizes free weatherization parties to teach volunteers hands-on how to lower their energy bills and carbon emissions. We consult with energy experts to pass on accurate information. We build community, create social marketing for energy efficiency and help facilitate exchanges of ideas."The nuts and bolts: You get to help others AND help yourself. I was the caulking queen (immature jokes aside) at Cambridgeport School. I went home and fixed my own windows, felt warmer and saved…

• Volunteer Ideas, Vol 1

  Adj

  24 Nov 2009 | 6:25 am

  Whatever your interest or skill set, there is some creative way for you to give back to others and the community. Most of us have less money to toss around and give away than we did a couple years ago so we've been neglecting the people who need our support.The answer: Time & TalentMy answer: Throwing out an idea or two or three every week on how to give back with a tiny bit of time/talent commitment. Here we go!No. 1: Horizon's for Homeless ChildrenSome of you think, "why should I help someone out who got his/herself into this situation in the first place!?" Well this group of little…

• 
  Zen and the Art of Nonprofit Technology

• Last 10 (selected) delicious.com links

  admin

  4 Feb 2010 | 12:45 pm

  Yammer : Enterprise Microblogging Git – SVN Crash Course Pivotal Tracker – Free Lightweight Agile Project Management & Team Collaboration, from Pivotal Labs Force.com Web Services API Developer’s Guide SOQL SELECT Syntax AIM Implementation Guide gokubi.com » Blog Archive » Using Sites to easily publish data out of Salesforce DrupalMad developer :: Add-ons for Firefox Maintaining a Drupal module using Git | drupal.org Make Your Mark – On the Web. On the World. – Val Nelson

• Beth Kanter’s Birthday

  Pearlbear

  11 Jan 2010 | 6:00 am

  You don’t hear me talking much about social media. One of the reasons is that there are a number of really good bloggers out there who know the field far better than I’ll ever be able to. I would argue that Beth Kanter is the best social media blogger there is in the nonprofit space. Her careful writing about the strengths and weaknesses of social media, the in-depth knowledge of strategy and approach, her on-the-cutting-edge understanding of trends and issues and how they relate to the work that nonprofits are doing has been an incredibly important resource to the sector. If…

• Drupal and Salesforce

  Pearlbear

  31 Dec 2009 | 4:38 pm

  It’s taken me a while to write this blog post, mostly because I have been working hard at various things (like building a business and building new websites.) This is the last installment in my CRM/CMS integration series, that started almost a year ago (wow!) And I’m skipping Joomla/Salesforce Integration because there isn’t any publicly available documentation or code about the integration that PICnet did with Joomla and Salesforce, called J!Salesforce.  [update: see Ryan's comment below.] So what is the state of Drupal/Salesforce Integration? It’s not as mature as…

• Got Research?

  mpm

  7 Dec 2009 | 1:54 pm

  One of the great things about the nonprofit technology field is the collection of nonprofit organizations that provide what is often called “Intermediary” services to other nonprofits: information and resources that help nonprofit organizations do the work they do in the world,  by helping them make good technology decisions. I’ve been involved in one way or another with a number of these intermediary organizations. One of them, Idealware, is an organization whose goal is to provide the sector with unbiased, analytically developed reviews and information about software that…

• More symptoms of bigger problems

  Pearlbear

  10 Nov 2009 | 5:32 pm

  ’nuff said.

• 
  Giving in a digital world

• Some useful insight into what is and isn’t working in Facebook and Twitter marketing

  Bryan

  13 Jan 2010 | 1:03 am

  If you’re planning or evaluating any form of social media activity, then it’s worth taking a look at eMarketer’s summary of a recently released research report examining which marketing uses of Facebook and Twitter are working best. As shown in the table above, top of the effectiveness list for consumer-focused marketers (the B2C column) using Facebook is ‘Creation of a Facebook application around a brand’ – providing a useful reminder that the most effective use of social media doesn’t always come for free . Next in the ranking is the creation of a…

• Philanthropedia – helping US donors focus their online giving where it makes the most impact

  Bryan

  1 Dec 2009 | 9:12 am

  In response to the growing trend of savvy donors wanting more reassurance that their donations really will make a difference, an interesting new online initiative was launched last month called Philanthropedia. Philanthropedia is essentially an online charity crowdfunding site – but one with a difference, in that it uses a team of 261 experts specialising in different social causes to evaluate the effectiveness of US non-profits. Their recommendations are then used to define ‘Expert Mutual Funds’ representing those they deem to be the best organisations to support doing work…

• Advice on Twitter use – based on what top US companies are NOT doing

  Bryan

  1 Dec 2009 | 9:12 am

  It’s often the way with things like Twitter that you tend mostly to hear stories about how well people are using them. Which can leave you with something of an inferiority complex about the fact that you haven’t actually had time to begin testing them properly – because you’ve been too busy raising money. With this in mind, it’s worth taking a quick look at a free report just released by PR Agency Webber Shandwick entitled ‘Do Fortune 100 Companies Need a twittervention?’ – because their research revealed that as much can be learned from what…

• 15 UK organisations competing for 2009 Non Profit Website of the Year

  Bryan

  23 Nov 2009 | 12:08 am

  The Twitter feeds are starting to run hot with requests for Followers to vote for the various sites nominated for the 2009 People’s Choice Website of the Year Awards, with the full line-up of shortlisted nonprofits looking like this: rednoseday.com ifaw.org unicef.org.uk redcross.org.uk bhf.org.uk nspcc.org.uk savethechildren.org.uk cancerresearchuk.org amnesty.org.uk spcai.org wwf.org.uk greenpeace.org.uk diabetes.org.uk oxfam.org.uk justgiving.com 2009 markes the sixth time these awards have been organised by online research agency MetrixLab and they are apparently the …

• The 93 Dollar Club – a fantastic example of online donors doing it for themselves

  Bryan

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:02 am

  I’ve had a manic few weeks since mid October, mostly related to my starting-up my own Marketing and Fundraising Consultancy (called Strategy Refresh – do take a look when you have a spare moment) with a bit of house moving thrown-in for good measure. All of which means that things have been very quiet on the Giving in a Digital World Front – so apologies for that. Normal service is close to being resumed as I’m starting to get into the swing of working as an independent consultant. One think I’ve been meaning to post about but have only now had the opportunity to…

• 
  Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog

• Ensure Your E-News is Read – Not Dead – on Arrival

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:33 am

  I just wrapped up an hour-long teleconference for Network for Good’s Nonprofit 911 series titled “Ensuring Your E-Newsletters are Read – Not Dead – On Arrival This Year.” The focus of the call was on creating a newsletter strategy that really provides value for your readers. I created two new pages at Nonprofit Marketing Guide for the call: Making Your Newsletter Valuable to Your Readers, which I used as my speaking notes for the call Newsletter Ideas for Every Month of the Year, which helps you come up with good hooks for starting your articles The recording and…

• Mixed Links: Free Training, Special Deals, and Fab Info

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  2 Feb 2010 | 8:51 am

  With freezing rain falling and snow on the ground here in North Carolina, it’s time for some hot mixed links! Free Training on E-Newsletters I’m doing another free conference call for Network for Good’s Nonprofit 911 series, this time on Ensuring Your E-Newsletters are Read – Not Dead – On Arrival This Year. Join us next Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. As for our weekly webinar series here at Nonprofit Marketing Guide, here’s what’s coming up next: February 10: How to Write a Quick and Dirty Nonprofit Marketing Strategy February 16: 10 Ways…

• Integrating Your Website, Email Newsletter and Social Media Sites

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  26 Jan 2010 | 11:28 am

  Tomorrow I’m presenting a brand new webinar on How to Integrate Your Website, Email Newsletter, and Social Media Sites. It was the #1 requested topic in last fall’s survey of what you wanted to see on the weekly webinar series schedule. I have to admit, it’s a rather ambitious topic for one hour. I’m in the middle of the PowerPoint deck now trying to find the sweet spot between giving you enough information to really make a difference in your online marketing strategy and giving you too many to-do list items that you run screaming from the whole idea of integration.

• A New Coaching Program for Freelance Writers Serving Nonprofits

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  22 Jan 2010 | 10:04 am

  This blog is all about helping small nonprofits and one-person marketing departments communicate as effectively as possible with their supporters. Sometimes the best way to do that is to outsource your content creation to a professional freelance writer. The problem is that there really aren’t all that many writers who specialize in producing the kind of content that nonprofits need. At the same time, there are lots of freelance writers who would love to do more work for nonprofits, if they only knew how. To help solve both problems, I’m launching a new “Writing for…

• The One Question Your Annual Report Must Answer

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  19 Jan 2010 | 12:42 pm

  A good nonprofit annual report answers the questions that donors are most likely to have about last year’s work: What did you do? Whom did you help? On what did you spend money? Where did that money come from? But the single most important question that your annual report must answer is “So what?” You did a bunch of stuff. So what? What changed in the world as a result? You helped a bunch of people. So what? How are their lives different now, and why does that matter? You raised money and you spent it. So what? What do your income and expenses tell us about your values,…

• 
  The Bridgespan Group

• Online Chat: Making Smart Decisions About Overhead

  25 Jan 2010 | 4:00 pm

  Online Chat Making Smart Decisions About Overhead 2010 01 26 Read the transcript of an online chat that took place on January 26, 2009, with "The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle" authors Ann Goggins Gregory and Daniel Stid on the topic

• Beware Your Leadership Blind Spots

  21 Jan 2010 | 4:00 pm

  When a nonprofit’s environment becomes strained, it makes sense to enhance organizational strengths and address glaring weaknesses. The problem is, it’s difficult to address something you cannot see. This article provides insights into typical organizational "blind spots" and how to address them.

• Executive Summary: The State of Ecosystem Services

  20 Jan 2010 | 4:00 pm

  Executive Summary The State of Ecosystem Services 2010 01 21 Bob Searle Serita Cox The idea of taking an ecosystem services approach to conservation—that is, engaging in conservation efforts that address the sustainability of natural assets in the context

• Tactics Beyond Layoffs and Cutbacks

  16 Dec 2009 | 4:00 pm

  Five key tactics nonprofit leaders are using to survive the recession and thrive when the economy bounces back. For the full list, visit this link.

• How Governments Can Spur High Charity Performance

  9 Dec 2009 | 4:00 pm

  How Governments Can Spur High Charity Performance 2009 12 10 Ann Goggins Gregory Daniel Stid As government and nonprofit groups collaborate more closely, it's time for government at all levels to examine how to channel more money to high

• 
  Selfish Giving

• Cause Marketing Success Story: Ocean State Raises $212,000

  Joe Waters

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:43 am

  Back in December I told you about Ocean State Job Lot and their annual pinup programs to support the hospital. Despite a sputtering economy, Ocean State not only met its goal, it blew it away! During the month of December, Ocean State Job Lot raised $212,000! That’s almost 40% more than 2008. Moreover, these results put them on track to raise one million dollars for the hospital in just six years. Ocean State’s tag line is The Home of Adventure Shopping. The joy and enthusiasm shoppers and employees find in their stores obviously extends to their giving! Are you planning a cause…

• AFP Presentation: Cause Marketing for Nonprofits

  Joe Waters

  5 Feb 2010 | 7:11 am

  Thanks to everyone who came out to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Brown Bag today to hear me, Joanna MacDonald and Dan Curtin, General Manager of Zipcar Boston, talk about cause marketing. As promised, here are my slides from the presentation (at least the most relevant ones). I’ve linked them to several posts that might be helpful to you. What is Cause Marketing? Read my post of the same name, and be sure to check out the comments. Point-of-Sale. You can read about several great examples of pinup programs that support Komen, Jake’s Ride and BMC. Not familiar with…

• Selling Local Sponsorships for Nonprofits: Convincing Thinkers, Feelers & Deferers

  Joe Waters

  3 Feb 2010 | 9:20 am

  I’ve written four other posts to get you to this point: you’re sitting across from a decision maker and you finally have a shot of actually selling a sponsorship. Of course, you may not be talking to just one person. You may be pitching to a whole group. If so, you should check out an earlier post I wrote: Analyze, Organize, Energize: Keys to a Powerful Presentation. Rather than focusing on analyzing your listener(s), or how best to organize your key points, or dealing with the butterflies that invariably come with public speaking, this post looks at the means of persuasion…

• Cause Marketing Success Story: Jake’s Ride

  Joe Waters

  2 Feb 2010 | 9:12 am

  Back in September, I introduced you to my friend Beth Pfiel (@readerbean) and her nonprofit The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation. Beth had asked for my help creating their first cause marketing campaign, a pinup program with Garden of Eden, a grocer and specialty food store with five locations in New York and one in New Jersey. Beth had a busy fourth quarter, but we recently had a chance to catch up about the results of the program. With just six small grocery stores participating Beth raised over $6,000. Her best store raised $1,700. In addition to being the top pinup…

• Selling Local Sponsorships for Nonprofits: Reaching Out to Prospects

  Joe Waters

  28 Jan 2010 | 7:00 am

  Now that you have some strategies for finding qualified prospects, let’s look at making some progress at getting some extended face time with new prospects that are neither current sponsors nor aware of your organization. Yep, I’m talking about prospects in that outer ring and making cold calls. Regardless of the channel of communication (e.g. phone, email, in person at say a networking event), the following rules apply: Your #1 goal is to stay prospect-centric. Always be prepared to adjust your messaging with prospects to meet their needs, interests and goals. You may…

• 
  SocialFish

• PR and Social Media: Across the Blogosphere

  Maddie Grant

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am

  Lindy and I have been invited to post regularly on K Street Cafe,  a cool multi-authored blog about public affairs/public relations/advocacy and social media.  Here’s the blurb: “K Street Café is a blog where experts from a variety of backgrounds share new and novel ways technology, the Internet and social media are being used to shape public policies. As new media tactics are introduced, K Street Café will examine how advocacy organizations are continually changing the way they execute public affairs campaigns Contributors to the blog will highlight and analyze the shift from…

• Mailchimp Introduces Geolocation for Email

  Lindy Dreyer

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:51 am

  This is kind of a big deal. In a perfect world, we’d have clean email lists that include location data for each address. But my world is not perfect, and I’m guessing I’m not the only one.  So when Mailchimp announced that they’ve enabled geo tracking in their latest release, I pretty much did the happy dance right on the spot. How do they do it? Basically, they are able to track IP addresses for people who interact with you during the double opt-in process, by opening your email and displaying images, or by clicking on a link in your email. Is it perfect? No. But…

• Best iPhone Apps from Nonprofits and Associations

  Maddie Grant

  6 Feb 2010 | 6:17 am

  We want to write a post about the best iPhone apps from nonprofits and associations.   Help us out.  Do you have one already?  Tell us about it in the comments.  If not… are you ready to think about going mobile? We were!  … and we thought we’d test out the process of making an app.   We searched around and decided to go with AppMakr – simple and inexpensive (two prerequisites for experimenting, right?).  The process was easy.  This app works by pulling in feeds – from your blog, from your Twitter feeds, even from YouTube.  You set it up in minutes, and…

• Water Cooler Chat 2/5

  Maddie Grant

  5 Feb 2010 | 8:30 am

  Please join us for our Water Cooler chats, hosted in conjunction with Engage365, on FRIDAYS at 1 pm CST/2 pm EST. That’s today!! We’ll be talking a lot about all the various interesting issues around using social media at events… but as usual, we’ll also talk about anything else that’s on your mind. So come armed with serious questions / topics / issues / problems or just drop in to shoot the breeze on Friday afternoons. Can’t wait to chat with you! Last week we talked about a whole bunch of stuff, including Apple’s big iPad announcement and some…

• Gearing up for #Tech10

  Lindy Dreyer

  5 Feb 2010 | 5:33 am

  Maddie and I are getting ready for #tech10–the ASAE Technology Conference happening next week. Or, at least, we’re getting ready to get ready for #tech10. How did February sneak up on me? So…here’s what the SocialFish will be getting into while we’re at the conference next week. Our Session(s) RUTI Volunteer Town Hall: Building, Launching and Nurturing an Online Community–Thursday at 2:45pm. We’re gonna be talking about the process of launching an online community, using the ASAE Collaborate site as the case study. You’ll hear from people who…

• 
  Get Me Jamie Notter

• Paying the Price for Truth

  Jamie

  3 Feb 2010 | 5:51 am

  Last week I suggested that if you want a culture of truth in your organization, perhaps that needs to start at the top. Several of the comments chimed in with a "you're darn right it does." The top controls resources, the top decides strategy, the top sets the example, so they need to step up and lead the culture change. I get that, of course. The top does have an absolutely critical role to play. But deep down I wanted someone to jump up and say "NO!" Let's face it: I'm a systems guy and a Gen Xer, so ultimately I don't want the top of the hierarchy to actually be in charge. My honorary…

• A Culture of Truth Starts at the Top (?)

  Jamie

  27 Jan 2010 | 5:57 am

  I clearly have some issues with hierarchy, and since I'm all about systems, I often find myself pointing out ways that people who are NOT in official positions of power can work to make things happen, change things, etc. In general, if someone says X needs to come from the top of the organization, I find myself pushing back, arguing that while the top certainly needs to do something, you (in the middle, at the bottom, wherever) also can be doing something.But I wonder if that general philosophy does not apply as much to the challenge of building an organization where more truth is spoken.

• Leading Broken Organizations

  Jamie

  20 Jan 2010 | 5:57 am

  Bruce Butterfield has created an interesting dialogue over on the ASAE listserve when he compared the association community to the struggling/dying industry of newspapers. Maddie posted about it, as did Peggy. Glen Tecker did a pushback post, arguing that we shouldn't compare the plights of for-profit companies to associations because they have such different purposes. Quoting Glen, "Their [nonprofits] mission is to serve; not sell."First, I'll have to write another post on the notion that for profit companies exist solely for profit. That makes no sense to me because for profit companies are…

• Governance Month: "I don't want to be the one who screwed things up"

  Jamie

  18 Jan 2010 | 5:54 am

  I have heard this phrase a lot in the context of association governance (which is this month's theme on the Acronym blog, by the way). Jeffrey Cufaude mentioned it in a blog comment recently as one reason why association governance tends to be conservative. They don't take big risks, because people on the current Board who would vote to take those risks don't want to be remembered as the ones that made the bad decisions.Do you live your life that way? I mean, you are your own Board of Directors and you have a lifetime appointment. It will always be YOU that made that decision. Do you not do…

• Love Your Clients

  Jamie

  14 Jan 2010 | 6:02 am

  I know some people get a little antsy when you start talking about "love" in the workplace. That's their prerogative. I also know that some of the most brilliant people I know embrace the idea with reckless abandon. I have decided to join forces with those people. Love and passion and deep human engagement are not only acceptable in the workplace, in my opinion, I think they are going to drive the more successful organizations and enterprises from now on. This is not a new idea, nor is it particularly radical. But people seem to be afraid of it. So let's just explore it and take some of the…

• 
  The School for Social Entrepreneurs

• O2, social enterprise, and hitting the mainstream

  Nick Temple

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:26 am

  Amongst all the hullabaloo and fall-out from the launch of the Social Enterprise Mark (see previous post for our take), most commentators missed what I think could be a much more important announcement made at Voice 10 last week: that...

• (Social enterprise) mark my words....

  Nick Temple

  1 Feb 2010 | 7:05 am

  One of the (many!) benefits of working at the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) is that we don’t have to spend too much of our time involved in the definition debates about “what is a social enterprise?” Social entrepreneurs start...

• "So long for now" from an SSE intern

  Nick Kang

  29 Jan 2010 | 7:01 am

  And there it goes: my one month internship at the School for Social Entrepreneurs – both physically and experientially a world away from home. What I was hoping to do in my last blog posting for the SSE was to...

• Intern Update: Last Week at the SSE

  Matthew Gallagher

  28 Jan 2010 | 9:59 am

  So tomorrow will mark Nick Kang and my last day at the London School for Social Entrepreneurs and I don't think either one of us can really believe the month is over already. This experience has been a great start...

• Working with Young People: a peer learning session

  Nick Kang

  28 Jan 2010 | 5:00 am

  Just two days ago, the SSE was able to organise a learning session that not only transformed the way individuals thought about young people, but how to work with these young people to define and work towards common goals. This...

• 
  AFP Blog: Recent News of Note

• FriendFeed on Facebook

  Reed

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:48 am

  FriendFeed on Facebook: "Instead of helping teens plot out their future, Manly was intent on spending his retirement helping the elderly die with dignity. He signed up for hours of orientation to be a volunteer in the palliative care unit of Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care.'I find this work so gratifying,' says Manly, 65, who was deeply affected by his father's difficult death back in 1992. 'I

• Money can't make me happy, says millionaire giving his riches away

  Reed

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:14 pm

  Money can't make me happy, says millionaire giving his riches away: "An Austrian tycoon is giving away every penny of his $5 million Cdn fortune after realizing that his riches were making him unhappy.Karl Rabeder, 47, a businessman from Telfs near Innsbruck, is in the process of selling his 3,455sq ft villa with lake, sauna and spectacular mountain views over the Alps, valued at $2.34 million."

• Wealth is leaving New Jersey, BC study shows - Daily Business Update - The Boston Globe

  Reed

  5 Feb 2010 | 7:42 am

  Wealth is leaving New Jersey, BC study shows - Daily Business Update - The Boston Globe: "Wealth is leaving New Jersey, BC study showsFebruary 5, 2010 06:38 AM E-mail| |Comments (2)| Text size – +Globe StaffFrom 2004 through 2008, $70 billion dollars in wealth left New Jersey while the state’s charitable capacity declined by $1.13 billion, according to a new report from Boston College’s Center on

• http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/fp/Donor+programs+athletes/2516095/story.html

  Reed

  5 Feb 2010 | 5:44 am

  "But corporate and private donor programs are crucial to the athlete funding mix. More than 25 per cent of Own the Podium funding comes from corporate Olympic sponsors, while private contributions are being sought more than ever to complete the funding picture."

• Nonprofits Connect for Hope

  Reed

  4 Feb 2010 | 12:47 pm

  Nonprofits Connect for Hope: "BETTER YET, she said, patients will have ready access to a variety of other services under the same roof. Also sharing 13525 Dulles Technology Drive, one of three buildings across the street from Dulles Executive Plaza, are six other nonprofit groups — Just Neighbors, which provides immigration legal services; the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia; the Housing

• 
  Wild Apricot Blog main feed

• Twitter Maps to Promote Your Events

  Rebecca

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:08 am

  Do you use Twitter to remind your members of a meeting or fundraising event? Here's a free tool that easily creates a special map to go with your tweet, so people will be sure to find your event. Twitter users can even RSVP or add a comment, if you choose to allow those options....(read more)

• New Statistics on Internet, Social Media Use

  Rebecca

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:26 am

  A number of findings in a newly released study by Pew Internat on Social Media and Young Adults will be of interest to nonprofits who seek to connect with or recruit members and donors online....(read more)

• Wild Apricot Software News January-February 2010

  Chief_Apricot

  2 Feb 2010 | 10:39 pm

  Wild Apricot software news for February 2010 The first half of January was slow as most of our developers were taking some well-earned time off. (We did have to deal with a small bump — a number of clients experienced problems with the link tracking function, so we were hunting down the cause. It turned out that a small typo was made in the configuration of one of the servers when we publishes a quick fix at the end of December. As a result, some of the people using link tracking — those who happened...(read more)

• Is the Right Person Doing Your Nonprofit's Social Media?

  Rebecca

  2 Feb 2010 | 7:02 pm

  Who handles the social media marketing for your nonprofit? Often, in a small organization, the job falls to the most enthusiastic person — or to the Gen Yer on staff (on the theory that “that generation knows all about this web stuff”) — but wouldn’t it be nice if there were some convenient scoring system to help you pick the right person? Tom Humbarger has come up with a skills-assessment matrix based on the D.A.R.C. framework suggested by Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah in their hit marketing...(read more)

• 24+ Free Webinars for Nonprofits - February 2010

  Rebecca

  1 Feb 2010 | 11:37 am

  For the shortest month of the year, February is shaping up with a pretty good selection of free online training opportunities for folks working in nonprofits and associations. Keep an eye on the comments here for additions and updates, too!...(read more)

• 
  NP Communicator

• Getting the E-Word Out – Social Media for LGBT Anti-Tobacco

  Gordon

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:25 pm

  Wondering where I’ve been (I’d like to think so!) — the answer is, since January, mostly learning how to use my new phone I’m an android now, i guess. You know–the mad whirl of a nonprofit trainer leaves so little time for blogging, dahlings. I have been saving some good stuff up, so watch this space! Just a quick note now to frame some thoughts on prevention in the LGBT community–today Chicago Dept of Health sponsored “Getting the E-Word Out.” (presentation below except for Gustavo and Simone’s darn it–hey guys send me your…

• Facebook fundraising success and the BloNo conspiracy unveiled

  Gordon

  14 Dec 2009 | 5:52 am

  Bianca Berkhia, discusses La Casa Norte’s campaign to get 50o Facebook fans by the end of 2009 and how her organization uses social media for its fundraising and communicaitons today from Community Media Workshop on Vimeo. Ever since Beth Kanter posted in November about whether small nonprofits can succeed with social media (a post that garnered a lot of comments), I’ve been wondering about stories and proof that, indeed, integrating these new modes of communication into our work is part of our future at nonprofits with budgets under $1 million — especially organizations…

• Audiences: Making a Connection (Guest Post by Robyn Stein)

  Gordon

  3 Dec 2009 | 3:34 pm

  Robyn is a marketing and communications consultant for nonprofits and can be reached at stein.robyn @gmail.com Robyn and I met a few years ago at the TrueSpin conference, Jason Salzman’s biennial gathering of nonprofit communicators in Denver (more about that at the bottom). In October over NYC-diner toasted corn muffins and coffee we discussed that the basic rules of communications adapt well to the online world–as Robyn demonstrates in thinking about audience, and how to segment or subdivide those we seek to reach into smaller groups, the better to connect with them. How do you…

• Chicago Arts Marketers Get Seriously Collaborative

  Gordon

  1 Dec 2009 | 11:48 am

  Luis De La Torre's art studio in a Bridgeport warehouse is classic, but threatened by a tough market. That is one of the themes that may emerge from Studio Chicago, a year-long project to promote events for or about artists and the spaces where they create--one of several new initiatives to help market arts events. DeLaTorre artist from Flickr, used w/permission. I love this picture of Luis De La Torre’s studio. I also know from my co-worker Diana that it’s touch and go for Luis (who is her husband) to maintain his space because of economic hard times disproportionately…

• Chicago nonprofit awesome holiday gift ideas

  Gordon

  21 Nov 2009 | 12:22 pm

  Shoot and Score, by V'ron, from flickr I scoff at Christmas decorations in stores before Thanksgiving is over, but in the spirit of, if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em & for those of us already thinking about spending our scant $$ for holiday gifts–it seemed like a good moment to list nonprofits that sell stuff — specifically, gifts for the holidays! This post was inspired by lunch a week or 2 ago with Megy Karydes — writer, marketing/PR consultant and born and bred Chicagoan. So, full disclosure, a bunch of these are folks she works for. I’ve…

• 
  Cause Marketing

• Why Doesn't Your Cause Marketing Generate as Much Money as the Super Bowl?

  Paul Jones is the president of

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:29 am

  An open letter to my friends in the nonprofit world. Dear Nonprofit Marketer:The Super Bowl was yesterday. It attracted the largest TV audience for any TV show ever in the United States with 106.5 million viewers. The Winter Olympics are a few days away. The World Cup is about 4 months from now. So I'm opening up Peabody's Way Back Machine to a post I wrote in 2007 that asks, 'why doesn't your

• Instant-On Cause Marketing

  Paul Jones is the president of

  4 Feb 2010 | 10:29 am

  One of the remarkable things about the Internet is the way it enables you to turn on a cause marketing campaign in about an hour.Old style cause marketing relied on the old media, which is a little like an electric stove. Turn it on and after a while it’s hot.By contrast, cause marketing on the Internet is like a gas stove. Turn the dial and the heat is on.Short case in point. The small website

• Cause Marketing Wiki

  Paul Jones is the president of

  2 Feb 2010 | 1:28 pm

  For about eight years now I’ve been collecting all the cause marketing I come across in a database, mainly expressed as advertising creative.Alden Keene and Associates now has a database of more than 1,500 cause marketing examples.The problem, of course, is that while I probably see more cause marketing than the average person on the street, even with RSS feeds and Google Alerts, I almost

• Green Up Your Cause Marketing

  Paul Jones is the president of

  28 Jan 2010 | 7:54 am

  One of the complaints greens have about cause marketing is that it typically incentivizes and rewards the purchase of more stuff. Stuff that might be useful for a while but eventually ends up in a landfill somewhere.Into this conundrum came Sprint, the mobile service provider, and Samsung, the handset maker.Together they came up with a cause marketing campaign that mitigates some of those usual

• Cause Marketing Efforts in Support of Haitian Earthquake Relief

  Paul Jones is the president of

  26 Jan 2010 | 2:11 pm

  It can’t come to soon for those in Haiti, but cause marketers… including some from smaller entities… are using the power of cause marketing to support relief efforts in the earthquake battered country.What follows is a representative few. But it’s an important list because it demonstrates that you don’t have to be an A-list celebrity, like George Clooney and pals, to do your part.If you see more

• 
  So what can I do?

• Change the world.

  Karama

  6 Oct 2014 | 3:52 pm

  How will you make our world a better place?* Health and education* Economics, social entrepreneurship, and microfinance* Food and water* Energy and technology* Women, children, and family* Environment, land, and sustainability* FaithAnd don’t forget to visit the So What Can I Do Bookstore. Your efforts can change the world.”Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mohandas GandhiPlease visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting…

• Join the So What Can I Do blood donation team.

  Karama

  20 Jun 2009 | 8:40 pm

  I went to the Red Cross blood center today and gave a pint. Regular readers and regular donors know that blood donation is a fast and easy way to save up to three lives. You never know when you or someone you know will need blood. So please consider donating blood, platelets, or red cells. And if you do, you’re invited to join the So What Can I Do Red Cross Racing Team. Here’s how:• Visit redcrossracing.com .• After you register scroll to the bottom and click “Team Competition.”• Enter the So What Can I Do team code: O?67SO .• Remember to log your donations to win points and…

• Celebrate World Free Your Mind Day – June 19th.

  Karama

  18 Jun 2009 | 9:07 pm

  I spent this Juneteenth thinking about what my family would have been like if my great-great-granddaddy Griffin Henry Belk hadn’t walked off that plantation when he did. I expect it would have made a huge difference, because when Griffin Henry Belk left, he was able to travel (searching for his parents), purchase land (160 acres for $11 in Ozan, Arkansas), and generally prepare to provide for his wife and five children to come. So I woke up Juneteenth morning and told my daughter about her great-great-great-granddaddy. Even though she’s only two, I expect it resonated with her, or will…

• Make Kiva microloans in the US.

  Karama

  11 Jun 2009 | 9:04 pm

  I’ve written frequently about microloans - how the concept spread as a tool for economic development, how to lend and get your money back – sometimes with with interest, making a loan a no cost to you, etc. But my most popular post on the topic discusses microloans in the US. I’m pleased to report that there is now another option for those interested in making microloans in the US. Kiva now offers the opportunity to make microloans in the US. If you’re in the US, this is a great way to help your neighbors move ahead through entrepreneurship. And if you need a microloan, this means…

• Be the match: Join the Marrow Registry for free June 8-22.

  Karama

  25 May 2009 | 7:58 pm

  Earlier today when I wanted to forward my post on cord blood donation, I realized that most of the links had gone dead. While updating them, I was pleased to learn about the upcoming Marrowthon from the National Marrow Donor Program. NMDP has set a goal of adding 46,000 new members to the marrow registry during this drive. Each new member increases the odds that someone with a life threatening blood disease will live, and live well – disease free.Joining is easy: just take the eligibility quiz, fill out a form, and swab your cheeks for a cell sample. (I had to give a bit of blood for…

• 
  The Fine Print: blog posts from OMBWatch

• Sound and Furry or a Tell?

  cjennings

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:01 am

  <!--break--> The Budget Brigade never finds itself short of words when it comes to commenting on the president's budget proposal. But it is, after all, just a proposal. What is the practical effect of the president's budget? Bruce Bartlett writing at Capital Gains and Games in a great post on of the history of federal budget making says "not much." Given all these changes in the budget process, the president's budget has been greatly diminished in importance. Whereas it was once the necessary starting point for all budget discussion, since that was the only place the numbers even existed,…

• Second Open Government Directive Deadline this Saturday

  rstrother

  5 Feb 2010 | 8:04 am

  Despite the major snowpocolypse expected to hit DC tonight, some government agencies are getting a head start on the next major OGD deadline.  This Saturday will be the 60th day since the publication of the new agency-wide transparency policy.  Check out ProPublica’s Transparency Tracker for a full list of agencies that have developed an open-government website. In addition to the Saturday deadline for each agency to host an open government web portal located at www.[agency].gov/open to serve as the public gateway for all agency OGD related activity there are other…

• Estate Tax Foes Attempt to Enlist Religious Conservatives

  gtherkildsen

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:27 pm

  <!--break--> It seems old Dick Patten at the American Family Business Institute (AFBI) is up to his old tricks again, trying to scare people about the estate tax with lies and distortions in an attempt to gin up support to kill the tax in Congress. This time, though, he's adopted pious language to spread the gospel of the "evils" of the tax among religious conservatives. In a recent article, Rebecca Foerg-Spittel over at Campus Progress, a project of the Center for American Progress, details the interesting press conference Patten headed up last week at the offices of the conservative…

• Groups Call on Obama to Reform Faith-Based Office

  aadams

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:03 pm

  OMB Watch, along with religious and public policy organizations, sent President Barack Obama a letter on the anniversary of the Executive Order establishing the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The groups asked Obama to, "take additional actions to prevent government-funded religious discrimination and protect social service beneficiaries from unwelcome proselytizing." The letter details specific proposals to protect civil rights in federally funded social services, including banning employment discrimination based on religion in tax-funded projects.

• Transparency Community Voices Concerns over Data.gov

  rstrother

  4 Feb 2010 | 1:57 pm

  Yesterday, a group of organizations, including OMB Watch, submitted concerns with the high-value datasets published on Data.gov in compliance with the requirements of the Open Government Directive (OGD) issued on Dec. 8. The OGD required that agencies submit at least three high value datasets within 45 days through Data.gov.   These groups outlined the major problems with the site and its implementation thus far.  I have summarized these issues below. <!--break--> Yesterday, a group of organizations, including OMB Watch, submitted concerns with the high-value datasets…

• 
  Nonprofit PR

• Take One -- They're FREE

  Building Blocks Daycare &amp; Preschool

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:14 am

  I thought that was funny.And here's something else for free, just for my blog readers: a link to one of my tutorials, this one simple Storytelling devices you can use as shortcuts in your nonprofit communications.Click here for your free download.http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

• Mergers and financial matters

  Building Blocks Daycare &amp; Preschool

  3 Feb 2010 | 6:01 am

  Thomas A. McLaughlin speaking Tuesday in Fort Wayne, IndianaTwo related matters today, both touching on nonprofit finances and cooperation, collaboration or mergers. Yesterday, I was privileged to attend a lecture hosted by the Foellinger Foundation. the speaker was Thomas A. McLaughlin, author of Streetsmart Financial Basics for Nonprofit Managers. McLaughlin is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit financial management and organizational strategy. An audience of about 200 nonprofit executives heard McLaughlin discuss how to avoid what he calls financial “blind spots” that can lead…

• Writing a grant? Call first; and don't be afraid to inquire if rejected!

  Building Blocks Daycare &amp; Preschool

  25 Jan 2010 | 6:25 am

  A week or so ago I wrote about calling foundations before submitting grants (scroll down a few posts). I got an insightful reply from a colleague in Pennsylvania, Pamela Grant, author of "Five Days to Foundation Grants." Like me, Pam works with nonprofits large and small, but unlike me, she's more of an expert in grantwriting and fundraising, whereas I stick mostly to core communications for small foundations and their grantees. So I put a lot of weight in her feedback.VERBATIM:I've always been a huge proponent of nearly over-researching (I usually review the past 3 year's worth of 990's),…

• I'm Amazing

  Building Blocks Daycare &amp; Preschool

  23 Jan 2010 | 6:46 am

  I'm Amazing -- Keb MoTwo things today -- a great song, and a freebie. First, about the song, above. It's by a young blues artist (I'd say "blues lite") named Keb Mo (sometimes written Keb' Mo'). Regular stalkers of this blog may have noticed I like to share songs, especially in the Johnny Cash genre. This one's different -- and amazing. Uplifting. I hope you like it.And the freebie:Here, just for my blog readers, is a download to one of my best-selling tutorials, called Breakthrough Branding for Nonprofits. Just click here, and it's yours!http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping

• Adapting to the ways foundations have changed in the new economy

  Building Blocks Daycare &amp; Preschool

  21 Jan 2010 | 9:46 am

  Would you like to know the most important tool in researching appropriate grants from philanthropic foundations for your nonprofits? Read on. ...Today's post deals with seeking grants from philanthropic foundations. (One of my foundation clients tells me it's redundant to say, "philanthropic foundation." She may be right.)In the "new economy" (the recession/post-recession era), nonprofits have had to make many adjustments. So have foundations. Understanding those changes can mean the difference between securing appropriate grants the are available and getting a rejection letter from a…

• 
  Public Sector Marketing 2.0 - Mike Kujawski's blog on strategic marketing & social media engagment

• My response to the Twitter debate on the NYT and New Yorker Blogs

  Mike Kujawski

  4 Feb 2010 | 12:53 pm

  Chain of events: George Packer rants about Twitter on his New Yorker blog Nick Bilton from the NYT Bits Blog rants about George Packer’s blog post Both blog posts (especially Nick Bilton’s) generate a mass of comments illustrating the social media digital divide that still exists in our society. My response, which I posted on both blogs: “I can’t stop shaking my head reading some of the comments on here. Why? Because far too many people are still looking at Twitter at a micro-level (i.e. the actual application). Forget the name “Twitter” for a second.

• Need help in creating a central list of mobile government websites in Canada

  Mike Kujawski

  2 Feb 2010 | 9:17 am

  As you likely already know I’m a strong advocate of anything mobile, especially given how much time I spend on the road. I’ve been asked quite a bit lately to provide examples of Canadian mobile government websites. The main two that always come to mind come from CATSA (full disclosure: they are a client) & PHAC.I know there are plenty more. What I’m surprised not to have found however, is some sort of central website/directory that provides a list of all Canadian government departments currently offering mobile versions of their websites. If you know of such a list,…

• 2009 Social Media User Segments

  Mike Kujawski

  1 Feb 2010 | 5:28 pm

  A while back I read the book “Groundswell” by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff from Forrester Research. I was very impressed at the time, with what seemed to be the most comprehensive analysis of social media user segments available, explained very nicely in a book. I have since used many of their graphs and diagrams in my presentations, however I always wished that there was a better way to use their research. Naturally, this goldmine of data was bound to evolve into something more interactive, customizable and useful for people actually trying to apply it. Enter the Consumer Profile…

• Jokes aside, the iPad is BIG news

  Mike Kujawski

  27 Jan 2010 | 2:05 pm

  This quick post is for all of my non gadget-geek readers that likely had no idea that Apple launched the iPad today at 1PM EST. What is the iPad? There are enough search results on Google to keep you busy for a while. But before you do that, watch this video: My big three take-aways: It leverages the existing Apple application platform. Basically, it has hit the ground running with 140,000 apps already developed for it. The iBooks store. This will kill existing e-readers unless they agree on a common platform, which likely won’t happen. Smart positioning. It’s not meant to replace…

• Hidden Canadian Government Gems

  Mike Kujawski

  24 Jan 2010 | 7:45 pm

  I’ve mentioned this before and I’ll mention it again, certain government departments are full of great hidden online products/tools that few people know of. Those outside of government walls may find it hard to believe, but it’s true. Some departments have been told to keep a low-profile on their offering for political reasons, others don’t yet realize just how much value they could potentially bring to audiences beyond their existing niche. In other cases still, it’s the complete lack of a well thought out marketing strategy that is to blame. This will soon…

• 
  Breaking News

• National media briefing: Haiti charity single, Amnesty International, Macmillan Cancer Support - and David and Victoria Beckham

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:47 am

• Gnostics rule out appeal but will complain to Charity Commission

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm

  Organisation says it has been "messed around" over its refused application for charitable status

• Frances McCandless to be first chief executive of Charity Commission for Northern Ireland

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm

  Former director of policy at NICVA is appointed

• More sanctions in prospect for street fundraisers

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm

  PFRA intends to give penalty points for poor practice

• British Waterways hopes to become a charity

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm

  Move would make it the 13th-largest voluntary organisation

• 
  Inside Philanthropy

• Recession pushing nonprofits back to basics

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:40 am

  By Todd CohenDespite the flood of giving for relief efforts following the Haiti earthquake, reports on the giving sector underscore the need for nonprofits to get their shops in order and focus on the fundamentals of doing business.Giving continues to decline.Echoing an ongoing downward trend in the charitable marketplace, a new study last week by the Council for Aid to Education reported a decline of 11.9 percent in charitable contributions to colleges and universities in the U.S.And Dunham+Company, a consultant to Christian ministries, found in a recent survey that, despite a decline in the…

• Haiti relief underscores deeper needs

  1 Feb 2010 | 3:18 am

  By Todd CohenWhile Americans quickly dug deep to support relief efforts in the wake of the earthquake in Haiti, the outpouring of generosity also serves as a troubling reminder of our ongoing failure to better address social and global needs that are urgent, persistent and deeply rooted.Just as they did after 9/11, Katrina and the Asian tsunamis, individuals, companies and foundations after the Haiti quake have done what Americans do best in times of crisis: They got involved and gave.What we often seem to forget, however, is that we face a perpetual crisis, one the recession simply has…

• Haiti relief shows digital giving’s potential

  25 Jan 2010 | 8:29 am

  By Todd CohenThe massive charitable response to the devastation in Haiti should be a wake-up call for the charitable marketplace.Using text-messaging and other digital applications, givers quickly have donated millions of dollars to relief effortsGivers also showed social media can be powerful tools for charitable giving.Just as online giving came of age in the days after 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the tsunamis in Asia, the Twitter generation has shown through its Haiti relief that texting is a strategy all nonprofits need to understand and put to use.The challenge for nonprofits is figuring…

• A new model for nonprofit journalism

  18 Jan 2010 | 4:58 am

  By Todd CohenI am delighted to report that the Philanthropy Journal has become a program of the Institute for Nonprofits at N.C. State University in Raleigh.At a time of huge financial and operating challenges for the nonprofit sector, the move will expand the services the Journal and the Institute provide to the nonprofit sector.The Journal, which will be self-sufficient and not supported by state funds, will be able to “tap into scholarship on the nonprofit sector, reach new audiences and provide more news and resources for readers,” says Mary Tschirhart, the Institute’s director.

• Recession should spur smarter grantmaking

  4 Jan 2010 | 2:57 am

  By Todd CohenDespite the stress it has placed on the giving sector, the recession should be fueling greater innovation and collaboration in the charitable marketplace and making nonprofits stronger.And just as the economic crisis has spurred nonprofits to rethink their strategies, grantmakers should be looking for ways to work smarter.That’s the view of Kathleen P. Enright, president and CEO of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations.In a year-end statement, Enright offers recommendations for grantmakers.While they may be tempted to focus on charities with the greatest need, she says, a…

• 
  EveryJoe

• Is Kansas For Real?

  Lyndsey D'Arcangelo

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:42 am

  Now that the pro football season has  come to end (shout out to the Saints — Who Dat!), we can concentrate fully on basketball without any needless distractions. There is so much parody in college basketball this season. Every time a new team reaches the number 1 spot in the polls, they get beat. The movement between the top 25 teams has been so fluid that you can’t really figure out who’s got a leg up on who? Kansas protected the number one spot on Monday with a win against Texas. That’s why when Kansas took over at number 1, I thought, “this is only going to last…

• PSA Screening Detection: U.S. versus Europe

  Marijke Durning, RN

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:05 am

  Detection of prostate cancer using PSA blood levels (prostate specific antigen) is significantly lower in the United States than in Europe, say researchers. Prostate cancer screening using the PSA levels is being encouraged to detect early prostate cancer, but who is screened and how often depends on individual physicians or clinics. The U.S. National Institutes of Health site notes that higher risk men are usually recommended to be screened starting at the age of 40 or 45 years. For men with no risk factors for prostate cancer, such as family history, some doctors are not actively…

• Fallout 3: New Vegas Coming Fall 2010

  Amy Tucker

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:25 am

  I haven’t played Fallout 3 in months – maybe even a year. OK. I don’t think a whole year but it has been so long I can’t remember the last time Iplayed the game. Why is this important? Because Fallout 3 was amazing and wonderful and I LOVED it but after a while, I got incredibly bored with it. I also saw the ending of it while watching Tucker play his save and was so damn disappointed in the crap ending that I didn’t see a reason to keep on playing. BUT, now I’ve seen the New Vegas trailer and while I can’t exactly put my finger on why, New Vegas gets…

• “Bioshock 2” Is Now Available!

  Jeanne Dupuis

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:48 am

  The highly anticipated Bioshock 2 was released today and I can imagine that hundreds of copies are flying off the shelves as I type.   The original Bioshock was released back in 2007 and they’ve already got a great-looking follow up to the acclaimed game. The sequel is set about 10 years after the events of the first game and it all unfolds in the underwater city of Rapture.  A monster has been kidnapping little girls and you can’t exactly let that continue, can you?  In order to help them, though, you’re going to have to survive which might be easier said than done. Here are some…

• Ellen to Make “American Idol” Debut Tonight

  Jeanne Dupuis

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:38 am

  In a season filled with controversy, Ellen DeGeneres will be making her debut as the new judge on American Idol.  After Paula Abdul quit, it was a scramble to find someone to fill her seat and considering the fact that Ellen is such a huge fan of the show, I thought it was a good choice. image: Michael Becker / FOX Of course, there’s been all kinds of drama and there have been reports that Ellen is already clashing with fellow judge, Simon Cowell.   With viewership down, I’m sure they are hoping she can bring back the ratings and a feud with Simon would definitely help that. Post from:…

• 
  Philanthropy Action News and Commentary

• A Downside of Donor Education?

  timothy.ogden@sonapartners.com

  25 Jan 2010 | 9:59 am

  This is a guest post from Jeff Raderstrong, who blogs at Change Charity. Jeff’s views are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Philanthropy Action.—eds. Mario Morino’s recent column at Venture Philanthropy Partners’ blog underscores the concerns I have about focusing too much on donors in the effort to improve philanthropy. In an earlier post I argued that donors pushing for better measurement and accountability might not be as effective as non-profit employees pushing for those same reforms internally, but Morino takes it one step further and says…

• Will Donor Advice Do Any Good?

  timothy.ogden@sonapartners.com

  22 Jan 2010 | 2:38 am

  Update: I’ll be on Science Friday with Ira Flatow (NPR) at 2pm today, Jan. 22nd, discussing giving to Haiti and donor advice. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see a steady flow of high quality advice for donors responding to the Haitian earthquake. The New York Times profiled the efforts of two intrepid bloggers, Alanna Shaikh and Saundra Schimmelpfennig. Part of Ms. Schimmelpfennig’s effort has been to compile good advice from others, in addition to her own expertise, from around the world (if you haven’t seen the comprehensive advice compiled by Ms. Schimmelpfenning…

• Are Efforts to Help Donors Give Better Misdirected?

  timothy.ogden@sonapartners.com

  16 Jan 2010 | 9:59 am

  This is a guest post from Jeff Raderstrong, who blogs at Change Charity. Jeff’s views are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Philanthropy Action. Actually, we do in fact disagree with Jeff’s view, but we’re happy to have the debate.—eds. Maybe it’s my homegrown American sense of individualism, or maybe it’s those NBC public service announcements, but for some reason, I’ve always thought that with the right information, people could accomplish anything. I’ve applied this logic to philanthropic reform: If people just had access to…

• Is Agro-Imperialism Really Agro-Opportunity?

  timothy.ogden@sonapartners.com

  7 Jan 2010 | 1:59 am

  2009 may go down as the year that food scarcity emerged as a source of global economic opportunity. Yes, I just used the terms “food scarcity” and “economic opportunity” in the same sentence, and not without some concern. I find it theoretically distasteful that one group may go out of their way to benefit from the disadvantage of another, and so I began reading a few weeks ago with some trepidation two separate pieces—one in the Times, one in the Post—about the land-grab taking place in a part of Africa called the Guinea Savannah Zone. The Guinea Savannah…

• The Neocolonialists?

  timothy.ogden@sonapartners.com

  21 Dec 2009 | 6:23 pm

  Recently I was listening to Rory Stewart’s The Places In Between, the story of his walk across Afghanistan. Near the end of the book Stewart turns his attention to the aid agencies, public and private that had come rushing into Afghanistan. His observations are worthwhile reading for anyone interested in making international aid more effective, so I’m excerpting them here: Critics have accused this new breed of administrators of neocolonialism. But in fact their approach is not that of a 19th century colonial officer. Colonial administrations may have been racist and exploitative,…

• 
  eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog

• How to Raise More Money in Economically Challenging Times

  eJP

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:08 am

  This post was first published in September, 2009. It carries a timely message as donor conservation should be high on your agenda every day. by David A. Mersky If you are an executive or volunteer leader of a nonprofit agency, you know that you are approaching that season of the year when you expect to receive maybe as much as 70% of your annual philanthropic revenue. For some nonprofits, the last six weeks of the year brings in virtually all of their income. If you are a donor, then you can expect your mailbox – and, increasingly, your email inbox – to be inundated with…

• Rethinking Your Video Marketing

  Gail Hyman

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:07 am

  I have produced a lot of nonprofit videos over the years. Their primary purpose was to motivate potential donors to give. Some were received very well; others not so much. A well-known Hollywood producer I once met told me that making a hit is a hit-and-miss experience… sometimes you strike gold and sometimes tin. His words of wisdom have stuck with me. Today, creating a hit video is really not the point. It is all about being in the moment and in front of your audience frequently and in powerful, real ways. The rules of engagement have changed. It no longer makes sense to invest…

• Ben-Gurion U. Physicians Return from Haiti

  eJP

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:06 am

  Physicians affiliated with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) were among the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) medical and rescue delegation in Haiti. Marking their return, they were honored this week on BGU’s Marcus Family Campus. The delegation’s 236 members included 218 IDF soldiers and officers, and 18 civilians. In addition to the Israeli delegation, several graduates of BGU’s Medical School for International Health, an English-taught medical school in collaboration with Columbia University that focuses on emergency medicine, disaster relief and the developing world, were…

• Projection Shows Americans Will Give Less in ‘10

  eJP

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:05 am

  from The Chronicle of Philanthropy: How Much Will Americans Give in 2010? The economy’s sluggish growth suggests that American households will give 3.9 percent less to charity in 2010, according to a new projection by two researchers at Boston College’s Center on Wealth and Philanthropy. But if the economy heats up, donations could return to pre-recession levels in 2010. Bookmark:

• JTS’s Provost Disses Older Workers

  eJP

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:46 am

  According to a story in yesterday’s New York Post, Alan Cooper – JTS’s provost – “sent a mass e-mail last May to the school’s full-time staff advocating that older workers put themselves out to pasture. Baby boomers, he wrote “have created a kind of bottleneck in the work world. The frustration this poses for the young and talented should be obvious.” … The seminary did not return calls for comment.” [eJP note: We hope there is an innocent explanation for this story; or that the New York Post 'just got it wrong'. Either way, we look…

• 
  onLine!

• Making the Silo Break

  Zach Wales

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:01 pm

  Last week's Economist featured a special report on social media which argued that "social networking technologies are creating considerable benefits for the businesses that embrace them." This is nothing new to nonprofits, philanthropists and foundations. From America's Giving Challenge to Twesitval, social media has been an intrinsic part of our narrative. And it has always made sense. Unlike the corporate world, which is uniformly driven by profit, the nonprofit world is misuniformly driven by popular thought, social need, leadership and the responsible organization of resources. It's a…

• Happy New Media Year

  Zach Wales

  31 Dec 2009 | 10:42 am

  Happy New Media Year It's New Year's Eve, and my boss just told me to go home. Before doing that, I can't help but comment on the bizarre, sea change feeling this new decade gives me about the nonprofit industry, and what it means for social media geeks who hang around the office on New Years Eve. And since I'm a New Years-agnostic, this is a pretty big deal: According to a new report from the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers, 51 grantmakers said they expect to give fewer grants in 2010 than in 2009. They also ranked "technical assistance support and support for organizations…

• Looking Ahead to 2010 -- Web Trends & the Philanthropy Sector

  Jenn Thompson

  4 Dec 2009 | 3:52 pm

  Mashable's Pete Cashmore wrote about the 10 Web Trends to Watch in 2010 on CNN.com today. I think  many of these trends could and should spill into online fundraising and philanthropy in the near future. Here are a 3 trends to keep a charitable eye on:Real-timeThe instantaneous, real-time nature of Facebook, Twitter and other social networks provide immediacy, "a sense of living in the now", and can be "highly addictive." Progressive nonprofits have been catching on and using Twitter and Facebook Fan Pages to deliver this same type of real-time interactivity.  But I think the key here for…

• 30 Day Bing Challenge Concludes

  Eduardo Arias

  1 Dec 2009 | 8:42 pm

  Day 52 with Bing.After sticking to Bing as my primary search engine these last few weeks, I can say, with no doubt, that Microsoft has something great here.When it came to shopping and general non-technical related queries, I was very pleased with what Bing was dishing out. However, even with my positive experiences these last few weeks, I often resorted to Google when it came to technical and deeper searches, especially when needing my answer within the first 2 pages. It may be unusual to say, but if Microsoft leverages Bing well, it can own the general-population-search-engine niche. That…

• Social Media for Accountability Part 1: Board Governance

  Zach Wales

  12 Nov 2009 | 2:44 pm

  This is the first of a two-part article that addresses the internal application of social media to improve efficacy and accountability in the nonprofit industry. This installment demonstrates how social media can improve board and executive governance, while the next will look at the broader issue of charities, foundations and philanthropists. Last August, Pablo Eisenberg wrote in the Chronicle of Philanthropy that the “nonprofit world is intellectually moribund.” He added that charities and foundations “are in flux, besieged by rising expectations, an uncertain financial future, and a…

• 
  Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog

• Ensure Your E-News is Read – Not Dead – on Arrival

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:33 am

  I just wrapped up an hour-long teleconference for Network for Good’s Nonprofit 911 series titled “Ensuring Your E-Newsletters are Read – Not Dead – On Arrival This Year.” The focus of the call was on creating a newsletter strategy that really provides value for your readers. I created two new pages at Nonprofit Marketing Guide for the call: Making Your Newsletter Valuable to Your Readers, which I used as my speaking notes for the call Newsletter Ideas for Every Month of the Year, which helps you come up with good hooks for starting your articles The recording and…

• Mixed Links: Free Training, Special Deals, and Fab Info

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  2 Feb 2010 | 8:51 am

  With freezing rain falling and snow on the ground here in North Carolina, it’s time for some hot mixed links! Free Training on E-Newsletters I’m doing another free conference call for Network for Good’s Nonprofit 911 series, this time on Ensuring Your E-Newsletters are Read – Not Dead – On Arrival This Year. Join us next Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. As for our weekly webinar series here at Nonprofit Marketing Guide, here’s what’s coming up next: February 10: How to Write a Quick and Dirty Nonprofit Marketing Strategy February 16: 10 Ways…

• Integrating Your Website, Email Newsletter and Social Media Sites

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  26 Jan 2010 | 11:28 am

  Tomorrow I’m presenting a brand new webinar on How to Integrate Your Website, Email Newsletter, and Social Media Sites. It was the #1 requested topic in last fall’s survey of what you wanted to see on the weekly webinar series schedule. I have to admit, it’s a rather ambitious topic for one hour. I’m in the middle of the PowerPoint deck now trying to find the sweet spot between giving you enough information to really make a difference in your online marketing strategy and giving you too many to-do list items that you run screaming from the whole idea of integration.

• A New Coaching Program for Freelance Writers Serving Nonprofits

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  22 Jan 2010 | 10:04 am

  This blog is all about helping small nonprofits and one-person marketing departments communicate as effectively as possible with their supporters. Sometimes the best way to do that is to outsource your content creation to a professional freelance writer. The problem is that there really aren’t all that many writers who specialize in producing the kind of content that nonprofits need. At the same time, there are lots of freelance writers who would love to do more work for nonprofits, if they only knew how. To help solve both problems, I’m launching a new “Writing for…

• The One Question Your Annual Report Must Answer

  Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

  19 Jan 2010 | 12:42 pm

  A good nonprofit annual report answers the questions that donors are most likely to have about last year’s work: What did you do? Whom did you help? On what did you spend money? Where did that money come from? But the single most important question that your annual report must answer is “So what?” You did a bunch of stuff. So what? What changed in the world as a result? You helped a bunch of people. So what? How are their lives different now, and why does that matter? You raised money and you spent it. So what? What do your income and expenses tell us about your values,…

• 
  Nonprofit Law Blog

• Hiring a Foreign National for your Non-Profit: A World of Possibilities

  Gene Takagi

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:10 pm

  At first glance, the U.S. immigration system may seem too incomprehensible to an overworked non-profit executive or human resources professional to justify even considering the hiring of a foreign national for a position within his or her organization.  As with any other area of law, though, with the right legal advice, hiring a foreign national does not have to be daunting.  In fact, many non-profits can benefit from more favorable rules under the immigration regulations than those that apply to for-profit entities.  Here is a brief summary of some of the visa categories commonly utilized…

• Tweets of the Week - 2/5/10

  Gene Takagi

  6 Feb 2010 | 8:12 am

  Here are some of my favorite tweets from the past week: GTak: Why hybrid corps? Blended value missions are not protected by traditional corp laws. Typical mission anchors are not rock solid. GTak: Vermont BSR Legislative Initiative: For-Benefit Corporations - http://is.gd/7JyWc GTak: Changing Ecosystem of Change: B-certified Corp, Benefit Corp, Flexible Purpose Corp, L3C. Thanks @p2173, @philosopher20 for the meeting. GTak: From NTEN Community Call: admin and fundraising expenses allocations deviate widely among orgs - making comparisons invalid GTak: L3C Newspapers? - http://is.gd/7scJW -…

• Nonprofit Corporation Legal Audit

  Emily Chan

  1 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am

  All too often, the issue of legal compliance receives attention from a nonprofit corporation only after a conflict arises. Instead, a nonprofit corporation can better prevent conflicts and protect itself through regular legal audits. Financial audits alone, while important, will not sufficiently account for the bigger issue of overall compliance with state and federal laws. A legal audit will include a wide range information-gathering, such as:Organizational and Operation-related Documents Articles of Incorporation (and any amendments) Bylaws (and any amendments) A list of current board…

• Tweets of the Week - 1/29/10

  Gene Takagi

  29 Jan 2010 | 4:00 am

  Here are some of my favorite tweets from the past week: I'll be speaking at ReVisioning Value Conference (intersection of purpose + profit) in Portland on 4/26 - http://is.gd/75SuE The Long Arm of Charitable Solicitation Law from @charitylawyer - http://is.gd/6Tpul(Charity Lawyer Blog) Charitable solicitation regulation for the nonprofit sector -http://is.gd/6To6N(Center for Public Policy & Admin, Univ of Utah) @Philanthropy White House Aide Urges Foundations to Take More Risks - http://bit.ly/bgWJkV @CharityNav Jennifer Aniston donates half a million $ to…

• Citizens United Ruling

  Gene Takagi

  27 Jan 2010 | 8:56 am

  On January 21, 2009, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that corporations (including nonprofit corporations and unions) may make direct expenditures on political advertising in support of or in opposition to a candidate for public office.  While nonprofit leaders and commentators are still analyzing what this means for the nonprofit sector, there is no doubt that this 5-4 split decision will have tremendous impact on future campaigns and heighten the importance of nonprofit advocacy.According to The New York Times, President Obama called…

• 
  Nonprofit Leadership 601

• Confessions of a Third-Year Doctoral Student: Interpersonal Skils Matter the Most

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:26 pm

  An interesting exchange happened on the ARNOVA listserv a couple of days ago. A heated discussion started after someone asked what was appropriate to post on the listserv. Then there were a series pleas and replies where all sorts of emotions run rampant. This was not the first time this has happened on the listserv. This actually happens quite frequently.I read each reply and started to wonder, do I really want to pursue a career in a place where these types of heated discussions are the norm rather than the exception? Where at certain times egos and credentials are more important that…

• New to Nonprofit Finance and Accounting: Here's a Brief Overview

  20 Jan 2010 | 9:51 pm

  This will be the second year that I'll be co-teaching (as a Doctoral Teaching Assistant) the Nonprofit Finance course at University of San Diego. For those of you interested in understanding nonprofit finance here's a brief overview: The Unified Chart of Accounts was developed for nonprofits to use in their accounting practices. This chart of accounts makes it easier for nonprofits to file their annual 990 tax form. Introduction nonprofit financial terms (From Nonprofit Principles and Practice - Michael Worth - Chapter 12 Financial Management) Financial Accounting: “financial information…

• Donations to Haiti

  20 Jan 2010 | 6:03 pm

  I've been really busy with school right now to write a blog post about Haiti, however I just received an e-mail from my colleague Meg Busse who works for Idealist aka Action without Borders. Her e-mail provides info on how to donate to Haiti. Thanks Meg for the info!I've been getting lots of emails from friends about the best org to donate to to help in Haiti. While there's not a "best" org...there are lots of great ones to choose from. However, there's also a lot of clutter to cut through to figure out the options. That said...no pressure to do anything--it's really a personal decision. This…

• How will we measure impact in 2010?

  5 Jan 2010 | 11:13 pm

  I was in the middle of writing a blog post about a community impact study when I saw that Give and Take featured a lively discussion (hosted by Ken Berger) about organizational impact and community impact. I agree with Ken and Hildy in their discussion of impact. As Ken stated, many nonprofits do not incorporate evaluation methods in their organizations. This is important to keep in mind when we (researchers and consultants) study impact within nonprofit organizations, we must present evaluation tools that nonprofits will understand and use (See Carmen's research about nonprofit evaluation…

• American Humanics Management Institute - preparing college students to change the world!

  3 Jan 2010 | 1:19 pm

  American Humanics (the premier organization that equips college and university students to become skilled professionals and leaders in America's nonprofit organizations) is holding its annual Management Institute (AHMI) this week in Phoenix, Arizona. AHMI is an intensive educational symposium that provides college and university students their capstone experience in nonprofit management and leadership education. I attended AHMI many years ago and really benefited from the experience. You can follow blog updates from there conference here and tweets here. (Hash Tag #AHMI2010) Go AHMI!!

• 
  Open hands

• Excited about media

  Mark Petersen

  5 Feb 2010 | 10:08 am

  Just had a coffee with a new friend, Brooks Reynolds.  Wow, I’m so impressed by his work.  He is a fantastic, intuitive photographer who knows how to catch the right moment and hold it before the viewer: the drop of water lunging off the chin of a child swimming, the smoke of a cigarette wafting across the body of a reclined worker.  Brooks exudes excitement for the possibilities that visual media offer the world. While he is eminently capable of securing work in the corporate sector – he counts the Hamilton Ti-Cats and London’s Fanshawe College as clients – he is…

• Buying sex is not a sport

  Mark Petersen

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:14 am

  Listen Up TV did a good episode (see below for the highlights) which reveal the dark reality of trafficking human beings for the purposes of sexual exploitation.  This commodifying of humanity is ugly and should not be something we tolerate.   As well, view the work of REED (Resist Exploitation, Embrace Dignity) from Vancouver, where they are gearing up for the Olympics with a campaign entitled Buying Sex is Not a Sport. Filed under: Canada, Justice, Vancouver, Women

• Surprise of the day

  Mark Petersen

  4 Feb 2010 | 8:45 am

  We had something happen yesterday that has never happened before at our foundation.  We partnered with a charity on a particular project, and sent them the money.  They did the project, reported back faithfully, and then yesterday came the surprise. They sent us back the project’s unused funds. It is interesting the position various charities assume.  Some report back a surplus when a project runs under budget, but don’t ask us for our opinion.  In discovering the surplus through their reporting, we then take the initiative then to inquire how they plan to use the remaining…

• Transaction and transformation in Colombia

  Mark Petersen

  3 Feb 2010 | 6:46 am

  How would you like your banker to make house calls?   My second Colombia post (as promised) relates to the beginning of our trip there two weeks ago: revisiting the northern coast of the country to review progress being made as Opportunity International Colombia evolves into becoming a financial institution directed to the lowest income populations throughout the country. This dream began on a trip in early 2005 when Opportunity International’s Jim Frantz and I brainstormed one day in a hotel room in Bogotá.  (Our friendship goes back to 1994 when we both lived in that city, but I…

• 11 years after Colombia earthquake

  Mark Petersen

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:57 am

  Those of you who were following my twitter feed saw that I was in Colombia the past tw0 weeks, following up on several past projects we have been intimately involved in.  The nature of these trips is intense with not a lot of time for blogging, and I’m only able now to focus a bit to relate some of my thoughts. I’ll post twice – on each of the major projects I spent time with. The first has particular application to the current situation we see now in Haiti.  On January 25, 1999 the city of Armenia, Colombia suffered a 6.2 earthquake.  The Colombian tragedy was far less…

• 
  PhilanTopic

• Transparency: One Size Does Not Fit All

  Mitch Nauffts

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:06 am

  (Bradford Smith is president of the Foundation Center. In his previous post, he introduced the center's Glasspockets initiative and made the case for why foundations need to be more transparent The Foundation Center recently launched Glasspockets, a free Web portal designed to encourage greater transparency in the world of philanthropy. Among its many features, the one that has raised the most questions is "Who Has Glasspockets?", which profiles the nation's largest foundations according to twenty-two online transparency and accountability criteria. Every one of…

• Weekend Link Roundup (February 6 - 7, 2010)

  Regina Mahone

  7 Feb 2010 | 1:03 pm

  Our weekly roundup of new and noteworthy posts from and about the nonprofit sector.... Communications/Marketing On the Future Fundraising blog, Jeff Brooks explains how irrelevant images in fundraising appeals can "keep [your organization] from raising the funds [it] needs." Disaster Relief Writing on the Harvard Business Review blog, Uncharitable author Dan Pallotta argues that the reason people are giving so much money to Haiti relief efforts is simple: "They are hearing about it." And therein lies an important lesson for nonprofits, says Pallotta. The media is creating a huge market for…

• Financial Ratios, Babies, and Bathwater

  Mitch Nauffts

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:48 am

  (Dahna Goldstein is the founder of PhilanTech, LLC. This is her first post for PhilanTopic.) The nonprofit sector has been abuzz the last few weeks with talk of abandoning financial ratios in favor of program information to evaluate the impact of nonprofit organizations. The renewed focus on program measures was partially spurred by a joint press release issued by GuideStar, Charity Navigator, GreatNonprofits, and others. There's no question that program information is essential in evaluating nonprofit performance and impact. But let's not get carried away. There are good reasons to reject…

• Advice for Nonprofits in 2010

  Mitch Nauffts

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:46 pm

  News that Yale University plans to cut staff and research initiatives to close a $150 million budget deficit and today's 3 percent drop in the S&P 500 should serves as a reminder to nonprofit leaders that it's still too early to run up the "all clear" flag on this economic downturn. As one well-heeled donor told researchers at Dini Partners, a management and fundraising consulting firm with offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Denver: "The economy is like the Grand Canyon. The free fall is over, but there's a river to be crossed before we climb up the other side." Dini has…

• Readings (and Other Stuff) - Feb. 3, 2010

  Regina Mahone

  3 Feb 2010 | 2:05 pm

  Here are a few items that caught our attention today: Benjamin Jealous: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Black History (Social Entrepreneurship) The Unsung Hero Project (NAACP) Eric Foley: Are Donors Diverting Their Money From Your Nonprofit/Cause to Haiti? (Transformational Giving) Allan Chernoff: Is the American Red Cross Worthy of Our Donations? (CNN) Holden Karnofsky: Does Haiti Earthquake Relief Have Room for More Funding? (GiveWell) Shawn Escoffery: First Lines on the Second Line (Greater New Orleans Foundation) Michael Hamill Remaley: What Constitutes Transparency? Tamar Snyder: Will…

• 
  seachangestrategies.com

• An Open Letter to Convio

  Mark

  6 Feb 2010 | 1:29 pm

  Dear Convio, The news reports say you are preparing to go public. Congratulations. Before that day arrives, I urge you to consider what happened when Kintera went public. They serve as a cautionary tale. The day you go public you will be locked in a permanent, intense conflict of interest between your stockholders and your customers. At Kintera, that conflict was easily resolved: the customers got screwed. [Note to Blackbaud: This is all water over the dam. I am sure by now you have turned Sphere into a miracle of CRM juicy goodness. During my quasi-involuntary Kintera years, Sphere was, in…

• A Really Important Seth Godin Book

  Mark

  26 Jan 2010 | 7:53 am

  Personally, I think they are all important, but Seth’s new book Linchpin breaks new ground, bringing together provocative and fresh thinking on the convergence of marketing, creativity, and what it means to be human. Start with this blog entry and enjoy!

• Playing by the (Wrong) Rules

  Mark

  8 Jan 2010 | 12:11 pm

  This was a tough year-end for a lot of fundraising organizations.Time for some sober reflection and some self-honesty. Let’s start by admitting that the fundraising pyramid is a lie.Most major donors at most organizations do not rise up through the ranks of $15 donors, who become $100 donors, and then ultimately become $100,000 donors. Most major donors come to organizations via other major donors.Most low dollar direct mail or Internet donors hang around for a year or two and then stop giving altogether. Core behavioral economics principles offer a clue why. Here’s a true story, as…

• What Matters Now

  Erika Lloyd

  14 Dec 2009 | 2:00 am

  Generosity. Fear. Facts. Dignity. Meaning. Compassion. Knowledge. Each of these words, and more than 60 others, inspires a short essay in What Matters Now, a PDF ebook conceived by Seth Godin and edited by Ishita Gupta. Godin invited 70 innovative minds—authors, entrepreneurs, bloggers, speakers, editors, CEOs—to share a glimpse of what they are thinking about and working on for the upcoming year. The book is an amalgam of one-page gems that will remind you of what you’re working towards, what’s important, and what it takes to hang onto the dreams that got you started. Keep a copy on…

• The 2009 Pracrastinator’s Guide to Year-End Fundraising

  Erika Lloyd

  2 Dec 2009 | 1:28 pm

  If you’ve been stressed about everything you need to do to meet your fundraising goals for 2009, don’t panic. Just read the newest version of the Procrastinator’s Guide to Year-End Fundraising. Sea Change and Care2 teamed up to detail eleven steps to keep you on track with fundraising and engaging your donors this holiday season. To get started right away, join Alia McKee and Mark Rovner from Sea Change Strategies, along with Kathryn Powers of Conservation International and moderator Eric Rardin of Care2 tomorrow, December 3, at 2PM EST for a discussion on these eleven critical action…

• 
  The GiveWell Blog

• Self-evaluation: GiveWell as a donor resource

  Holden

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:54 am

  This is the first post (of four) we’re planning to make over the next two weeks focused on our self-evaluation and future plans. This post answers the first section of questions we posed to ourselves in January about the state of GiveWell as a donor resource. For each question, we discuss Our progress over the last year (specifically, since our last business plan in 11/2008); Where we stand (compared to where we eventually hope to be); What we can do to improve from here. Does GiveWell provide quality research that highlights truly outstanding charities in the areas it has covered? This…

• Economic empowerment grants awarded

  Holden

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:14 am

  We have completed the process of allocating $250,000 in grants for economic empowerment organizations in sub-Saharan Africa. 49 organizations applied for our grant, out of 157 invited. From these, we felt that two stood out in making a strong, evidence-based case that they are improving the financial situations of low-income people in the developing world. We have awarded $125,000 to each. The Village Enterprise Fund is a microenterprise organization providing cash grants as well as business training and mentoring services to extremely poor business owners in rural Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

• Haiti “room for more funding” at the organization level: not enough information

  Holden

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:39 pm

  In a previous post, we asked whether Haiti earthquake relief has “room for more funding” and concluded that, in general, it isn’t clear. (For more on the general topic of “room for more funding,” see our 5-post series on the topic.) Of course, it probably makes a big difference which organization we’re talking about. We’ve seen a lot of different charities soliciting funds in the context of the Haiti earthquake, and some of them may have greater abilities than others to translate funding into relief assistance. The problem for donors is that by and…

• Does Haiti earthquake relief have room for more funding?

  Holden

  1 Feb 2010 | 9:15 am

  Donors have given more than $560 million to charities “to help earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.” How much of that money has funded/will fund earthquake relief efforts in Haiti? How much should? Money isn’t the only thing needed to deliver relief Reports from the relief effort have stressed logistical challenges, such as blocked roads and limited access for planes and boats. See, for example, this interview on Reuters AlertNet from the 18th: ” The capacity of the Port-au-Prince airport is about to be increased but it is still a small airport. It’s very…

• Haiti earthquake relief seems less cost-effective than everyday international aid

  Elie

  29 Jan 2010 | 7:25 am

  The disaster in Haiti - and the media coverage of it - pull at the emotions in a way that everyday suffering in the developing world does not. However, our rough calculations suggest that in fact, a donor can have a bigger impact for less money by funding top charities’ everyday activities to reduce unnecessary death and debilitation. We estimate a “generous” cost-effectiveness figure for a donation to Haiti is by considering (a) the total amount given and (b) the total number of people affected by the disaster. Total amount given: It’s hard to find definitive figures…

• 
  The Backyard Philanthropist

• Five Reasons Why Nonprofits Who Utilize Social Media Should Also Blog

  Beverley Claire Pomeroy

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:15 am

  This is a great blog post we wanted to share…a question we get asked all the time about blogging is ‘why’.  This is a fantastic overview.  At the bottom of the article you will also find a link to a webinar opportunity on this topic as well, well worth the read. For full article on Nonprofit Tech 2.0  click here There are currently 133 million blogs worldwide. The world doesn’t need another blogger, right? Wrong. In the short 6 months that I have been blogging, I have come to the conclusion that blogging is the missing piece in a successful social media strategy. Here…

• 2009 Canadian Non-profit Website Survey Results

  Beverley Claire Pomeroy

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:29 am

  Here are my summarized findings of the first annual Canadian Survey of Non-Profit Websites, conducted in late December and early January 2009-2010. Following the summary, there are more than 30 pages of charts and analysis that deal with each of these areas in detail. You can leave comments at the bottom of any page. This Survey was done by The Open Web Group, below is the Executive Summery and I recommend visiting the site for more detailed reports and charts.  Very very beneficial for both nonprofit organizations and those servicing the nonprofit sector in web development, analysis and…

• Evolution of Pinc

  Beverley Claire Pomeroy

  25 Jan 2010 | 12:39 pm

  Hi there As we know, the online fundraising environment has evolved significantly in the last few years and Pinc has evolved with it.  We wanted to update everyone on recent changes in both our technology to provide online fundraising support and the overall structure of the company.  We have seen many challenges this past year but can also say we have had many rewards.  Two of those rewards are being a finalist in the Stevie Awards for Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 and also being recognized in our own business community as one of the prestigious Top 40 Under Forty recipients.

• Social Media for Nonprofits

  Beverley Claire Pomeroy

  25 Jan 2010 | 8:35 am

  My good colleague, Manny Hernandez, founder of TuDiabetes, the largest nonprofit network on Ning, had an opportunity to present a workshop recently on Social Media for Nonprofits.  It is a great power point presentation and well worth the time to indulge… http://manuelhp42.blogspot.com/2010/01/social-media-for-nonprofits.html About Manny: > social media expert and diabetes advocate > author of ning for dummies > twitter marketing for dummies contributor > president of the diabetes hands foundation > founder of tudiabetes + estudiabetes

• Reel to Reality – How good film does good

  Beverley Claire Pomeroy

  25 Jan 2010 | 8:18 am

  I am pleased to say I will be participating on this amazing panel at this year’s SXSW in Austin, Texas this March. Description: The films-for-a-cause genre is rapidly gaining traction as non-profits and cause-driven organizations turn to new media to tell their stories. Panelists will provide tips, tricks resources and advice to filmmakers, non-profits, novices and grassroots organizations looking to spread their message with film and video. Aaron Bramley from Lights Camera Help has organized this fantastic opportunity for both film makers and those in the world of cause advocacy to…

• 
  FundraisingCoach.com

• 5 tips on choosing your nonprofit URL

  Marc A. Pitman

  2 Feb 2010 | 3:42 am

  Q: Marc, I’m embarrassed to admit that we don’t yet have a website. But do you have any advice about choosing a domain name? A: Great question! Getting a memorable domain name is a very important step in online fundraising. All fundraising, really. Donors often check out an organization’s website before making a gift. So putting thought into your domain name can help you raise more money. Generally, of course, you’ll want to choose the name of your nonprofit. But here are some things to think about as you decide. Keep it simple Try saying it aloud. Pretend you’re…

• 5 tips for increasing traffic to your nonprofit’s website

  Marc A. Pitman

  19 Jan 2010 | 2:50 am

  Q: Do you know of the best way for my web site www.aidsadvantage.org to come up on search results when people type in the words “Aids, South Africa, Africa”? I wish to increase traffic to my web site and since this is unfamiliar territory I thought you could help me with this. A: Great question! I’m not an SEO expert, and I’ve never played one on TV. But here are some tips I’ve learning along the way. They’ll help raise your nonprofit website’s visibility with search engines so that people will find your site much more easily. Figure out what search terms…

• It’s Beth Kanter’s birthday

  Marc A. Pitman

  11 Jan 2010 | 1:32 am

  Today’s the birthday of the amazing Beth Kanter. I love her passion for nonprofits and social media. I’m particularly grateful for her helping us in the nonprofit world articulate metrics and ROI. Not only is she a really smart teacher, she’s also doing the actual fundraising herself. A great combination indeed! When I’m doing a fundraising training and get a question on social media ROI that I’m not able to answer, it’s a great relief to be able to encourage people to go to Beth’s blog! Beth’s birthday wish is to help Cambodian children get to…

• When is the best time to host a fundraising movie event?

  Marc A. Pitman

  5 Jan 2010 | 3:55 am

  With the first blog post of 2010, I’m starting a series of posting questions I receive and my answers to them. Sort of a “Dear Abby” for fundraising. I’m calling it “Question Marc” — pun fully intended! It’d be great to have you take part. If you have a question about nonprofits or fundraising that you’d like considered for Question Marc? Send it to marc@fundraisingcoach.com. I won’t be able to answer every question, but I just might be able to answer yours! Q: I ran across your blog while researching a fundraising event I’m…

• Fundraising Secret #44: Up your giving this year

  Marc A. Pitman

  27 Dec 2009 | 4:17 am

  Wondering how to increase your fundraising effectiveness in 2010? Here’s an idea: increasing your personal giving…to other organizations (not your own). Go check out Jeff Brook’s blog post “Fundraisers who don’t give don’t get it.” In it, he refers to a post by Seth Godin who says: … if you work for a non-profit and you don’t give money to charity, what exactly are you doing in this job? To the point, isn’t it? It’s really easy to get critical about other organization’s fundraising techniques. In fact, it can be easy to…

• 
  Open Society Insitute - Katrina: An Unnatural Disaster

• Another Black Blues Story

  Clarence Williams is producing a photographic essay of post-Katrina New Orleans, from flood to aftermath to rebuilding, with a visual emphasis on the remnants of the cultural wealth and family ties that make this city unique.

• Child of the Flood

  Child of the Flood, a novel by Dale Maharidge with photographs by Michael Williamson, combines fiction with documentary imagery and chronicles the story of John Boucher, an 18-year-old who is knocked unconscious and loses his memory as a result of the post-Katrina flooding.

• Gulf Coast: Work in Progress

  Dee Davis and the Center for Rural Strategies developed a media campaign to illustrate the struggles of rural Gulf Coast residents to re-establish their lives after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The project aimed to help Americans understand conditions along the rural Gulf Coast and explore how America's failure to formulate effective rural policy is reaping disaster.

• New Orleans Now

  Tena Rubio developed the Katrina Uncovers series for the National Radio Project; as part of that series, she produced three 30-minute shows on the immigrant/migrant workforce in New Orleans called New Orleans Now: Immigrants, Labor Rights and the Human Cost of Rebuilding an American City.

• Rebuilding, Inc.

  Tim Shorrock has been reporting on post-Katrina economic development and the health care crisis in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast.

• 
  Principled Innovation LLC

• My #tech10 update

  jeffpi1@gmail.com or @pinnovation on twitter (Jeff De Cagna of Principled Innovation LLC, the association community's leading voice for innovation!)

  7 Feb 2010 | 11:57 am

  Later this week, weather permitting, I’ll be downtown for ASAE & The Center’s 2010 Technology Conference at the Washington Convention Center.  I’m excited to see many P.I. Blog readers and my favorite association community peeps.  The Technology Conference is always a good time, and this year should be no exception! My session, The iPhone Volunteer: Why Mobile is the Next Great Platform for Member Engagement!, is on Thursday, February 11 at 4:15 pm.  If you’re going to be at the conference, I hope you’ll join me because this may be the only session during…

• Test post

  jeffpi1@gmail.com or @pinnovation on twitter (Jeff De Cagna of Principled Innovation LLC, the association community's leading voice for innovation!)

  6 Feb 2010 | 7:32 am

  Please ignore this test post. I’m trying to correct some problems with my RSS feed.

• Five words for 2010

  jeffpi1@gmail.com or @pinnovation on twitter (Jeff De Cagna of Principled Innovation LLC, the association community's leading voice for innovation!)

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:07 am

  As we settle into 2010, I’ve been thinking about the five words on which I’ll be focused this year.  I am sharing them here with the hope they may inspire association leaders throughout our community to think differently about what is possible in the year ahead.  Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and if you have your own words in mind, I hope you will consider sharing them. Intention–It has never been more important for associations to have leaders, especially in voluntary roles, who are intentional about building the inventive business models,…

• New mobile tech post on SmartBlog Insights

  jeffpi1@gmail.com or @pinnovation on twitter (Jeff De Cagna of Principled Innovation LLC, the association community's leading voice for innovation!)

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:31 am

  You’ll want to check out my new post on mobile on SmartBlog Insights, for which I serve as editor-at-large.  It is the first in a series of five posts I’ll be sharing on the Insights Blog in the coming weeks to expand on my Top Ten 2010 Trends for Associations.  Here is how I close the post: Without question, mobile will be a major topic of, hopefully, generative conversation across the association community throughout 2010.  How will you make sure that conversation occurs inside your organization? If you’re looking for a way to get the conversation going inside your…

• Free breakfast session on March 4

  jeffpi1@gmail.com or @pinnovation on twitter (Jeff De Cagna of Principled Innovation LLC, the association community's leading voice for innovation!)

  31 Jan 2010 | 5:49 pm

  If you’re an association executive in the Washington, DC region, I hope you’ll join me for a special free breakfast session on Thursday, March 4 in Alexandria, Virginia.  The topic of my talk is “Solving 21st Century Problems: How Associations Can Innovate to Thrive,” and I am presenting this session in partnership with my friends from Higher Logic, Powered by DUB and Vidzu.  Here is the session description: While association stakeholders attempt to solve the 21st century problems they face personally and professionally, many associations are still offering solutions…

• 
  Beyond Certification

• Guidance on Developing a Quality Certificate Program

  Mickie Rops

  2 Feb 2010 | 11:53 am

  What's the difference between certification and certificate programs? What are the components of a quality certificate program? How can we develop a program that conforms to an American National Standard? What's involved in developing the curriculum and the assessment? How does the assessment design, delivery and scoring for a certificate program differ from certification? How can we assess our readiness for ANSI accreditation?  What's the value of accreditation?  Who's been accredited by ANSI so far?  (There have been several organizations accredited…

• Learning Trends & Certification on Facebook

  Mickie Rops

  26 Jan 2010 | 1:48 pm

  Just left the www.trainingindustry.com webinar by Elliott Masie and thought I'd share a few takeaways. Two of the disruptive trends (disruptive meaning that they are changing the way we do things) he discussed were 1) use of video for learning and 2) social learning. Regarding the use of video, Elliott described seeing explosive use of short video stories from learner peers, SMEs or customers to set the stage or provide the context for learning. He's finding that many organizations are accepting the use of self-shot videos (using Flips, etc.) but a key word here is…

• Certificate Programs - Some Clarifications

  Mickie Rops

  25 Jan 2010 | 8:53 am

  At a recent meeting I ran into several of you who thanked me for this blog and commented on how informative and helpful it has been...and politely reminded me it's been quite a while since I've posted!  Thanks for the much needed nudge; I'll try to return to more regular postings. I've been hearing a lot misinformation about certificate programs so I'll use this post to hopefully clear up a couple of things. First, at the November ICE (formerly NOCA) conference, I heard several consultants / speakers indicate that certificate…

• 
  Acronym

• Quick clicks: Snowy day edition

  Lisa Junker

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:15 am

  This is a bit of a catch-up edition of Quick Clicks, so it's a little longer than usual. But if you're in the DC area (or elsewhere) and snowed in, what better time to catch up on your reading? First, I'd like to welcome to several new association blogs: - Aaron Wolowiec, a former Acronym blogger, has launched his own blog at AaronWolowiec.com. An early standout post: Exposing the silo effect. - Karen Tucker Thomas recently began the CEO Solutions blog. Early standout: Board orientation or board development. - Management Solutions Plus brings us The Common Thread blog, featuring a number of…

• Calling all association bloggers: Tech Conference coverage

  Scott Briscoe

  5 Feb 2010 | 8:27 am

  Just like at the annual meeting in Toronto, you can find all the action happening at ASAE & The Center's 2010 Technology Conference (next week! Feb. 10-12) on the conference Hub (that's http://tech10.org or http://tech10.org/m for your mobile device). It will pull through photo, video, Acronym posts, and, yes, lots of Twitter posts -- and it will be easy to tag Tweets to specific education sessions. Any people in the association blogging community who will be there and blogging about the conference, we'd love to pull your posts through to the Hub as well. We'll need you to set up an RSS feed…

• Free for a day

  Joe Rominiecki

  4 Feb 2010 | 12:02 pm

  Some of you may have seen that access to the Wall Street Journal online—which normally requires a paid subscription—was free yesterday. At right, see a screenshot I grabbed yesterday. The free day was subsidized by a sponsorship from Acura, which of course got a nice big banner ad on the front page and more ads elsewhere throughout the site. I thought this was worth pointing to on the heels of the recent discussion that's been going on here and elsewhere about micropricing and, more broadly, pricing models in general for associations. This "free for a day" sponsorship is an idea that I…

• Score Some Success with Super Bowl Creativity

  Kristin Clarke

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:50 am

  Mind if I change the subject a sec? I want to talk sports a minute—Super Bowl football, specifically. Some members do, too. In fact, the Super Bowl can be a fun way to huddle with members, score some free press, and tackle a few tough social problems simultaneously. Here’s what I’ve seen some of your colleagues doing pre-kick-off this weekend to creatively highlight their organizations. Maybe there’s still time to throw together a special play of your own…. Feel free to post at the bottom. Whoa, despite a $3.2-million price tag for 30 seconds of ad time and tons of buzz about the…

• Insiders vs. outsiders

  Joe Rominiecki

  2 Feb 2010 | 1:06 pm

  An age-old question: is it better to hire a new CEO from inside an organization or from outside? Today's Harvard Business Review Daily Stat points to a study that suggests that a CEO hired from within an organization is a less risky choice than one hired from the outside. The study, by Yan Zhang of Rice University and Nandini Rajagopalan of the University of Southern California, says "relative to outside CEOs, inside CEOs will tend to have a more 'even' performance across various levels of strategic change." The exact details of the study are more nuanced, of course, and they suggest that an…

• 
  BlogClump - Blogging About Associations From a Gen Xer

• Do you want your association to be Walmart?

  Matt Baehr

  28 Jan 2010 | 9:18 am

  Earlier this week, I had a small Twitter discussion with Kevin Holland (@associationinc) regarding aggregation as a value proposition. @associationinc - Deciding your role is to aggregate other people's value is like George Costanza wearing sweatpants. "You're telling the world, 'I give up.'" @cardcat - Interesting comment about aggregating. Don't you think it is a viable option for a small association who can't afford it?@associationinc - Nothng wrong with aggregating content as long as you don't perceive it to be your value proposition. There's no real future in it.@cardcat - Don't think it…

• Do We Need Social Media Certification?

  Matt Baehr

  26 Jan 2010 | 9:00 am

  My friend Maddie Grant tweeted this post the other day about Social Media Certification. I remembered another 2 posts from this time last year (here and here). In Andy's post he says something that is the crux of it to me. There is no authority in Social Media Marketing, there is no standard.Instead of authority, what I think he meant to say was governing body. I bet these folks doing the certifications are trying to become the authority by offering them. But there is no recognized governing body. The second part is the most crucial. There is no standard. As many of the above posts and others…

• Update on Read This Post, If It's the Last Thing You Do

  Matt Baehr

  26 Jan 2010 | 6:06 am

  Last night I saw a tweet from @CopyBlogger linking to this blog post about blogging basics. #1 was about the title! Further proof of its importance.Also, just after one day, that post is my most read since Sept of 2008.

• Read This Post, If It's the Last Thing You Do

  Matt Baehr

  25 Jan 2010 | 7:06 am

  Don't you wish all your blog posts could have that title, and the corresponding effect of everyone who sees it follows through? As I was digging through my Google Reader this morning, I realized how much I rely on the title (and first sentence or part of the first sentence) to help me decide whether or not to read more of the post. I have boatloads of unread posts in my reader and just can't get fully read each one. Granted, I have probably already read a number of them because I clicked through to it when a trusted source tweeted about the post. However, I know I am missing good content…

• Who Doesn't Need Help With Colors?

  Matt Baehr

  20 Jan 2010 | 1:30 pm

  We are getting ready to buy a new house. Every room in the new place is that dull, off-white. So the topic of colors and patterns is constantly in the conversation at home. My wife keeps looking for samples and inspiration, and then I remembered this:http://kuler.adobe.comIf you haven't been here, you have to go. It might waste a full day, but it is so worth it if you do any sort of web or marketing work and you need color palette help. Of course, it is also perfect if you are thinking of redecorating your house too. It helps you create color palettes based on a base color or off a photo. It…

• 
  Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Worldwide

• Is International Voluntourism Effective?

  info@exquisitesafaris.com

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:40 pm

  The Exquisite Safaris philanthropic mission integrates a guided visit to a humanitarian outreach project into every private, luxury, epicurean experience we create. These personal introductions create authentic cross cultural friendships that generate trust, respect, and generous donations funding philanthropic travel projects worldwide.

• Exquisite Safaris Private Villas

  info@exquisitesafaris.com

  4 Feb 2010 | 9:04 pm

  The Exquisite Safaris philanthropic mission integrates a guided visit to a humanitarian outreach project into every private, luxury, epicurean experience we create. These personal introductions create authentic cross cultural friendships that generate trust, respect, and generous donations funding philanthropic travel projects worldwide.

• Caviar Affair Magazine: Exquisite Safaris Philanthropy Travelers

  info@exquisitesafaris.com

  3 Jan 2010 | 10:26 am

  The Exquisite Safaris philanthropic mission integrates a guided visit to a humanitarian outreach project into every private, luxury, epicurean experience we create. These personal introductions create authentic cross cultural friendships that generate trust, respect, and generous donations funding philanthropic travel projects worldwide.

• Philanthropy Trip: Living Well Doing Good

  info@exquisitesafaris.com

  31 Dec 2009 | 8:52 pm

  The Exquisite Safaris philanthropic mission integrates a guided visit to a humanitarian outreach project into every private, luxury, epicurean experience we create. These personal introductions create authentic cross cultural friendships that generate trust, respect, and generous donations funding philanthropic travel projects worldwide.

• Baroness Caroline Cox Philanthropy Journeys

  info@exquisitesafaris.com

  29 Dec 2009 | 9:15 am

  The Exquisite Safaris philanthropic mission integrates a guided visit to a humanitarian outreach project into every private, luxury, epicurean experience we create. These personal introductions create authentic cross cultural friendships that generate trust, respect, and generous donations funding philanthropic travel projects worldwide.

• 
  Social Actions Blog

• The Cost of Changing Everything

  Alex Vidal

  A successful businessman said, "It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power." Inspiring. But in a down-spiraling economy, what is the cost of change? For most of us, change is not something we welcome with open arms. It can be expensive and exhausting. Some of us are so resistant to change that we have decided no matter what better comes along, we are sticking to our…

• The Overhead Question: (More) opportunity to reflect on the future of nonprofit assessment and reporting

  Christine Egger

  This evening, I needed to do some thinking out loud about the ideas I wanted to carry to tomorrow's teleconference, "The Overhead Question: The Future of Nonprofit Assessment and Reporting." (Catch my first post with more info about the event and participants here). A summary of the twitter stream, slightly edited for formatting, follows. No, this isn't a proper substitute for a thoughtful blog post on the subject, but at least gets some of my ideas "out in public" in advance of tomorrow's call :) Many thanks to @HildyGottlieb for helping me think through these questions & goals, and to…

• Social Enterprise and Intellectual Property

  Elliot Harmon

  Originally published on AshokaTech. One of the many sessions in Hyderabad that I'm really excited about is a discussion on intellectual property with Richard Jefferson of Cambia, John Wilbanks of Science Commons, Phil Weilerstein of the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance, and Ashoka fellow Bright Simons of mPedigree. Here's a great interview with Richard Jefferson that ABC TV Australia ran a few months ago. Jefferson explains how Cambia is enabling biotech innovation by rethinking how scientists deal with IP issues. He makes the alluring point that open source - something…

• 2010 Tech Award Nominations

  Cierra Cass

  Applied Materials Presents: The Tech Awards Nominations for 2010 The Tech Awards, a signature program of The Tech Museum, honors innovators from around the world who are applying technology to address humanity’s most urgent challenges. In partnership with Santa Clara University’s Center for Science, Technology, and Society, 15 Laureates are selected annually and $50,000 is awarded to one Laureate in each category: Environment, Economic Development, Education, Equality, and Health. Individuals as well as nonprofit and commercial organizations are eligible. Anyone may submit a nomination.

• Anyone in Tokyo?

  Vuong Nhat

  Hi Concerned People! I am trying to get in touch with people in Japan, interested in working on an ambitious project named iKifu, which means in Japanese iDonate. I often think: "The world will never be perfect, but we can always improve it." Non Profit Organizations are existing, because they want a better world for the present and the future generations. The problem is that they all face common challenges: Lack of visibility, lack of financial support, lack of promotional budget, lack of staff, etc… At the end, it all comes to one point. In order to achieve their goals, they need…

• 
  Association Inc

• What People Are Missing in the Association/Newspaper Comparison

  Association Inc. (Kevin Holland)

  26 Jan 2010 | 4:54 pm

  There have been several posts recently comparing associations to newspapers. Maddie Grant reprinted a listserve comment and got a lot of comments on her post and at other blogs. The general gist of the original post is that newspapers are an industry in gut-wrenching turmoil, and so are associations. Somehow the whole thing turned into a discussion of “micropricing” — continued here on the Acronym blog. First of all — not all associations are in gut-wrenching turmoil. Second of all — I think micropricing as it was defined in the original listserve comment and…

• Thoughts on Non-Profit vs. For-Profit Tax Status

  Association Inc. (Kevin Holland)

  20 Dec 2009 | 6:31 am

  Matt Baehr posted a small piece to his blog asking, “What if Associations Were For-Profit entities? What would change in your organization? Would your organization change at all? … I would be willing to bet that associations that run themselves more like a for-profit are doing better than those that don’t.” The for-profit vs. non-profit question comes up occasionally among association executives. In comments to Matt’s post, Peggy Hoffman mentions Bruce Butterfield’s incubations, which often get pointed to as an example of innovation in this particular area.

• What If Associations Weren’t Afraid to Generate Serious Cash?

  Association Inc. (Kevin Holland)

  17 Dec 2009 | 6:08 pm

  ASAE’s Acronym blog is promoting what it calls “Big Ideas” month, though it really isn’t — it’s more like “What If?” month. So here’s my what-if question: What if associations weren’t so damn afraid to generate serious cash? Because you can, you know. Did you know that? Never mind your archaic governance structure, your internal politics, your consultants who think every little thing you do should be strategized or categorized, your bizarre “I don’t care about money, I care about mission!” attitude (as if…

• “Our Emails Are So Pretty, Our Messaging So Consistent … I Wonder Why Everybody Ignores Them?”

  Association Inc. (Kevin Holland)

  2 Dec 2009 | 3:11 pm

  Many associations spend a lot of money and time developing what they call “consistent branding.” They have a look, they choose a stylebook, and everything they send out — print, email, online — follows the guidelines to a tee. Unfortunately, it’s completely irrelevant. It may sound good in a meeting, it may make a nice checkbox in a strategic plan, but it doesn’t mean a damn thing. The point of sending something out is not to make you look good — the point is to get someone else to do something. (And a logo, an email template, a stylesheet are NOT a…

• What’s Blogging? Sounds Painful!

  Association Inc. (Kevin Holland)

  23 Nov 2009 | 4:10 am

  That title was actually the title of the first post made to this blog — or what would become this blog — exactly five years ago today. November 2004 seems like a really long, long time ago. I can’t think of a five year period in my lifetime whose start was so different from its finish, with the possible exception of 1988-1993, when we went from Cold War to New World Order to Deep Recession. (Ha! Remember that recession? It seems so cute now!) Five years ago, you didn’t need two healthy hands to count the number of association people blogging. Most of the folks who were…

• 
  Connections

• Online Giving and Rapid Response Trends

  Steve MacLaughlin

  4 Feb 2010 | 8:54 am

  The recent Haiti earthquake disaster has once again brought to the forefront the role that new giving channels play in helping those most affected. The combination of online giving and mobile giving were the first response channels of choice by donors. I will save the pros and cons of mobile giving for another blog post. I did some research to look back at previous major events and the volume of online giving that took place. Blackbaud has online giving data going back to 1999 and that allows us to look at some historical trends. USA Today referenced some of these trends in their recent…

• Blackbaud NetCommunity 6.15 - Release Preview

  Steve MacLaughlin

  1 Feb 2010 | 9:03 am

  Blackbaud NetCommunity 6.15 represents a major step forward for our Internet Solutions based on thousands of hours of research, customer feedback, usability design, application development, testing, and validation. The updates and new features in this release are another sign of Blackbaud’s commitment to improve our online solutions. From a technology perspective, BBNC 6.15 also represents a major milestone as the entire application has been migrated to Blackbaud’s next generation Infinity platform. There are a few high level requirements for this upcoming release. BBNC 6.15 is a PA-DSS /…

• Independent Fundraising Event Trends

  Steve MacLaughlin

  22 Jan 2010 | 11:00 am

  Blackbaud and Event 360 have released a new white paper based on a joint research project to better understand the common denominators of a successful programmatic approach to third-party fundraising. Independent fundraising events (IFE) are activities designed and run by volunteers to raise money on behalf of a specific nonprofit organization. You can download a copy of "Raising More Money Online with Independent Fundraising Events" and register for a free webinar on February 3rd at 2pm EDT. The research team analyzed data from nearly 30,000 donors and…

• Support Disaster Relief in Haiti

  Steve MacLaughlin

  14 Jan 2010 | 5:05 am

  The images coming out of Haiti following Tuesday's earthquake are heartbreaking. It is comforting to know that so many nonprofit organizations are already helping on the ground and more relief is on the way. People are using the Internet to stay informed about the disaster, help communicate what's happening, and to donate to charities. The volume of online donations on January 13th was 3 times that of December 31st and growing. There are several organizations accepting online donations to support their relief efforts in Haiti: Doctors Without Borders Medical Teams International…

• Is the Fundraising Pyramid Really a Lie?

  Steve MacLaughlin

  13 Jan 2010 | 10:01 am

  The nonprofit sector needs more spirited debate. Mark Rovner over at Sea Change Strategies blogged some strong opinions about the state of fundraising. So I asked Lawrence Henze, managing director of Target Analytics, to write this guest blog post in response: Mark Rovner recently offered up the opinion that the fundraising pyramid is a lie because "most major donors at most organizations do not rise up through the ranks of $15 donors, who become $100 donors, and then ultimately become $100,000 donors." My 30 years of experience in the fundraising world give me a very…

• 
  Forums

• The Education Edge Wrap-up for February 16: All about Scheduling

  Willow Schultz

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:04 am

  On February 16, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET., our product experts Courtney Grainger and Anthony Gallo will cover scheduling topics in a free Education Edge specific roundtable.  The floor will be open the entire time for your questions and comments, so we encourage you to discuss anything Education Edge.  Here are some of the topics we will cover:  Preparing students for schedule: Mark for Reenrollment Creating the academic year, sessions and terms Creating Events on the scheduling calendar and entering holidays Creating Patterns, Cycles & Timetables Creating Class…

• Putting the Pieces Together: Own Your Domain

  Neal Osti

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:18 am

  Communication is receiver-oriented, and to realize that is a step toward communicating effectively. As people, we constantly communicate with those around us - verbally and non-verbally - so it's necessary to maintain audience awareness as we interact. As technical writers, we are actually technical communicators, so similarly it's important to determine how best to present our content as we write. To do that, we first must understand the receiver. Domain knowledge, or knowledge about the content area for which a piece of software is being designed, is a technical writing necessity.

• Blackbaud in the News: More go online or text to donate for Haiti's quake victims

  Melanie Mathos

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:12 am

  By Kevin McCoy, USA TODAY Online contributions for Haiti earthquake-relief efforts are setting giving records, topping early totals for other major disasters and opening new support sources for humanitarian groups. Electronic donations for the first five days after the Jan. 12 disaster totaled 19% more than during the same time frame after the 2004 Asian tsunami and 109% higher than the equivalent following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, according to Blackbaud, a software and services provider for 22,000 non-profit groups. Similarly, users of the online-payment system PayPal raised more than $1.8…

• What to Do with Fiscal Years?

  Jennifer Maroney

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:44 am

  In the Before You Close Your Fiscal Year... post, I spoke about creating, printing, and comparing the Trial Balance, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Activities, and the General Ledger reports. But once this is complete, what do you do with the fiscal year?  Should you Soft Close, Pre-close, Optimize, Summarize, Hard Close, or Purge? Let's start with the reversible options: Soft Close prevents posting to specific periods in the fiscal year. This is a great option to temporarily prevent users from posting activity to fiscal periods that have already been…

• BBNC 6.15 is almost ready for release

  Robert McAllen

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:00 am

  Blackbaud Netcommunity version 6.15 has just gone into a controlled release phase and is almost ready to hit the streets.  This is a major step on for us at Blackbaud as it is the first version that is running on our new Infinity platform. I thought today I'd share a couple of the cool (or in some cases just incredibly useful)  new UK features that you can expect to in this release. Gift Aid - You now have the ability to switch off Gift Aid capture on donation forms.  This is a small tweak but an incredibly useful change if you do any overseas fundraising.  As BBNC can…

• 
  Amy Sample Ward’s Version of NPTech

• Technology for Change Contest: Win a new computer from HP!

  Amy Sample Ward

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:48 am

  Technology for Change What’s your favorite example of technology helping people create positive change in the world? I think there are too many to count, really.  For example, simply review the hundreds of ideas listed in NetSquared’s Project Gallery and you’ll quickly see that people from around the world are hard at work leveraging all kinds of technologies to create positive change for communities tackling many different issues. One example that I’ve blogged about before is the annual project from EpicChange: Tweetsgiving.  During the US Thanksgiving holiday,…

• New on SSIR: Effects of Joining the Conversation

  Amy Sample Ward

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:17 pm

  My latest post is up on the Stanford Social Innovation Review opinion blog. You can read the post and join the conversation over there – it’s also copied below. —– It’s not a surprise to any of us that social media is changing the way our organizations work, not just communicate. The lessons in social media are especially important for organizations working with the public, whether it’s public service or opinion. The Hatcher Group, a Maryland-based public affairs and communications firm, released a great report this past Fall called New Media & Social…

• Why does NTEN like Bohemian Rhapsody? For you!

  Amy Sample Ward

  3 Feb 2010 | 9:00 am

  Last year, NTEN created a scholarship fund program to help support many more people attend the Nonprofit Technology Conference.  Donations were matched by Convio and with over $10,000 raised by the community, we had fun at the largest-attended NTC yet!  There was even more value for the buck though: NTEN Executive Director put her pride on the line, saying that if the $10K mark was met, she’d perform Put a Ring on It…and boy, did she! This year, the whole gang is getting roped in!  NTEN is hoping to raise $10,000 from the nonprofit technology community again this year, and…

• Interview: Colin Rhinesmith, CCTV Cambridge

  Amy Sample Ward

  3 Feb 2010 | 7:34 am

  Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to connect with Colin Rhinesmith, Community Media Coordinator at Cambridge Community Television (Cambridge, MA, USA) and Adjunct Lecturer for the Media and Culture Program at Bentley University.  Colin told me that they recently held a very popular social media workshop for seniors at Cambridge Community Television (@cctvcambridge) but that it is a topic that would benefit from more coverage – so, I asked if I could interview him!  You can learn more about the workshop and the issues seniors face with social media in the interview below. How…

• Great reads from around the web on February 3rd

  Amy Sample Ward

  3 Feb 2010 | 6:30 am

  I come across so many great conversations, ideas, and resources all over the web every day. Here are some of the most interesting things I’ve found recently (as of February 3rd). You can join the conversations in the comments, or click through to the original posts to find what others are saying. To follow more of the things I find online, you can follow @amysampleward on Twitter (which is just a blog and resource feed), or find me on Delicious (for all kinds of bookmarks). Net2 Think Tank: Online Fundraising Lessons Learned | NetSquared – "The Facebook application Causes…

• 
  FundraisingIP.com: Fundraising Ideas

• ‘Print-on-demand’ Calendars and Cookbooks For Your Next Fundraiser

  FundraisingIP.com

  3 Feb 2010 | 10:12 am

  With the possibility of ‘print-on-demand’ and the ease of self publishing, products like calendars and cookbooks that were previously deemed too expensive or too time intensive to produce and sell for fundraising purposes have actually now become ‘quick to plan and sell’ additions to the collection of fundraising products. Calendars: In the old days you’d have to [...] Related posts:Make Money, Leave A Legacy – Have A Cookbook Fundraiser! Tips For Running A Successful Online Magazine Fundraiser Valentine’s Day Flower Fundraiser

• The Benefits Of Holding A Valentine’s Day Fundraiser

  FundraisingIP.com

  26 Jan 2010 | 9:51 am

  A Valentine’s Day fundraiser has several advantages to fundraisers held during other times of the year and has the potential to become one of your most profitable fundraisers. If you’re wondering whether a Valentine’s Day fundraiser is worth the effort it takes to plan and execute it, read on: Is Valentine’s Day A Good Time [...] Related posts:Make Money With a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser Valentine’s Day Flower Fundraiser Alternatives To Traditional Fundraising

• Valentine’s Day Flower Fundraiser

  FundraisingIP.com

  12 Jan 2010 | 1:08 pm

  Everyone knows that flowers and chocolate are the staples of Valentine’s Day. As a ‘no calorie’ fundraiser, a Valentine’s Day Flower Sale is a great way to capitalize on the expectations of the day! What Is A Valentine’s Day Flower Sale? In essence, a Valentine’s Day Flower Sale is a pre-order flower sale. Your group • Advertises the [...] Related posts:The Benefits Of Holding A Valentine’s Day Fundraiser Make Money With a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser Christmas Greenery Fundraiser

• Efficiency And Fundraising in 2010

  FundraisingIP.com

  6 Jan 2010 | 6:59 pm

  Community colleges are filled to the max, carpooling has become attractive again and low price leader Walmart has had one of its best years. All kinds of services are being more rationed than ever (health insurance, credit), and wasteful practices are uncovered and eliminated in just about every industry. The current recession has infiltrated many [...] Related posts:Recycle Ink Cartridges And Cell Phones – Tips For Success

• 2009 Recap: New Challenges, New Ways To Raise Funds

  FundraisingIP.com

  23 Dec 2009 | 3:27 pm

  As we’re wrapping up this year, we’d like to thank you, our readers, for your continued interest in FundraisingIP.com! We appreciate your comments and suggestions and will continue to provide useful fundraising information and new fundraising ideas. 2009 has been tough for many groups and organizations, but has also inspired some to try unusual approaches [...] Related posts:2008 Recap: Most Popular On FundraisingIP.com Raise Funds For Yourself? In The News: Record Profits, Mobile Donations – Using SMS To Raise Funds, New Online Fundraising Service

• 
  Connection Café

• Launching HOPE

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:17 am

  Author: Amber Wobschall Many non-profits struggle with website redesign projects because they are such a huge undertaking. They can be both time and labor intensive – involving numerous stakeholders (board members, department directors, and key staff) and often you don’t see results for more than a year. Convio’s proven methodology, ensures that clients take a more iterative, quick hit approach that allows them to see results faster while tackling the larger web presence redesign in parallel.  Project HOPE is a Convio client I work with who recently re-launched…

• 5 Tips for Reconnecting with Donors

  5 Feb 2010 | 12:19 pm

  Author: Emma Zolbrod While writing about multi-channel engagement, I couldn’t help but to think that each lesson learned applied mainly to supporters who are actively engaged with your nonprofit organization. But what about those donors who have seemingly fallen off the face of the planet? Well, last year, I learned that there are many options when you’re trying to reconnect with donors. Top 5 Lessons Learned in 2009: Reconnecting With Donors 1. Remind them that money is not the only option. In challenging economic times, many donors might not have extra funds to give to your…

• Have You Met Mobile?

  3 Feb 2010 | 2:37 pm

  Author: James Young Photo by Ruben Do you remember when Mobile was just a kid with a dream, and nobody believed in him besides himself? Well, he’s grown up a lot lately and proven his worth. I’m happy for him. I really am, but I hope he doesn’t let it go to his head. He has more growing to do. Sure, he raised over $20 million for Haiti and an impressive array of non-profit organizations including American Red Cross, Oxfam America, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, International Rescue Committee, and the United Nations Foundation  used his services. Good for…

• Help Idealist.org so it will be there for us in the future

  2 Feb 2010 | 5:01 am

  Author: Corey Pudhorodsky I am willing to bet just about anyone that has worked in the nonprofit sector for a notable amount of time has benefited from the work of Idealist.org.  Just glance over their Resources Page and you'll find a massive number of sections including: A Career Center : Arguably one of the largest and best know career resources for people interested in starting or enriching their career in the nonprofit sector. The Public Service and Graduate Education Resource Center (PSGERC): Articles and help for those considering returning to school for a graduate degree in public…

• Top 5 Lessons Learned in 2009: Multi-Channel Engagement

  28 Jan 2010 | 2:58 pm

  Author: Emma Zolbrod I’m connected in different ways to numerous nonprofit organizations. On the professional side, I’ve interviewed many industry professionals for articles, case studies, best practices guides, white papers and more. On the personal side, I’ve donated, volunteered, taken action, and raised money. From my interactions with them over the years, I became aware of how these organizations could engage me more effectively so that I feel even more committed to supporting their cause. And with the publishing of the 2010 Nonprofit Resolutions Guide, 5 main lessons…

• 
  Ripples & Wipeouts

• A Note About Idealist.org

  bonnie@makewavesnotnoise.com

  28 Jan 2010 | 5:11 pm

  Most of us who work in the nonprofit sector know about Idealist.org.  It’s the place where we go to post and find jobs in the sector.  It’s where we exchange ideas and materials and where we learn about new organizations offering innovative services.  What many of us don’t know, however, is that Idealist is provided free to us by a nonprofit organization called Action Without Borders.  Right now Idealist is in financial trouble due to the slow economy.  It’s traditional source of revenue—the small fees it charges other nonprofits to post…

• Michael Edwards: Philanthropy Needs an Overhaul

  bonnie@makewavesnotnoise.com

  18 Jan 2010 | 6:54 pm

  Michael Edwards, a distinguished senior fellow at Demos and former Ford Foundation exec, has a brilliant opinion piece in the January 14 issue of Chronicle of Philanthropy on why philanthropy needs to change in order to make real progress in solving difficult social problems.  He also has a new book called Small Change: Why Business Won’t Save the World, soon to be reviewed here on the Make Waves website.  Meanwhile, you can read my review on Amazon.com of Michael’s earlier book, Just Another Emperor: The Myths and Realities of Philanthrocapitalism. (The photo of Michael…

• The Media Gift That Keeps on Giving

  bonnie@makewavesnotnoise.com

  2 Jan 2010 | 8:26 pm

  Whoever said the news cycle is shorter than a New York minute had yet to encounter the media gift that keeps on giving - that is the Tiger Woods saga.  Former Baltimore Sun sports writer, David Steele, wrote this piece for NPR.  We were fortunate enough to get permission to reprint it.  In the piece, Steele does an excellent job of bringing us down from the stratosphere of the cult of personality of Woods to the ground or rather the ‘course’ where Tiger’s true impact lies.  We wonder: What does it say about our society when the top three news stories of…

• Kozmic Blues and Green Living

  bonnie@makewavesnotnoise.com

  28 Dec 2009 | 2:20 pm

  This new year’s eve, look for a blue moon, a rather rare occurrence that hasn’t happened on December 31st since 1990.  A blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in a single month.  The second of these full moons is the “blue” one.  To paraphrase Janis Joplin, we had dem ol’ kozmic economic blues throughout 2009, so we’re glad to see the year go.  Let’s hope that the blue moon on the last day of 09 signifies the end of blueness and the beginning of something better—green would be nice.  Imagine how the world could…

• Living Without Health Care—Still

  bonnie@makewavesnotnoise.com

  13 Dec 2009 | 12:23 pm

  When we featured this story back in November it seemed that real health care reform might actually happen.  Now, as we move closer to the new year and our legislators get deeper and deeper into the mire of political partisanship, it’s clear that reform is as far away as ever.  Meanwhile, people like our own Joan Thomas and her family still don’t have adequate health insurance.  Read Joan’s story: MAKE WAVES’ media strategist Joan Grangenois-Thomas recently sat down with Wendy L. Wilson, news editor for Essence.com.  Wendy wanted to know about women…

• 
  the Change.org Blog

• Meet The Changemakers

  Matt Slutsky

  13 Jan 2010 | 4:48 am

  Today we are excited to announce the launch of Changemakers on Change.org! For the past three months, more than 100,000 Change.org members have participated in nominating and voting for the leaders who they feel best personify a Changemaker, resulting in a remarkable network of people. For those of you who haven’t been following along at home, [...]

• Change.org Welcomes Five New Faces

  Maria Tchijov

  8 Jan 2010 | 5:42 pm

  We’re a pretty eclectic bunch over here at Change.org. Some of us write haiku, others enjoy communicating in emoticons – but one thing that brings us all together is our desire to make the world a better place. So naturally, when we find others who share this desire and want to join our team, we [...]

• Change.org’s Predictions for the New Decade

  Ben Rattray

  3 Jan 2010 | 2:44 am

  It’s a new year and a new decade, and there’s no better time to take a look toward the future of social change. What will be the defining moments of 2010, and what victories might we be celebrating come 2020? Will this be the decade that the world finally sees a vaccine for HIV or a [...]

• Change.org’s 2009 Year in Review

  Maria Tchijov

  31 Dec 2009 | 3:14 pm

  In a few hours, it’ll be out with the old and in with the new as we welcome the start of a new year, filled with new opportunities to create change. But, before we put on our party hats and launch into a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne, we wanted to take a look [...]

• Top 10 Victories on Change.org in 2009

  Ben Rattray

  28 Dec 2009 | 1:07 pm

  2009 was a year in which the Change.org community emerged as a powerful force for social change. Our rapidly growing community of more than 1 million activists won dozens of campaigns over the past year, successfully pressuring multi-billion dollar companies to adopt more responsible and non-discriminatory practices, convincing federal departments to change outdated policies, and impacting [...]

• 
  Corporatedollar.org

• Why The Title Of Your Facebook Page Is Absolutely Critical (Video)

  John Haydon

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:12 am

• WordPress Fans – The New Headway Video Site Has Launched!

  John Haydon

  5 Feb 2010 | 7:09 am

  As many of you know, I use the Headway WordPress theme on this blog and in my WordPress development work at Inbound Zombie. I also play a marginal role in promoting the theme on various social media sites. After meeting up with Headway’s founder, Clay Griffiths at WordCamp Boston a few weeks ago, one thing has become glarlingly clear to me: Headway is not a WordPress Theme The more I use Headway, the more I realize that it’s actually a WordPress development engine. What I mean is that Headway’s visual editor allows for limitless design and site functionality choices. This is…

• How do we get our nonprofit’s supporters to retweet content?

  John Haydon

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:42 am

  One of the central benefits of social media is the ability to share content with just one or two mouse clicks. Your supporters are already sharing interesting content on Facebook. They’re retweeting it. They’re favoriting videos on YouTube as well. All with one mouse click. But you know all too well, that even though sharing has gotten easier, actually getting people to share can feel like pulling teeth. And when when you see other non-profits getting thousands of views on YouTube with what seems like no effort, you feel like stabbing yourself in the eye. So how do you get people…

• Email Deliverability Tips For Your Non-Profit

  John Haydon

  2 Feb 2010 | 8:47 am

  Following is an article by Tom Kulzer of Aweber communications, an email marketing firm in Huntingdon Valley, PA. Disclaimer: Aweber pays me a teeny weeny bonus for any business I refer to them. ___________________________ Ensuring requested opt-in email is delivered to subscriber inboxes is an increasingly difficult battle in the age of spam filtering. Open and click thru response rates can be dramatically affected by as much as 20-30% due to incorrect spam filter classification. Permission Confirming that the people who ask for your information have actually requested to be on your list is…

• Results From The 31 Day Challenge to Optimize Your Blog With Social Media (Day 31)

  John Haydon

  31 Jan 2010 | 7:49 am

  This is last day of the 31 Day Challenge To Optimize Your Blog With Social Media. I’ll be publishing a PDF containing the entire series, so stay tuned. ______________________________ Challenges and results Following are “before and after” experiences by a few folks who took the 31 day challenge. Please share your experience in the comment section. - Abbie Mood Challenge: I didn’t understand how to use social media to effectively promote my blog/freelance career. Results: I have learned about new tools (twitter karma, etc.) that I will definitely use. I’m excited…

• 
  Cynthia D'Amour on Leadership and Life

• Two Blocks From Heaven!

  Cynthia D'Amour

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:46 am

  Who knew? I spent an extra night in Westchester, NY thanks to the blizzard. In a nice area. Next to big shopping. An okay place to be stuck. Surrounded by chain restaurants. Morton’s Outback Cheesecake Factory and more! I could have been in any major city. Fine. But not as fun. As finding the local flavor. I asked the bellhop for help. At first he tried to send me to the nice chains. I held strong. He shared a secret. Two blocks away was a local Italian restaurant. When I walked in, I breathed garlic. A little Italian princess was wrapping up her birthday party. They were dressed to the…

• The Dance of Nerves

  Cynthia D'Amour

  5 Feb 2010 | 3:45 am

     Mine! I’m a little bit of an over-achiever. (Anyone surprised?) I like to do things well. And manage my variables. Today I have to fly to White Plains, NY. In a prop plane. With a layover in Philadelphia. Arriving in NY around 2:30 PM. Yesterday the impending East coast blizzard started stressing me out. Would I beat it to Philly? What if I can’t get out? Should I take a different flight? Adding to my stress - I’m not flying Delta. I’m an elite flyer with them. They make sure I get places. To save my client money, I’m flying as a nobody today. Last night I…

• Let Me Count The Ways to Get You…

  Cynthia D'Amour

  3 Feb 2010 | 7:50 am

     To the game. This weekend James and I attended the Michigan Women’s Basketball game. We catch the games when we can. To support women’s sports. And take in the experience - and what an experience it was! I’m not sure which I enjoyed more… The game. (Won with less than a minute to go!) Or the other stuff in between. Michigan was very creative in giving people a reason to attend the game. Catered birthday parties with special basketball cupcakes. Elementary kids sang the national anthem. American Heart passed out cookbooks and Go Red Pins. Biggest Loser contestants…

• You Should Have Already Responded

  Cynthia D'Amour

  1 Feb 2010 | 12:05 pm

     We need to know - NOW. I got a lovely Monday morning email… Can I help the chapter event or not? It’s critical they know now. They sent an e-mail request Friday afternoon… Huh? I’m not sure why she wrote me. I know she’s a member. No idea how she’s connected to the event. She doesn’t explain - or assumes I know. Plus she didn’t give me the details needed to take action. She shared when the first email was sent. But not the date of the event in question. Name of original sendor - but no email to RSVP too. I don’t have the first…

• The TV Commercial Hooked Me

  Cynthia D'Amour

  29 Jan 2010 | 7:09 am

     I was intrigued. They gave the URL. My computer was in my lap. I went to their website. And everything went downhill. I wanted to see if an event was scheduled in Michigan. Tried to use their calendar. And could not figure it out. I was shocked. I’ve been surfing for years. A simple calendar search should be a no-brainer. It wasn’t. I couldn’t make it give me what I wanted. What went wrong? Button confusion. Too much information. Written in insider code. After three attempts, I gave up. Too much effort. Didn’t have time to waste. The TV hook forgotten. Plus, if…

• 
  Idealist.org

• "Research Remix" Contest Winners Announced

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:13 am

  From Amy Potthast, Editor of The New Service. ::image::Last October, we wrote about the launch of Issue Lab's Research Remix Contest, which challenged digital artists and videographers to remix facts or data from one of over 300 openly licensed research reports on the IssueLab website into a video. This week, IssueLab, the online publishing forum for nonprofit research, announced the winning video. Erin Costello's "Girls Risk High Morals" was inspired by a study called High Tech or High Risk: Moral Panic about Girls Online by Justin Cassell and Meg Cramer. Cassell and Cramer argue that new…

• Truly Refreshing: Entries in the Pepsi Contest

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:37 am

  From Scott Stadum, who most recently wrote presentation tools and technology in Haiti. ::image::Many of you are well aware of the Chase Community Giving contest hosted on Facebook that ended last month* and may have mixed feelings about these types of events that award money to charities. A common sentiment is that popularity is often rewarded over efficiency and impact. These contests are by no means perfect in their execution, but they can bring needed attention, if not funding, to the diverse and critical projects within the nonprofit community. The latest competition, the Pepsi Refresh…

• Money for What Matters: Getting Over Overhead

  4 Feb 2010 | 12:21 pm

  By Put Barber, Editor of the Nonprofit FAQ. ::image::If you’re like me, at the end of the year you have a little burst of philanthropic activity. Your school may send you a special appeal for annual giving. The bell-ringers on the street remind you of the need for food, clothing, something to put under the tree in way too many families. You may have a philanthropic plan that prompts you to make some year-end gifts. In the midst of all this, you may be wondering to yourself “How do I know my money is really going to do any good?” If you talk to other people or research the question…

• Tools for Sharing Your Presentations

  28 Jan 2010 | 2:22 pm

  By Scott Stadum, who most recently wrote Haiti: Technology in a Time of Crisis. ::image::I recently ran across a couple of interesting posts from Mashable.com while researching web-based presentation tools. I hadn't realized how many services were out there and whether your need is related to archiving, sharing or presenting and from free to enterprise, there are many sites to choose from. Of the dozens of technologies highlighted in the two articles I wanted to summarize a few that stood out to me. (Click on any tool name in blue to learn more.) Google Presentations If you're a fan of Google…

• Next Week in NY, PA, and DC: Global Volunteering Fairs!

  27 Jan 2010 | 10:51 am

  From Erin Barnhart, who most recently wrote about Haiti's long road to recovery, and how you can help. ::image::Maybe you've been thinking about volunteering abroad, but aren't sure how to go about it. Where should you go? How long can you afford to stay? What is volunteering abroad really like? How can you be sure you’ll contribute to a meaningful and positive impact? If you live in New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC, join us next week at one of our 2010 Global Volunteering Fairs where you can chat with representatives from international volunteerism organizations with…

• 
  Columbus Impressions

• TiXiT Marks Another Columbus Start-Up

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:08 am

  Columbus, Ohio is a great place for entrepreneurs! After all it was recently ranked #13 for one of the greatest entrepreneur cities and #7 for best places to operate a business. Start-up business are always coming to life in Columbus!Columbus' Newest Start-up is TiXiT. I had an opportunity to interview TiXiT CEO, Mike Figliuolo and learn more about what TiXiT has to offer.You can read my

• New Heinz Ketchup Packet

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:57 pm

  Forty-two years ago the Heinz ketchup squeeze packet was invented. Now 42 years later, a new and improved packaging breakthrough is introduced. According to the press release, the Heinz Dip & Squeeze dual-function package will give ketchup lovers two ways to enjoy Heinz Ketchup: either peel back the lid for easy dipping, or tear off the tip to squeeze onto favorite foods. The new package is said

• Commit To Be Fit & Columbus Metro Parks Wellness In The Woods Video

  2 Feb 2010 | 7:50 am

  Last month Columbus Metro Parks and Commit To Be Fit held a Wellness in the Woods event. An incredible morning was enjoyed by all participants. Look for the next Wellness in the Woods coming in April.

• One of the Largest Midwest Maternity, Baby & Kid’s Expo Grows To Columbus And Cleveland

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:49 am

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Michele Savoldi, columbus imPRessions 740.816.3251 or Michele@columbusimpressions.comorKendra, Nicastro, K.C.’s Creative Events740.972.1471 or kcscreativeevents@yahoo.comOhio mom of two creates event that caters to expectant and young familiesBecoming a parent and raising a family is a difficult blessing and Kendra Nicastro knows first-hand what that is like. Being

• Very Cool Site

  26 Jan 2010 | 12:49 pm

  Today I found a cool website worth sharing.Vintage Ad BrowserThere you can find vintage advertisements for various topics dating back to the mid-1800's.An early alcohol advertisement from the 1840's.A movie ad from the 1930's.Thanks All My Favs for this new website. I've definitely added it to my favs!

• 
  Wired 4 Leadership

• The Age of Accountability

  Kerry Stackpole

  25 Jan 2010 | 8:13 am

  What a striking contrast.  Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman Sachs; Jamie Dimon from JP Morgan Chase; John Mack of Morgan Stanley and the newest member of the club Brian Moynihan of Bank of America testifying before the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission earlier this month.  For some inexplicable reason they still appear unable to grasp nor fully accept responsibility for their failures in managing America’s financial system.  Too big to fail has metaphorically speaking become “stuff happens”. Meanwhile some six blocks away from the Capitol, Washington Wizards superstar…

• Amazing Things Will Happen.

  Kerry Stackpole

  24 Jan 2010 | 6:22 am

  Closing out his run on the Tonight Show host Conan O’Brien left behind some heartfelt advice to his fans.  “Please don’t be cynical,” he said.  “I hate cycnicism—it’s my least favorite quality and it doesn’t lead anywhere.  Nobody in life get’s exactly what they thought they were going to get.  But if you work really hard and you’re kind amazing things will happen.  I’m telling you, amazing things will happen.” Don’t be cynical.  Expect the unexpected. Work really hard.  Be kind.  Amazing things will…

• Why Print Matters.

  Kerry Stackpole

  30 Dec 2009 | 8:55 am

  There’s a fascinating discussion going on at the LinkedIn Print Networking Group about the viability of print in the age of web, email and social networking.  While guessing about the imminent death of an industry is always great sport, the death of print is wildly overstated. While print now has numerous competitors for “eyeballs” and attention, it still remains one of the most effective communication mediums on the planet. In a time when only 77% of American households own computers, print narrows the digital divide by providing ready access to books, magazines and other…

• Getting It Right.

  Kerry Stackpole

  27 Dec 2009 | 8:45 am

  What are the tough trade-offs your association never seems to get quite right?  There is no shortage of ways to go wrong.  If every organization exists only to serve and leaders by extension exist only to serve those who are serving others, there is one area that rises to the top pretty quickly.  In the “risks versus rewards” world of being a leader bringing the right talent, to the right project (or problem) at the right time will rank head and shoulders above all the rest in 2010.  Paul Russell Global Head of Learning and Leadership Development at Google makes the…

• No Dues. Just The Experience.

  Kerry Stackpole

  16 Dec 2009 | 8:22 am

  A Contribution to Acronym’s Big Ideas theme… If your association couldn’t charge dues, would your members pay you for the experience of belonging? It’s a serious question. The dues value versus member benefit proposition has been thriving for decades.  Associations have been selling it and thankfully there have been an abundant number of buyers.  Until now.  With the economy in the doldrums, the enlightened self-interest of members sends them in search of cheaper alternatives to the services and solutions your association customarily provides.  Dues it seems are…

• 
  Entry Level Living

• Follow Friday: What Has Haiti Shown Us About Nonprofits?

  ajlovesya

  5 Feb 2010 | 2:40 pm

  With the immediate impact of the earthquake fading from people’s memories, many are beginning to focus on the nonprofits providing services to Haiti.  Below are some of the interesting conversations I have read regarding nonprofits and their involvement in helping Haiti.  I definitely recommend you follow these folks for powerful insight. Marketing:  What has the millions of dollars raised shown us about public engagement in disaster relief? Dan Pallotta (@danpallotta), social entrepreneur, author of Free the Nonprofits, and blogger at Harvard Business Review, states that there is a…

• Reader Response: Inexpensive Professional Development Resources

  ajlovesya

  4 Feb 2010 | 4:30 am

  Welcome to the fist edition of  Reader Response!  Do you have a question about developing a career in the nonprofit sector, navigating life in NYC, or working with social media?  Send me an email!  ajlovesya [at] gmail [dot] com. I might feature it here! Today, I’d like to tackle a question I get regularly: What free or low cost resources can a young person interested in a nonprofit career tap into for professional development? Understandably, as a nonprofit newbie, you’re focused not only on finding your passion but also on developing important skills to make you competitive…

• News and Notes

  ajlovesya

  2 Feb 2010 | 1:21 pm

  Sometimes my inbox is flooded with so many interesting opportunities, I figured I’d share! New additions to my blog: Reader Response: I get quite a few emails from readers with questions that range from how do I start a nonprofit to what kind of books should I read for my career?  I think those kinds of questions would benefit lots of people if I addressed them and solicited input from other readers.  So on Thursdays I will post a question I received, give my response, and hopefully others will chime in.  I hope this will be helpful!  If you have any questions you would like…

• Help Save Idealist.org

  ajlovesya

  1 Feb 2010 | 2:37 pm

  I was floored when I read this tweet by Ami Dar, founder and executive director of idealist.org.  While we are all aware of the impact the weak economy is having on many nonprofits, some organizations seem invincible because of the sheer impact they have on the entire sector.  Idealist.org has become such integral part in how we create, share, and search for opportunities for social change that I couldn’t fathom it enduring the level of distress indicated above. In fact, my growth in the nonprofit sector has been fueled by idealist.org.  Aside from finding my first job opportunity in NYC…

• When it Comes to Executive Pay, Numbers Arent Enough

  ajlovesya

  24 Jan 2010 | 8:46 pm

  While much of the conversation about nonprofit pay focuses on how we are not paid enough given the work we do, every now and then someone will attract the wrath of the public for having what is considered a salary that is too high.  Honestly, I generally don’t share the indignation because there is never any context given to the numbers.   There are a few questions I think we should answer when deciding whether or not pay is excessive: What percentage does this take of the organization’s budget? We accept that, as a rule, the larger the organization, the larger the salary but have we…

• 
  Social Media Bird Brain

• How Big? How Long? The Grantor’s Branding and Your Small Nonprofit

  22 Jan 2010 | 4:42 pm

  Image by Damien Basile via Flickr Anyone using the internet must have heard by now that social media is where you should be, regardless of whether you’re a big for-profit or a small non-profit. Less clear may be the admonishment to have a policy about social media, but you need one. It needs to spell out a lot of things including who’s going to be in charge of what and what you hope to get

• Social Media Has Not Killed Email - And Don't Let Your Small Nonprofit Do It, Either

  5 Jan 2010 | 5:51 pm

  Social media hasn’t killed email. More than once I’ve read a blog post or seen someone on TV or streaming video saying that social media is putting email in its coffin and every tweet or ping is another nail. Don’t you believe it. Social media and Email are complementary tools that should be used as fully and responsibly as possible. Email is probably still your most effective tool at

• Veterans + Social Media + Small Nonprofits = Community

  28 Dec 2009 | 11:59 am

  image via United States Army Garrison Livorno I’m always sorry to see the end of the year because I love the feeling of the holiday season. I’m not a Christian, but – as do most other faiths – mine encourages one to be kind to others, considerate and giving. The end of the year celebrations, with their anticipation of togetherness and shared joy allow me to share the traditions of my friends

• Oh ROI, Oh ROI - Is That Your Horse?*

  30 Nov 2009 | 3:53 pm

  image via Pulp Creative Paper Sometimes I hate social media because of how fast stuff moves. This morning, before I was really awake, I saw a Tweet or an FB post about a quote from someone whose branding expertise I appreciate. And of course, when I went to write this post, I couldn't remember who made the original quote and who passed it on. Gah. And by then, the tweets had scrolled

• Thankful/Not Thankful - Nusuth

  23 Nov 2009 | 3:33 pm

  Light meat or dark? Yes, I know it's just wrong. Since this is Thanksgiving week here in the U.S., I thought I'd do the obligatory thanks giving post. With a twist. I truly do have a lot of things to be thankful for and oddly enough, many of them have to do with things I am most decidedly not thankful about. For one thing, I'm not thankful for the guy who thought it would be okay to put his

• 
  Ken's Commentary

• Conversation About The Evolution Of Charity Evaluation

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:17 am

  Last week, Ken and other representatives from the nonprofit sector took part in a disucssion about the evolution of charity evaluation. If you missed it, now you can listen to The Overhead Question: The Future of Nonprofit Assessment and Reporting online here.

• Talking with CNN About Haiti Relief Efforts

  27 Jan 2010 | 7:36 am

  An interview with CNN's Soledad O'Brien onJan. 15th. Enjoy!

• Sending Money Where It Will Do The Most Good In Haiti - Ken on NBC Nightly News

  26 Jan 2010 | 6:41 am

  Last night, NBC Nightly News Senior Investigative Correspondent Lisa Myers reminded donors to make informed giving decisions to charities providing aid in Haiti. She included an interview with Ken, as well as many of our tips.Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

• Pros and Cons of Benefit Concerts - Radio Interview

  25 Jan 2010 | 7:36 am

  This is a 30 minute interview on Soundcheck (WNPR radio) regarding the pros and cons of benefit concerts.

• Donations to Haiti on the Takeaway Radio Show.

  21 Jan 2010 | 10:08 am

  An interview on the Takeaway show on 1-21-10 regarding donations to charities working in Haiti.

• 
  Charity Navigator

• Charities Start To Receive $$ From The Haiti Telethon

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:17 am

  The January 22, star-studded telethon for Haiti raised $66 million for the victims of the earthquake. (This is less than the $150 million raised during 9/11's "A Tribute to Heroes" telethon, but more than the $40 million raised after Hurricane Katrina's "Shelter from the Storm" telethon.) Last week, telethon organizers announced which charities would receive the first round of funding totaling $35 million:$8 million to Oxfam America$8 million to Partners in Health $6 million to American Red Cross$6 million to UNICEF$6 million to United Nations World Food Program $1 million to Yele Haiti…

• Today's Video

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:31 am

  In this video, Indiana's News Center investigative reporter, Ryan Elijah, recommends Charity Navigator as a good source for information about charities soliciting your support.

• Haiti Giving: More About Wyclef Jean's Charity and Scams

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:40 am

  When the earthquake hit Haiti and news organizations began reporting on the charities responding, we at Charity Navigator were surprised that so many news outlets were recommending donors give to Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Foundation. Yes, a celebrity founded the charity, but does that automatically make it worthy of your support? This charity is a relatively new organization and it has no experience dealing with a disaster of this magnitude. As we say in our tips, charities that haven’t done this type of work before, even those with the best intentions, will have a hard time providing…

• Super Bowl 44

  5 Feb 2010 | 12:10 pm

  Super Bowl 44 will be played this Sunday with the New Orleans Saints taking on the Indianapolis Colts. Many people with gather together that day to sit and relax in front of the TV and watch the game. The Super Bowl of course is a huge day for advertisements and many enjoy watching the commercials more than the game. This year it has been reported that a 30 second commercial aired during the Super Bowl costs $3 million.A recent article that Charity Navigator was quoted in asks "what if an ad was run to promote charitable giving or what if that $3 million was given to a charity instead of to…

• Mickey Mouse & His Friends Want You To Volunteer

  5 Feb 2010 | 5:50 am

  Uncle Sam will not let you deduct your volunteering on your taxes, but in 2010 Disney is offering one free day at their theme parks for anyone who spends one day volunteering. On the site of their newly launched "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day" program you'll find a tool, run by the 4-star Hands On Network, to help you locate a volunteer opportunity in your area.If this inspires you to want to give more of your time, then check out Charity Navigator's Guide To Volunteering.

• 
  SWOPBlogger

• $103.39 for SWOP-FREE for you!!

  Marisol

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:14 am

  So far, we have made $103.39 from searches and online shopping for SWOP-so easy to do and it’s FREE!We have something new and exciting we'd like to share with you! It’s the new SouthWest Organizing Project toolbar – once added to Internet Explorer or Firefox, each time you shop at more than 1,300 stores (from Amazon to Zazzle!) a percentage of your purchase will automatically be donated to SouthWest Organizing Project – at no cost to you (and you may even save money as the toolbar provides coupons and deals as well!).The toolbar also has a search box and each time you search the…

• Pajarito Mesa Video

  George

  4 Feb 2010 | 1:29 pm

  High Country News has posted a video that provides a really nice snapshot of life on Pajarito Mesa. The residents of the Mesa have been struggling for decades to bring adequate services to their community, and SWOP has been fighting along with them. Construction has finally begun on a water filling station which will open later this year. The video for High Country News was put together by Cally Carswell and focuses on the efforts of Organizer Sandra Montes and her experience in bringing water and other services to Pajarito Mesa. Illegal dumping is just one of the hardships that burden…

• Combined Reporting Not A Job Killer

  George

  3 Feb 2010 | 12:57 pm

  Combined Reporting is a proposed tax reform that would close the loophole which allows large, multistate corporations to avoid paying state income taxes. Combined reporting rules can help generate millions of dollars in state revenue. Pop quiz: Can you name the one western state that doesn't require combined reporting? That's right: it's The Land Of Enchantment!Legislators take a look at combined reporting again this month as they try to balance the state budget. Business groups oppose combined reporting, saying that it will scare off large corporations and the jobs they bring to the state- a…

• SWOP Executive Director Robby Rodriguez on Environmental Justice

  SWOP

  2 Feb 2010 | 11:41 am

  A key moment in SWOP’s history is highlighted in the current edition of the High Country News. In 1990 we sent a letter to ten large mainstream environmental organizations that challenged them to expand their definition of environmentalism and to look to communities of color for leadership. The letter was signed by a broad cross section of our allies in the environmental justice movement. A briefing paper was written by SWOP back in 1990 explaining the reasons for the letter. The High Country News article describes the reasons for the letter, along with reflections today from those big 10…

• Report: Less Than Half Of NM Households Have Internet Access

  George

  1 Feb 2010 | 1:54 pm

  The Social Science Research Center (SSRC) recently published a report of their findings in New Mexico, which indicates that there is a serious digital divide in our state. Less than half of New Mexico households have access to the internet, a serious problem in the modern world.This article by Gloria Williams investigates the impact of internet access in New Mexico in the wake of the SSRC report. In the article, Andrea Quijada of the New Mexico Media Literacy Project touches on the importance of the internet:"As all information gets moved online, people's very real lives depend on the…

• 
  Case Foundation - Investing in People and Ideas that Can Change the World

• Give a gift that gives back this Valentine's Day

  megans

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:31 am

  February 14th is rapidly approaching and like with any gift giving holiday, you have a choice to make! Are you going to go the traditional route and drop your cash on standard red roses and a box of chocolates, or will you give to impress with thoughtful gifts that give back? If you opt to give AND give back this year, here are ten of my favorite charitable gift ideas to get you started: Who doesn't love a charm bracelet? Give this Liz Claiborne Heart Bracelet from the Cause Shoppe and 100% of the profits will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Want to go the traditional route of…

• Target gets charitable for Valentine's Day

  allysonb

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:57 am

  This week, Target announced its newest charitable giving initiative taking place on Facebook, launched for Valentine's Day. Similar to the campaign it launched last May, when the retailer asked its Facebook fans to help decide how it would divvy up $3 million amongst 10 charities, the Valentine's Day campaign asks its Facebook fans to help it divvy up $1 million to organizations, with a focus on educational programs. The campaign, which is also tied into the Super Bowl, has a slight twist from its first Facebook voting contest - users are asked to choose the charity they think should get the…

• Nonprofit Jobs: Perspectives and advice on where to find them and how to land them

  sokuntheas

  1 Feb 2010 | 3:05 pm

  2010 has just begun and already we've seen numerous reports that the job market is still looking, well ... bleak. It's hard not to describe it this way when the headlines from major news outlets are describing the job outlook in these terms - Economy still bleeding jobs (Wall Street Journal), Job outlook for 2010 grads: still stinks (CNN Money), and Grim job outlook turns bleaker (MSNBC). But, what does this mean for the nonprofit sector and its 1.8 million nonprofit organizations, or, to look at it another way, 1.8 million employers? There's no doubt that the economic challenges have hit…

• Rethinking hydro-philanthropy

  blogger

  25 Jan 2010 | 2:20 pm

  Guest blogger Ned Breslin is CEO of Water For People, a nonprofit international humanitarian organization that supports the development of sustainable safe drinking water resources and improved sanitation facilities in developing countries. In October 2009, Water For People announced an investment from the Case Foundation to accelerate and expand its efforts to provide innovative, sustainable water solutions in Africa. The water sector is dominated by pictures of happy children drinking water from a tap. This is of course the goal, but is it the reality? Sadly not. The picture above of a…

• AGC Success Stories: Five Star proves you don't have to be a social media expert to win online competitions

  allysonb

  25 Jan 2010 | 8:06 am

  In the research we conducted after the first America's Giving Challenge in 2007-2008, we found that a hallmark for many successful efforts was a combination of online and offline outreach to mobilize supporters. It's no surprise that the combination of tactics beyond just online to generate donations was once again successful for many of this year's winners. One such effort that inspired us was the work of Five Star, a youth leadership development program in Michiana, the region in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, which has been hit hard by the economic crisis. Five Star is mentoring…

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  Marketing for Nonprofits

• Pepsi Refresh Project - Vote Today!

  Jocelyn

  1 Feb 2010 | 9:11 am

  Voting begins today for the first round of awards for the Pepsi Refresh Project.  Haven't heard of the Pepsi Refresh Project yet?  It's an ambitious effort by Pepsi to give away millions of dollars in grants to individuals, nonprofits and corporations with great ideas.  The first round of grants in the amounts of $5,000, $25,000, $50,000 and $250,000 will be awarded March 1. Anyone can vote on any project and voting starts today - February 1. According to The Times, "The project is meant to tap into a booming trend for what is called cause-related marketing or…

• Free Online Fundraising Guide for You

  Jocelyn

  22 Jan 2010 | 8:48 am

  My friends at Network for Good have done it again.  They've put together this FREE guide to help you improve your online fundraising results in 2010.  You can register to download it for FREE! The Online Fundraiser's Checklist focuses on the 4 core elements of online fundraising success: 1. A clear, compelling website 2. A clear and easy to find donation form 3. A permission-based email list 4. Great content (this includes great content for your emails and for your thank yous) I hope you'll check it out! Cheers! Jocelyn P.S.  My company - Care2 - specializes in helping…

• Get Ready to Rummage

  Jocelyn

  14 Jan 2010 | 12:15 pm

    Here is my January column for Fundraising Success. I hope you'll read it in it's entirety and get ready to rummage! We're calling a new rector for my church. This entails creating a detailed profile of our institution, assessing our ministries, analyzing our finances, and praying and reflecting on our next "calling." It also entails letting some ministries go. It's like a big rummage sale. We're giving away some programs (on the cheap!) because they no longer work. At the same time, old dreams, long forgotten, have reappeared at the bottom of the rubbish pile. The hardest part about…

• Be Creative.

  Jocelyn

  12 Jan 2010 | 4:17 am

  This is a BEAUTIFUL example of creativity at work in promoting a nonprofit - in this case the AARP.  What are you doing to tell your story in a unique, empowering, memorable and creative way? Jocelyn P.S. I found this video by reading Allison Fine's blog.

• New Fundraising Contest for You

  Jocelyn

  7 Jan 2010 | 10:51 am

   Conduit, a for-profit that creates community toolbars (see example above for the Staley Foundation) to help businesses distribute their content across multiple sites, is inviting nonprofits of all stripes and sizes to apply for "Conduit Gives," a new program to help charitable organizations ignite their fundraising campaigns. Conduit Gives enables nonprofits to create a custom toolbar to share their best news items, alerts, etc. with their donors, members, volunteers and advocates.  Every time a user clicks on the button - Click to Give - Conduit will make a donation to the…

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  Marketability by David Kinard

• Go Back and Change Someone's Mind

  David Kinard, PCM

  6 Feb 2010 | 9:33 am

  I've had the chance to interview Jack Trout three times in my career. The first time I was working to get him to come to Seattle and speak to my chapter of the American Marketing Association. The second time was when we talked about his (then) new book In Search of the Obvious. This time, I spoke with Jack about his latest book -- one that revisits his seminal work of nearly 30 years ago.While positioning was all about the battle for the mind, Repositioning is about adjusting those perceptions once they've been made. He liberally uses the examples of Mac versus the PC -- how Mac changed the…

• Going Viral

  David Kinard, PCM

  31 Jan 2010 | 9:22 pm

  Though his book at times reads like a gripping novel, Adam Penenberg has written a roadmap for any marketer wanting to know more about how viral works, how to think viral, and why viral happens the way it does. Penenberg writes from the trenches as he provides the back story on how some of today's most successful viral companies started. But the podcast takes you deeper into how to make viral happen for your company.Gripping is insufficient to describe Pennenberg's ideas. I am usually pretty good at taking notes while I am interviewing someone, but I was so enthralled in listening I found my…

• How Evolved is Your Marketing?

  David Kinard, PCM

  27 Dec 2009 | 7:48 pm

  What has changed about today's consumer that makes meaningful marketing more relevant than previous types of marketing? What is meaningful marketing? Those are just some of the questions I asked Bob Gilbreath, chief marketing strategist at Bridge Worldwide, one of the nation's largest digital advertising agencies. He's also the author of The Next Evolution of Marketing: Connect with Your Customers by Marketing with Meaning.In the podcast interview, I asked Bob if the evolution in marketing he writes about has been primarily driven by media consumption or by some other factor. Of course, it's…

• Inbound Marketing -- Move from Megaphone to Hub

  David Kinard, PCM

  24 Nov 2009 | 8:23 am

  How do you transform a web site from a "one-t0-many" megaphone to a collaborative platform that engages your target community? That's one of the key questions -- and answers -- you'll find in the new book Inbound Marketing by author Brian Halligan, co-founder of Hubspot.com. I recently had the chance to interview him for the AMA podcast (listen here) and he's got a practical and knowledgeable perspective on moving from traditional broadcast marketing to what really works in today's consumer-driven marketplace.Fundamentally, shopping has changed in the last five years, but many marketers have…

• Holiday Travel Takes $4 Billion Hit

  David Kinard, PCM

  18 Nov 2009 | 7:38 pm

  Are you staying home this holiday season? According to a recent poll by Maritz Research Hospitality Group -- you are!For the past few years, it's been my pleasure to interview Rick Garlick, senior director of consulting and strategic implementation, at Maritz Research. They do an annual poll -- and have done one for a decade now -- about holiday travel plans. Though we have weathered 911, high gas prices, economic sluggishness, and other ailments in the past, it seems that this year these woes have finally taken their toll on Americans and we're staying home, traveling less, and spending less…

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  IMPACTMAX

• Nonprofits and Foundations: Don’t Forget the Infographics

  IMPACTMAX

  6 Feb 2010 | 12:08 pm

  I’ve read many articles and posts over the past few years about the nonprofit sector’s inability to manage and share information effectively. (Gee, I’ve even written a couple.) Most of these articles suggest how nonprofits can share information more meaningfully than through reports, and how they can tell stories that convey information in a more powerful, memorable way. Let me add another important tool to this remedial mix—infographics. Wikipedia defines them as visual devices intended to communicate complex information quickly and clearly. We’ve all seen…

• DIY stratetgic communications planning for nonprofits: Step 2—Key Audiences

  IMPACTMAX

  14 Jan 2010 | 3:30 pm

  After my last strategic planning post, I’ll assume you’ve made a list of the actions you want to happen in the world as a result of your nonprofit’s efforts. That clarity is all-important as you move on to the next step in strategic communications planning—determining your key audiences. Many nonprofits give this step short shrift, believing it’s obvious to everyone who those audiences are. But I urge you to spend time on this, even if you believe you already know your key audiences. You may know their broad outlines, but do you know their names and addresses?

• Top 10 posts of the year: Happy 2010!

  IMPACTMAX

  31 Dec 2009 | 8:55 am

  No way around it, 2009 was a tough year for everyone—especially nonprofits. I hope we’re looking at much more good news in 2010! Here’s a year-end round-up of my most read posts. Thanks for tuning in this year, and a special thanks to those who shared comments! How nonprofits can succeed in the new sustainability paradigm: 6 big lessons from social media 10 ways to show a little sympathy to your donors Free tool of the week: Prezi rates a WOW The best fundraising advice I’ve ever heard First step in strategic communications planning: Communications audits Best…

• DIY strategic communications planning for nonprofits

  IMPACTMAX

  27 Dec 2009 | 11:56 am

  Flickr/Sumlin A while ago I promised some advice about strategic communications planning, and my next step-by-step posts will cover that topic. It’s timely because–while you might be able to overlook wasted communications dollars when times are good—2010 is the year to make sure you’re absolutely getting the most bang for your buck. A strategic communications plan can help you do that. I’ll assume you’ve already done the three-part communications audit to figure out the effectiveness of your current communications and what your audiences are saying about…

• Using social media to drive policy change

  IMPACTMAX

  18 Nov 2009 | 4:39 pm

  Consider how you can best use social media to achieve your policy change goals Before I launch into my real post below, I want to take a minute to revel in being a Minnesotan. In the past several years, there have been very few opportunities to do that. But Tuesday, we reclaimed something of our past selves by setting a new state one-day online fund raising record of $14 million!!! As Beth Kanter says, it’s a jaw dropping figure. One day, one state, one website…hundreds of nonprofits supported. The success of this venture is due to many factors–great communications among…

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  Change/Wire

• Calling All Millennial Vets: We Need You

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:06 am

  We told you earlier this month about the great Democracy 2.0 Summit (April 1-3 in Los Angeles) that ServiceNation's Mission Serve is helping Mobilize.org pull off. The aim of the summit, which is called "Beyond The Welcome Home," is to explore the critical issues facing Millennial veterans as they return home from war. To do that Mobilize is looking for 100 Millennial vets who have some ideas on how America should address this issue and would like to attend. In an essay posted on Military.com, Mobilize CEO Maya Enista explains further: To date, there have been approximately 2 million service…

• Service On The Small Screen

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:43 am

  It's always worth taking a minute to check out what's happening with service on YouTube. Here's a quick playlist to set you up for the coming work week. 1) CNN drops in on the Southwest Conservation Corps: 2) ServiceNation friend and supporter Demi Moore is supporting GEMS (Girls Educating And Mentoring Services) in the Pepsi Refresh Project: 3) NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg takes Cities Of Service to Chicago on MLK Day: 4) Greenpeace USA has a very cool PSA series on climate change:

• The First Annual Serve America Volunteer Leader Award: Make A Nomination

  4 Feb 2010 | 8:52 am

  In honor of the upcoming one-year anniversary of the passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the University of Phoenix and the HandsOn Network are working together to organize a contest to honor the volunteer whose work has done the most to further and honor Senator Kennedy’s legacy of promoting volunteerism and the ideal of service across the nation. Here is what these organizations have to say about the First Annual Serve America Volunteer Leader Award: “Volunteer leaders will be nominated by the public and finalists will be selected by a diverse panel of judges and…

• The 2010 Do Something Award, and Increase Your Green

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:55 am

  The 2010 Do Something Award season is up and running! The awards are sponsored by, you guessed it-- DoSomething.org. Here’s what they have to say about this exciting opportunity: “Could you use $100,000 to change the world? The Do Something Awards celebrate young people 25 and under who are tackling a problem and changing the world. Five nominees will be rewarded with a $10,000 community grant, participation in a live VH1 TV show, media coverage and continued support from DoSomething.org. The grand prize winner will receive $100,000 during the live broadcast!! Application closes…

• What’s Your Issue?� Will You Film It With A Proposed Solution?

  3 Feb 2010 | 1:10 am

  Video is a very powerful medium for creating awareness around important issues, as well as inspiring others to join in a solution. That's why the What's Your Issue Foundation runs an annual competition (now in it's 5th year) that calls on 14-24 year-olds to submit short videos about issues they care about, along with proposed solutions. It's called Film Your Issue, and this year Be the Change, Inc. is proud to be a partner. Here's the deal, as explained on the website: We are seeking your innovative solutions to issues.  We think that 14 to 24 year olds can offer a fresh, innovative…

• 
  A Volunteer's Guide to Changing the World

• A Call for Nonprofits: Ask less, give more

  4 Feb 2010 | 10:22 am

  We know budgets are reduced and giving is down. Asking for more won't help. Sending more emails, planning more events, and hosting more auctions are signs of desperation.People don't need to give money. People don't need to raise money. People NEED to belong to something special. People NEED to be recognized for their contributions.Communicate a mission that people can support. Provide a place where people feel like they belong, and are recognized. Create a community where people get more than they give. Only by doing that can nonprofits grow their network... and with a larger network be…

• RE: Online Outreach on a Budget

  28 Jan 2010 | 12:46 pm

  More than ever, online outreach is VITAL to your and your organizations ongoing success. I hope this post provides you valuable information and tools to stay ahead of the curve.Currently, there is a nonprofit blog carnival sweeping the Internet... Its full of great information, tips, and tools for nonprofits and volunteers. This month, IssueLab collected some amazing posts about improving online outreach.I recommend reading the full and original post by going to the Issue Lab blog, but if you are strapped for time, here are some of the highlights:Webinar Recap: Connecting Advocacy to…

• Creative Crowdsourcing Empowers Non-Profits to Spread the Word

  22 Jan 2010 | 4:58 pm

  Crowdsourcing has been a growing trend and its a wonderful way to find new volunteers. There are a variety of different types of crowd-sourcing that fit almost any need that a nonprofit might have. Recently, National Association of Federal Credit Union leveraged a crowd-sourcing group to help launch advertisements to promote its nonprofit branches across the nation. I thought the crowdsourcing methodologie was very interesting and invite you to read this guest post from the creator of the program Peter H. LaMottePersonally, I have never working with GeniusRocket nor do I receive any incentive…

• 3 Rules for Nonprofits: Belonging belonging belonging

  13 Jan 2010 | 2:38 pm

  Just like the first three principles of real estate are priority, priority, priority, the first rule for nonprofits to engaging volunteers and donors should be BELONGING, BELONGING, BELONGING!This rule is inspired by Marsha Shenk, and her presentation, Brain, Body and Business.You can see the full presentation here:View more presentations from marsha shenk.

• 3 Sites That Make a Difference

  12 Jan 2010 | 12:47 pm

  Increasingly, you can do the things that you like to do, and do them in the name of a charity or cause. I have recently experimented with the following and I love what these groups are doing. I encourage you to check them out. And if they haven't listed your favorite cause, contact your cause and see if you can get them enabled.(NOTE TO NONPROFITS: If you haven't connected with sites like this, you are behind the times. Its free money, and it increases your social media presence...)Rec.fm | rec.fm is a tool that simply allows you to make great recommendations to your friends and help your…

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  IssueLab's Comprehensive News Feed

• A Post-Global Economic Development Strategy

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The development of the US economy has been fundamentally shaped by the availability of abundant, low-cost energy. There is growing consensus, however, that a major change in the global energy regime will impact the economy shortly. The question is not if, but rather how soon and how much. Efforts will be needed to create alternative energy sources, to increase energy efficiency, and to redesign major urban systems.... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at…

• Safe Routes to School Increases Physical Activity and Improves Health

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): Safe Routes to School National Partnership. This report indicates how Safe Routes to School is being institutionalized at select schools, and providing a mechanism to improve student and school health. It provides local case studies from Benton County, OR; Eau Claire, WI; Flagstaff, AZ; and Garfield, NJ that detail how SRTS can lead to improved public health.... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at http://www.issuelab.org

• The Automobile at Rest: Toward Better Parking Policies in the Delaware Valley

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The Automobile at Rest: Toward Better Parking Policies in the Delaware Valley presents an overview of parking policies and requirements in the Delaware Valley region, along with strategies for managing and designing parking better. Each of the region's 353 municipalities set their own parking requirements within their municipal zoning ordinance, usually based on national standards from the Institute of... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at…

• The Potential Revenue from Financial Transactions Taxes

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): Center for Economic and Policy Research. This joint report by CEPR and the Political Economy Research Institute (University of Massachusetts, Amherst) gives an estimate of $177-354 billion in revenue that could be raised by taxing financial transactions in the United States.... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at http://www.issuelab.org

• Teachers Guide to The Measure of America

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): American Human Development Project. From the Introduction: "This study guide is designed to enhance students' mastery of key content and skills in social studies through examination of recent statistical data about the United States collected from congressional districts, states, and regions of the United States. It is intended to be used in conjunction with The Measure of America: American Human Development Report 2008 -- 2009 by Sarah Burd-Sharps,... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at…

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  YouTube: Nonprofits

• Managing Nonprofits In Tough Times - Ellen Johnson

  ProtectGeorgiaRivers

  17 Jan 2010 | 2:40 pm

  Managing Nonprofits In Tough Times - Ellen Johnson Environmental nonprofits need to manage through tough economic times in order to survive. Learn how to do that in this point by point presentation. Keep your donor base and your mission intact. Ellen Johnson of the Georgia Center of Nonprofits tells you how. Contact: Ellen at : www.gcn.org From: ProtectGeorgiaRivers Views: 13 0 ratings Time: 09:43 More in Nonprofits & Activism

• Derreck Kayongo, Keynote Speaker at Blackbaud's 2009 Conference for Nonprofits

  blackbaudinc

  17 Nov 2009 | 1:27 pm

  Derreck Kayongo, Keynote Speaker at Blackbaud's 2009 Conference for Nonprofits Watch more from Blackbaud's 2009 Conference for Nonprofits at www.blackbaud.com/bbcontv. From: blackbaudinc Views: 291 3 ratings Time: 04:32 More in Nonprofits & Activism

• How Nonprofits Can Promote Community Engagement Across Generations -- Panel Discussion - Part II

  alexmia23

  3 Nov 2009 | 8:07 pm

  How Nonprofits Can Promote Community Engagement Across Generations -- Panel Discussion - Part II Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties How Nonprofits Can Promote Community Engagement Across Generations Panel Discussion -- Part II From: alexmia23 Views: 4 0 ratings Time: 10:24 More in Nonprofits & Activism

• Cool New Features for YouTube Nonprofits

  citizentube

  14 Oct 2009 | 11:18 am

  Cool New Features for YouTube Nonprofits We're introducing two new features for youtube Nonprofit Partners -- the ability to select custom thumbnails and the ability to use video annotations to link to external websites. Check out this video for step-by-step instructions on how your video can use these features! From: citizentube Views: 7213 52 ratings Time: 04:51 More in People & Blogs

• Donor Names on Projects Costs Less as Nonprofits Compete: Video

  Bloomberg

  9 Oct 2009 | 7:15 am

  Donor Names on Projects Costs Less as Nonprofits Compete: Video Oct. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Nonprofit institutions and universities may be more willing now to negotiate over how much donors have to give and how long they have to make the payments in exchange for recognition as the number of large gifts decline. Bloomberg's Alexis Leondis talks with Erik Schatzker and Deirdre Bolton about the price wealthy individuals give in return for getting their names on hospitals, parks and college buildings. (Source: Bloomberg) From: Bloomberg Views: 184 0 ratings Time: 02:10 More in Entertainment

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  Non-Profit In-Kind Connection

• Philanthropy Friday Behind the Scenes with Lifeline of Ohio

  columbus imPRessions

  5 Feb 2010 | 6:30 am

  This week I featured Lifeline of Ohio on Columbus Underground. To get a behind the scenes look at the organization I asked them to share a stand-out moment they could share. Here is what they shared with me."There are many remarkable stories about people in every community who have been touched by donation. These might not be stories that make the headlines, but they are stories of generosity, hope and gratitude."This month, a local liver recipient is celebrating his second transplant anniversary! Andy Furr, of Grove City, a dedicated husband and father to three, was diagnosed with cirrhosis…

• CYP Offers FREE Listing on CYP's Community Section On-line

  columbus imPRessions

  4 Feb 2010 | 12:39 pm

  As a resource in the community, and with nearly 10,000 members - and growing - the Columbus Young Professionals Club (CYP CLUB) is offering non-profit organization and community groups the opportunity to be listed on the CYP CLUB’s community section online. This new section has a variety of listed resources for our young professional (21-45 years old) members and the community at large. We plan to build upon this feature even more into 2010. It’s a great opportunity for our folks to find out about Local Events and Volunteer Opportunities anytime they visit our website, which receives more…

• Tremont Goodie Shop Selling Cookies to Benefit Franklin County Dog Shelter

  columbus imPRessions

  4 Feb 2010 | 9:02 am

  The Tremont Goodie Shop is selling these "Yellow Snow" cookies to raise money for the Franklin County Dog Shelter. There's a critical shortage of funds - their reserves are depleted - for life-saving medical procedures. Come in and buy them up!Pick some up at:2116 Tremont CenterUpper Arlington, OH, 43221

• Sober Living in Cincinnati Area Needs In-Kind Assistance

  columbus imPRessions

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:01 am

  Sober Living is a non-profit organization in Cincinnati, Ohio committed to providing a safe, affordable, sober housing and structural living environment to individuals recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. Their goal is to encourage and instill personal growth through educational, work-force training and spiritual development. They currently run 5 houses.They are in need of any household itemsTo make a donation contact Brian Hart at brian@soberlivingohio.comOr send donations to:Sober Living4027 Reading RdCincinnati, OH 45229

• FREE NonProfit Event Listings

  columbus imPRessions

  3 Feb 2010 | 11:00 am

  If you are a central Ohio nonprofit organization and want to create awareness for your athletic event - walk, run, golf outing, triathlon, cycling, swim, etc. you can now submit your event to Commit To Be Fit.The on-line submission form can be found here

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  IdealistNews

• Building a Farm Where a Freeway Used To Be

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:09 am

  submitted by BlueOrange [link] [comment]

• Haiti man 'survives 27 days under quake rubble'

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:54 am

  submitted by BlueOrange [link] [comment]

• Got a problem Board member, staff person, or colleague? Maybe YOU are the problem instead.

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:43 am

  submitted by lgdeaton [link] [comment]

• Become a Whistleblower for Peace in Congo - GlobalShift

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:21 pm

  submitted by Cowboy1985 [link] [comment]

• Project 4636: An Info Graphic

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:57 pm

  submitted by BlueOrange [link] [comment]

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  Together We Flourish

• Network of Hope Opens a New Men’s Home

  Susan

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:57 am

  With great excitement the Network of Hope , a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote lasting change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. announces the opening of the 2nd men’s recovery home this February!  This is part of our partnership with the Pittsburgh City Outreach Church. Pastor Jon Shaffer will be overseeing the men’s home.  The on-site home directors, Manny and Dave, are graduates from the current men’s home.  They exemplify the concept of giving back as they step up to lead other men in lasting change! The home will help men…

• Beaver County Association for the Blind Kids are Going To Disney

  Susan

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:25 am

  We are very excited to announce that Beaver County Association for the Blind and the Keystone Kids have been accepted to attend the Disney YES (Youth Education Series) Program.  So, we will be going to “Disney Again in 2010!!!”  In the summer of 2005, the generosity of local clubs, organizations and private donors helped us to raise the funds to send 20 blind and severely visually impaired children from the Beaver County area to Disney World in Orlando, Florida for a weeklong behind-the-scenes look at the world’s largest theme park.  At that time, we were proud to be the first…

• Community Education at Carlow University Offers New Choices

  Susan

  5 Feb 2010 | 4:25 am

  Are you looking for a Change? Advancement? New Choices?   TheCommunity Education at Carlow University programs can help.   The New Choices Career Development   Thisprogram is designed to assist single parents and displaced homemakers to achieve their personal, educational and financial goals.  Classes will be offered in Downtown Pittsburgh and at the Shaler High School, starting February 15th, 2010. Morning and evening classes are available. Program includes: Interest and Proficiency assessments Goal Setting and Career Ladder Plan Self-Esteem Inventory and Confidence Building…

• News From North Hills Community Outreach

  Susan

  4 Feb 2010 | 4:11 am

  This is what’s happening at North Hills Community Outreach in February   Donations Requested for “Spring Share” North Hills Community Outreach is collecting items for “Spring Share” that will help approximately 500 local families in hardship. Please deliver your donations (baskets , c andy, granola bars, snack size treats, gift cards) to NHCO, 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. For more information, contact Jennifer Lynn at 412-487-6316, option 1.  NHCO Open February 6th to Accept Donations. North Hills Community Outreach at 1975 Ferguson Road will be open on…

• Children at Focus on Renewal’s Butterfly Garden Receive a Holiday Treat

  Susan

  2 Feb 2010 | 4:56 am

   In December, Focus On Renewal (FOR) received numerous donations from individuals, businesses and groups for the children and families we serve in our various programs.   Although we greatly appreciate all the donations, one in particular stands out. Margie Rose and Daniel McCaffrey played “Santa” to the children who attend Butterfly Garden (FOR’s child care center) by organizing a toy drive. The couple traveled to New York City to purchase 200 toys, but ended up buying 360 gifts, which had to be shipped back to their Windgap home. Then they invited friends and family members to…

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  Philanthropy Potluck

• Budget Deficit Looms Large at Legislative Briefing

  Stephanie Jacobs

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:33 am

  On February 5th, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) held a legislative briefing for the nonprofit community on the priorities for the 2010 legislative session.  All of the legislators acknowledged that 2010 would be another difficult year, particularly with a $1.2 billion budget deficit looming.  Majority and minority leaders from the Minnesota House and Senate, including House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, House Assistant Minority Leader Carol McFarlane, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, and Senate Minority Leader David Senjem,…

• MCF Appoints Diversity Fellow

  Wendy Wehr

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:41 am

  Tawanna Black, MCF diversity fellow MCF announces today the appointment of Tawanna Black as diversity fellow to support inclusivity initiatives of the grantmaker association and its members. Tawanna has a unique blend of for-profit and nonprofit leadership, public policy and communications experience that will serve MCF and its members well during her nine-month fellowship.  She is the former and first director of diversity for Cox Communications in Omaha, Nebraska.  While at Cox she advised senior management in setting high standards for business growth, innovation and stakeholder…

• Disaster Philanthropy: A Long Term Role for Foundations

  Stephanie Jacobs

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:15 am

  The aftershocks of the earthquake in Haiti will be felt for generations. What role should philanthropy play in rebuilding? I listened in on a recent conference call organized by the partners of Katrina @ 5 about philanthropy’s response to the earthquake in Haiti.  Several speakers from government and philanthropy spoke about the current relief efforts in Haiti and the long term role for foundations in disaster response.  You can listen to a recording of the conference call here and learn more about Katrina @ 5 on their website.  Also, see how Minnesota grantmakers are providing…

• Community Foundations: National Contest Calls for Your Local Information Experiments

  MCF Webmaster

  4 Feb 2010 | 9:02 am

  Civic engagement, got an app for that? Knight Foundation wants to hear from you! The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is accepting applications from community and place-based foundations seeking to fund news and information projects. The deadline for the Knight Community Information Challenge, a matching grant program, is March 8. Applications can be submitted at www.informationneeds.org. Recognizing the growing role that foundations are playing in connecting citizens with information about their communities (see Minnesota Compass for a great example of this), Knight Foundation has…

• “We’re Looking Ahead with Optimism and Creativity,” Funders Say.

  Chris Noonan

  2 Feb 2010 | 10:32 am

  “I’m glad I’m on the panel this year and not last year,” remarked Trista Harris, executive director of Headwaters Foundation for Justice, at this year’s 2010 Outlook Program for Minnesota Grantmakers and Nonprofits, presented by the Minnesota Council on Foundations. “Last year, the theme seemed to be ‘Run for the hills! We’re all in big trouble.’ This year, I think it’s ‘Looking ahead with optimism and creativity.’” While the theme was noticeably less bleak at the 2010 briefing, held Jan. 29, 2010, than it was at the 2009 program, panelists cautioned that times are…

• 
  ActiveCause

• Cause marketing for smart marketers – rules and tools

  The following information is excerpted from Why “cause” is the new black as appearing in the September 2009 Luxury Marketing Council Newsletter. According to a 2009 Cone Communications survey, 85 percent of Americans say they have a more positive image of a product or company when it supports a cause they care about.  More than half [...]

• i[2]y Stupid Cancer Show December 7, 2009

  Craig co-hosted the Stupid Cancer Show last night with Matt Zachary and Lisa Bernhard (entertainment journalist, cancer survivor lisabernhard.net) featuring guests Jason Rzepka (VP Public Affairs, MTV), Nancy Lublin (CEO of DoSomething.org) and Adam Hirsch (COO of Mashable.com).

• Join Team ActiveCause at the New York Twestival September 12th

  Event Information Celebrity Bowling Tournament in association with Brooklyn Bowl and Flavorpill Where: Brooklyn Bowl 61 Wythe Avenue Brooklyn, NY When: Saturday, Sept 12th, 6:00pm – 10:00pm Early bird tickets available for $20 for a limited time! Click here. Cause: CampInteractive CampInteractive (CI) is a not-for-profit organization that empowers at-risk, inner-city youth through the inspiration of the outdoors, and the creative power [...]

• ActiveCause Facebook Page Launches in advance of Beta release

  ActiveCause Facebook Page Launches in advance of Beta release

• Cause marketing – a potential ray of light for nonprofits

  Image by webhamster via Flickr Mike Swenson at Adage published a great article on the case for Cause Marketing last month.  In case you missed it http://adage.com/goodworks/post?article_id=138175 I’m pulling together an article on this exact topic for the Luxury Marketing Council.  The case for cause marketing is strong – especially digital programs.  Traditional channels of corporate philanthropy [...]

• 
  A. Fine Blog

• I Have a FREE HP Laptop and Printer to Give Away!

  Allison Fine

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:49 am

  Morning, peeps, I’ve got a special surprise today!  Beth and I have helped to plan and assess online contests such as America’s Giving Challenge sponsored by the Case Foundation over the past several years. Now, we’re part of a group of bloggers who get to help sponsor a contest and give away free HP stuff! The [...]

• Nonprofit Disaster Accountability

  Allison Fine

  4 Feb 2010 | 6:11 pm

  The epic earthquake in Haiti was notable for the horrific damage it left in its literal wake. The aftermath has been notable for the huge amounts of private money donated for relief efforts. The combination of urgency and ease of giving through tools like text messaging has added up to$644 million to date according to [...]

• Demand Question Time!

  Allison Fine

  3 Feb 2010 | 8:07 am

  As always, my friend Micah Sifry and his pals at Personal Democracy Forum and TechPresident are up to some good fun! If you didn’t see the debate that President Obama had with the House Republicans last week, you absolutely must. It was inspiring to see elected officials have real, civil dialogue about real issues. Here’s a [...]

• Ushahidi Puts All the Pieces Together

  Allison Fine

  1 Feb 2010 | 7:21 am

  Ushahidi is the Swahili word for testimony or witness. It is also a relatively new organization that represents all of the pieces of the digital convergence to crowdsource crisis information. Ushahidi began in 2008 in the wake of the stolen election in Kenya. The government controlled television and land line telephone service, but it couldn’t control [...]

• Reflections on Fundraising By Text

  Allison Fine

  27 Jan 2010 | 8:58 am

  I’ve spent a lot of time this week thinking about the explosion in donations by text messaging since the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Here are my latest thoughts: 1. Gavin Clabaugh, one of the smartest folks I know about this stuff, made a very insightful comment on my post the other day about Haiti signifying the tipping [...]

• 
  Next Gen Consulting Cafe

• Into the future

  Emily Davis, MNM

  17 Jan 2010 | 3:18 pm

  Every generation counts...in philanthropy, in the nonprofit sector, and in the corporate world. I spent much of the last week in NYC with the amazing leaders at 21/64 honing my consulting skills on multi-generational family philanthropy. It was an incredible experience which has helped me to refocus my energy on what I do best - engage the next generation. I'll be taking my previous and

• A New Direction...

  Emily Davis, MNM

  15 Jan 2010 | 1:29 pm

  Many of you have noticed my absence on my blog and other consulting areas in the last year or so. I’ve spent the last year and half working diligently on building Young Nonprofit Professionals Network San Diego (YNPNSD). YNPN San Diego now has nearly 500 members and an amazing advisory board leadership team and highly-functioning committees. It’s an incredible group and I am honored to serve as

• YNPN 09: Best Practices Every Leader Should Follow

  Emily Davis, MNM

  26 Apr 2009 | 10:27 am

  From Heather Carpenter at Nonprofit Leadership 601...Wow -- let me say that again -- Wow!! I just attended a session led by YNPN DC and I'm impressed. YNPN DC board members shared their best practices they use in their chapter that I think ALL Nonprofits should follow.They have best practices for EVERYTHING, here's a taster:Procedure manuals for eventsShared internal docs Integrated google

• YNPN 09: Being Thankful

  Emily Davis, MNM

  26 Apr 2009 | 10:26 am

  From Heather Carpenter at Nonprofit Leadership 601...The theme of the last session of the YNPN leaders conference was inspiration and gratitude. Chapter leaders from Chicago, NY, Twin Cities, DC, Denver, San Diego, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Cleveland, Austin, San Francisco, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Louisville and Phoenix shared their favorite moments of the conference and what they planned to

• YNPN 09: Leaders Conference Closing

  Emily Davis, MNM

  26 Apr 2009 | 10:13 am

  I sat down to write one of my final blog posts for the YNPN Leaders Conference and then saw how great Heather Carpenter's posts have been and decided to share hers instead....our thoughts and feeling on her last two blog posts are essentially the same anyway. :) Watch for upcoming re-posts from Heather here and on the YNPN San Diego blog. Be sure to check Heather out on her Nonprofit Leadership

• 
  The Successful Nonprofit

• Posterous Importer

  Brian Colinger

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:04 pm

  Posterous is a blogging system that launched with an interesting twist — everything happens via email from signup to posting. Since the launch of our post by email features in addition to things like email comment replies and blog subscriptions we’ve been receiving more inquiries from people wanting to graduate from Posterous to a full blog with the features, flexibility, and reliability of WordPress.com. It was actually easier than we thought: Posterous has a very nice API for reading from and writing to their service. After logging into your WordPress.com Dashboard, click on…

• New Theme: Steira

  Noel

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:57 pm

  Full of character yet minimal, we bring you the wonderful “Steira,” bursting at the seams with detail and functionality. Steira in all its glory! Recent Comments Widget for Steira The sidebar is large in this theme giving you a lot of room to play. Any widget will do, but the custom widgets are quite convenient and stylish. The “Recent Comments” widget is especially nice. It shows a dedication to your content while at the same time keeping the visual intensity that the rest of the theme boasts. The "New" post. There are a lot of subtle details in this theme.

• Improved Polls and Ratings

  Eoin

  4 Feb 2010 | 10:11 am

  We have made a couple of updates to the polls and ratings feature on WordPress.com that you may have already noticed. Ratings on front page There is now an option in the ratings settings to allow you to display your posts ratings on the front page. Usage is very simple – pick whether you want the rating above or below the post, and save. Your ratings will now appear on your blogs front page… nice! Poll Options Menu You may have noticed a new menu option under the polls menu – Options. Here you can import another PollDaddy account if you wish to access another account from your…

• Post by Email Wrapup

  John

  28 Jan 2010 | 3:07 am

  Since our Post by Email feature opened last year the emails have been coming in fast and furious. Here’s a wrap-up of some of the latest improvements. Bigger attachments We like to see photos and video in your posts, so we’ve increased the size of emails that can be sent, now up to 50MB. Anything you can upload to WordPress.com can be sent in an email and will be neatly placed on your post. Better image handling In conjunction with this we’ve also improved our image handling so your photos look even better, particularly when teamed up with duotone, a great new photo theme.

• Vox Importer

  Brian Colinger

  27 Jan 2010 | 3:51 pm

  Thinking of moving your blog from Vox.com to WordPress.com? You are not alone. We’ve noticed that several people are dissatisfied with the service and want to move their blog elsewhere. A lot of people that we’ve heard from say they didn’t realize that there is no way to export from Vox and are looking for a solution. Vox users have at least one option now: create a free blog here at WordPress.com, then import your Vox blog. (And never be locked in again — we make your data as free as possible.) After logging into your WordPress.com Dashboard, click on Tools -> Import. Click on…

• 
  Pamela's Grantwriting Blog

• Social Media for Nonprofit – Re-thinking the Rules of Engagement

  Pamela Grow

  7 Feb 2010 | 11:15 am

  This blog post came out of an impromptu phone conversation with marketing consultant, Rob Olic. The content was too good not to share. If you like it, let me know and I’ll get him to contribute again! Pam: Did you read my latest blog entry on engagement? Rob: Yes. Pam: What did you think? Rob: ((silence)) Pam: You didn’t like it. Rob: No, I really did like it. I found Aerin’s writing to be truly engaging and I think that’s what’s bothering me. Pam: Explain. Rob: Well, I was completely involved in reading her post…you might even say ‘engrossed’ and yet when I finished, it…

• Let’s Get Engaged, Honey

  Pamela Grow

  1 Feb 2010 | 7:26 pm

  Let’s just say it: engagement is a buzzword. I spent a few years in the educational publishing business, and it was a word I saw trotted out again and again, to describe every latest and every greatest. Engaging resources. Engage your students with this product. It’s all about engagement. After a while, a word loses it’s efficacy, particularly in a market where extremely similar products are being hawked to the same customer base, over and over again. And the unfortunate effect is that the problem these products tried to solve – lack of student engagement (or boredom), which is a…

• Don’t Give Me Gobbledegook …

  Pamela Grow

  29 Jan 2010 | 3:15 pm

  With thanks to Hildy Gotlieb, I’d like to share this wonderful video. A good reminder to everyone who writes in the nonprofit arena. Social Bookmarking

• 8 Biggest Grant Proposal Mistakes

  Pamela Grow

  26 Jan 2010 | 3:23 am

  1.  Have you followed the grant application guidelines? When I worked for a grant-making foundation, you wouldn’t believe how many times my colleagues and I would look at each other with dropped jaws:  “Did they even BOTHER to read the guidelines?” we would wonder. It’s truly astonishing how many organizations fail on this basic.  They omit to include their 501c3 letter.  Project budgets are left out.  The audited financial report is missing. Here’s a tip:  Take note of what is to be included and state it directly within the cover letter: In addition to our…

• My Theme for 2010 … Three Words?

  Pamela Grow

  15 Jan 2010 | 7:32 pm

  Every year, I evaluate the year just passed.  Did I meet my career goals?  My health and fitness goals?  Did I stick to my resolutions of the previous year? While, yes, I stuck to my fitness plan (for me that’s a no brainer.  Exercise has been an integral part of my life for 20something years),  I realized that I’d fallen off the diet wagon. No, I’m not talking about the latest fad diet – don’t believe in ‘em.  But, I’m not twenty anymore and my days of eating pizza, cookies and burgers on a regular basis and counting on exercise to burn it off…

• 
  Jolkona Foundation Blog

• Race Against Hunger

  Guest

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:18 am

  This guest post contributed by Action Against Hunger - one of our partner organizations. The beginning of the year means many things-New Year’s resolutions, increasingly brighter days, budding flowers and baby animals. But for the Race Against Hunger team, the first of the year means only one thing: the beginning of our educational presentations! The Race Against Hunger [...]

• New Year, New Projects

  Adnan

  31 Jan 2010 | 11:08 pm

  We are excited to welcome 2010 with a lot of new projects. Here are the newest projects you will find on our website: We are excited to welcome Ashoka to the Jolkona community. You can now support an Ashoka Youth Venture project right here in Seattle to encourage youth led journalism. Jolkona Foundation believes that we can [...]

• The Gift of Giving

  Taylor

  25 Jan 2010 | 2:21 pm

  Imagine something that has been proven to make you happier, healthier and more confident while being environmentally friendly, and having absolutely no adverse side effects. I am not referring to a new miracle drug or infomercial for aroma-therapy candles, but simply the act of giving. People have long known that altruism carries its own rewards. [...]

• Options to Help Haiti

  Nadia

  14 Jan 2010 | 6:11 pm

  Our heartfelt condolences go out to the people and families in Haiti affected by the recent tragic earthquake that has claimed thousands of lives and affected over one third of the population.  We know that there are tons of relief efforts and fundraisers going on right now to help provide assistance, and although we ourselves [...]

• How Jolkona Foundation Came About…

  Adnan

  14 Jan 2010 | 5:58 am

  Last month, I gave an interview where I discussed how I came to start Jolkona Foundation. This interview was distributed internally within Microsoft. It is my pleasure to share the article, in its entirety, with our readers. Once again, I would like to thank my employer - Microsoft Corporation - for being so supportive of Jolkona [...]

• 
  SocialEarth

• Social Entrepreneurship Weekly

  Tristan

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:27 am

  Another week, another partner column with Ashoka’s Change Insight blog. I’m slightly behind due to the #NedSoc Social Entrepreneurship Conference, but here are the top highlights from the last week in social entrepreneurship: Ashoka-Lemelson Tech4Society Event to start this week in Hyderabad, India From February 11-13, 2010 Ashoka and The Lemelson Foundation are bringing together pioneers and [...]

• Read it, Think it, Play it, EVOKE it

  Ashley

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:03 am

  Social reality game designer, Jane McGonigal, has been proving to the world for awhile now that video games don’t have to be a waste of time and on March 3rd, with the debut of her latest work, EVOKE, she’s going to do it again. EVOKE is like SIMS on steriods. You think it’s difficult raising a [...]

• The Social Enterprise Conference: Reflections on Service

  Guest Author

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:30 am

  The following is a guest post from Emily Wren, a first year student at the Harvard Business School. An engineer by training, she studied at Duke University where she was a founding member of the Duke chapter of Engineers Without Borders. She is currently the Media Co-Director for the Harvard Social Enterprise Conference. At [...]

• Jordan Proves to be the Arab Powerhouse of Microfinance

  Ashley

  6 Feb 2010 | 4:07 am

  Jordan might still be coasting on it’s rebirth of economic prosperity brought on by its liberal economic policies – it is now classified as a “lower middle income” country by the World Bank – and it remains a nation that is determined not to leave anyone behind. In a report issued by Sanabel, the Microfinance [...]

• Story of a Start Up: Mana Nutrition Part 1

  Amy

  5 Feb 2010 | 12:52 pm

  Back in December, I came across Mr. Alex Cone, the marketing manager for MANA Nutrition, on twitter. He was tweeting about this organization that will tackle severe acute malnutrition with an innovative social business model producing ready-to-use-therapeutic-food (RUTF). After speaking with Cone about the process of being a start-up organization, I proposed a project to [...]

• 
  Not For Profit Accounting

• A New Home

  Alan

  2 Feb 2010 | 2:59 pm

  I have a new blogging home now at www.npaccounting.org where I’ll be writing, answering questions and putting up more resources for The Nonprofit Center. I’ll still be doing updates to this website to keep things current and fresh but most of my writing energies will be there. Also, there is a new state association for Washington [...]

• 2010 IRS Mileage Rates

  Alan

  14 Dec 2009 | 8:16 am

  From the IRS’s Website: The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 50 cents [...]

• Best of Not-for-Profit Accounting

  Alan

  12 Nov 2009 | 7:05 am

  I’ll be taking a break updating this site for a bit. I have a new job in a new state that will keep me busy but I’ll post here again when I’m settled. But before I go on my brief hiatus I wanted to feature some of the posts that have garnered the most traction [...]

• Even More Questions and Answers

  Alan

  4 Nov 2009 | 7:11 am

  Here are even more nonprofit accounting and financial questions that have come to from and from my workshops and my answers. Question – California’s RRF-1 Are there any income minimums for filling out the California Attorney General’s Registration / Renewal Fee Report (RRF-1 form)? Answer – No, but the fees charged vary based on the organization overall [...]

• More Questions and Answers

  Alan

  28 Oct 2009 | 8:02 am

  Here are some more nonprofit accounting and financial questions that have come to from and from my workshops and my answers. Question – Should the donor know? I am curious to know if FASB 116 or FASB 117 prohibit the use of endowment as collateral against a line of credit without donor’s acknowledgment or knowledge of [...]

• 
  Pulling for the Underdog

• Where innovation comes from

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:02 am

  The ideas that power our next generation of growth are just as likely to originate in a coffee shop as in the laboratory of a big corporation.That is Eric Schmidt in today's Washington Post.  Though he is talking about the US economy in general, the points are perhaps even more compelling for the global development sector, where innovation is exceptionally slow.  Schmidt goes on to say: [I]

• Pepsi's Refreshing Campaign

  5 Feb 2010 | 2:12 pm

  Our theory of social change is that new ideas are born from optimism, a curious mind and a creative spirit. We can make a difference by equipping people with the means to bring their ideas to life.If you think the above comes from a leading foundation, that would be a good guess.  But it would be wrong. It comes from a 100-yr. old company: Pepsi.  They have just launched an innovative and maybe

• iPads or iAid?

  28 Jan 2010 | 1:04 pm

  Within seconds of the unveiling of the iPad by Steve Jobs, Twitter lit up with women complaining and/or joking that the name immediately made them think of a certain feminine hygiene product. #iTampon was the #1 trending topic on Twitter yesterday and remains so this morning. That is from a half tongue-in-cheek post by Bill Easterly at Aid Watch.  The comments section has a lot of back and forth

• How to improve health and save lots of money

  22 Jan 2010 | 12:04 pm

  Here is a great TED talk by Dan Buettner describing 9 diet and lifestyle habits associated with much better health and longer lives. Getting Americans to adopt these habits could lead to dramatically lower health costs. And fortunately these habits are not expensive - to the contrary, certain things like increasing walking rather than driving would directly save people money. Making these

• Happiness = Giving/Getting

  20 Jan 2010 | 9:58 am

  Dunn and her colleagues found that the higher the percentage of their windfall workers spent on others, the happier they were, an effect that still existed when statistically controlling for relevant variables such prior happiness, income amount, and bonus size. What’s more, the data revealed that how the employees spent their money was a better predictor of their happiness than the size of the

• 
  Inside Philanthropy

• Recession pushing nonprofits back to basics

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:40 am

  By Todd CohenDespite the flood of giving for relief efforts following the Haiti earthquake, reports on the giving sector underscore the need for nonprofits to get their shops in order and focus on the fundamentals of doing business.Giving continues to decline.Echoing an ongoing downward trend in the charitable marketplace, a new study last week by the Council for Aid to Education reported a decline of 11.9 percent in charitable contributions to colleges and universities in the U.S.And Dunham+Company, a consultant to Christian ministries, found in a recent survey that, despite a decline in the…

• Haiti relief underscores deeper needs

  1 Feb 2010 | 3:18 am

  By Todd CohenWhile Americans quickly dug deep to support relief efforts in the wake of the earthquake in Haiti, the outpouring of generosity also serves as a troubling reminder of our ongoing failure to better address social and global needs that are urgent, persistent and deeply rooted.Just as they did after 9/11, Katrina and the Asian tsunamis, individuals, companies and foundations after the Haiti quake have done what Americans do best in times of crisis: They got involved and gave.What we often seem to forget, however, is that we face a perpetual crisis, one the recession simply has…

• Haiti relief shows digital giving’s potential

  25 Jan 2010 | 8:29 am

  By Todd CohenThe massive charitable response to the devastation in Haiti should be a wake-up call for the charitable marketplace.Using text-messaging and other digital applications, givers quickly have donated millions of dollars to relief effortsGivers also showed social media can be powerful tools for charitable giving.Just as online giving came of age in the days after 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the tsunamis in Asia, the Twitter generation has shown through its Haiti relief that texting is a strategy all nonprofits need to understand and put to use.The challenge for nonprofits is figuring…

• A new model for nonprofit journalism

  18 Jan 2010 | 4:58 am

  By Todd CohenI am delighted to report that the Philanthropy Journal has become a program of the Institute for Nonprofits at N.C. State University in Raleigh.At a time of huge financial and operating challenges for the nonprofit sector, the move will expand the services the Journal and the Institute provide to the nonprofit sector.The Journal, which will be self-sufficient and not supported by state funds, will be able to “tap into scholarship on the nonprofit sector, reach new audiences and provide more news and resources for readers,” says Mary Tschirhart, the Institute’s director.

• Recession should spur smarter grantmaking

  4 Jan 2010 | 2:57 am

  By Todd CohenDespite the stress it has placed on the giving sector, the recession should be fueling greater innovation and collaboration in the charitable marketplace and making nonprofits stronger.And just as the economic crisis has spurred nonprofits to rethink their strategies, grantmakers should be looking for ways to work smarter.That’s the view of Kathleen P. Enright, president and CEO of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations.In a year-end statement, Enright offers recommendations for grantmakers.While they may be tempted to focus on charities with the greatest need, she says, a…

• 
  PhilanTopic

• Transparency: One Size Does Not Fit All

  Mitch Nauffts

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:06 am

  (Bradford Smith is president of the Foundation Center. In his previous post, he introduced the center's Glasspockets initiative and made the case for why foundations need to be more transparent The Foundation Center recently launched Glasspockets, a free Web portal designed to encourage greater transparency in the world of philanthropy. Among its many features, the one that has raised the most questions is "Who Has Glasspockets?", which profiles the nation's largest foundations according to twenty-two online transparency and accountability criteria. Every one of…

• Weekend Link Roundup (February 6 - 7, 2010)

  Regina Mahone

  7 Feb 2010 | 1:03 pm

  Our weekly roundup of new and noteworthy posts from and about the nonprofit sector.... Communications/Marketing On the Future Fundraising blog, Jeff Brooks explains how irrelevant images in fundraising appeals can "keep [your organization] from raising the funds [it] needs." Disaster Relief Writing on the Harvard Business Review blog, Uncharitable author Dan Pallotta argues that the reason people are giving so much money to Haiti relief efforts is simple: "They are hearing about it." And therein lies an important lesson for nonprofits, says Pallotta. The media is creating a huge market for…

• Financial Ratios, Babies, and Bathwater

  Mitch Nauffts

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:48 am

  (Dahna Goldstein is the founder of PhilanTech, LLC. This is her first post for PhilanTopic.) The nonprofit sector has been abuzz the last few weeks with talk of abandoning financial ratios in favor of program information to evaluate the impact of nonprofit organizations. The renewed focus on program measures was partially spurred by a joint press release issued by GuideStar, Charity Navigator, GreatNonprofits, and others. There's no question that program information is essential in evaluating nonprofit performance and impact. But let's not get carried away. There are good reasons to reject…

• Advice for Nonprofits in 2010

  Mitch Nauffts

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:46 pm

  News that Yale University plans to cut staff and research initiatives to close a $150 million budget deficit and today's 3 percent drop in the S&P 500 should serves as a reminder to nonprofit leaders that it's still too early to run up the "all clear" flag on this economic downturn. As one well-heeled donor told researchers at Dini Partners, a management and fundraising consulting firm with offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Denver: "The economy is like the Grand Canyon. The free fall is over, but there's a river to be crossed before we climb up the other side." Dini has…

• Readings (and Other Stuff) - Feb. 3, 2010

  Regina Mahone

  3 Feb 2010 | 2:05 pm

  Here are a few items that caught our attention today: Benjamin Jealous: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Black History (Social Entrepreneurship) The Unsung Hero Project (NAACP) Eric Foley: Are Donors Diverting Their Money From Your Nonprofit/Cause to Haiti? (Transformational Giving) Allan Chernoff: Is the American Red Cross Worthy of Our Donations? (CNN) Holden Karnofsky: Does Haiti Earthquake Relief Have Room for More Funding? (GiveWell) Shawn Escoffery: First Lines on the Second Line (Greater New Orleans Foundation) Michael Hamill Remaley: What Constitutes Transparency? Tamar Snyder: Will…

• 
  Charitable Advisors Blog

• Do You Need New Computers, an On-line Makeover, or a Security and Disaster Recovery Plan?

  31 Jan 2010 | 8:40 am

  Which of these would have the greatest impact on your ability to do your work and serve your clients, patrons, or consumers? We are excited to announce NPower Indiana's new Tech Angel Awards, which will grant over $60,000 in products and services to three Indiana nonprofits next month. The application is short and requests thoughtful responses to 5 questions about how this would impact your organization and the people you serve. Applications are due by Friday, February 5, 2010 - so don't delay. This is open to nonprofits across Indiana - see the application for the few groups, like churches…

• What Makes a Board Choose to Get Better? How Does it Happen?

  19 Jan 2010 | 11:28 am

  Share your experienceAt the BoardSource Conference last November, Jane and I met Mary Hiland, LCSW, PhD, a board researcher and consultant from California who was in the midst of researching how boards improve their operation or “get better”. At that time, she had already interviewed more than 20 board and staff leaders of organizations whose boards were better now, in some meaningful way, than they had been in the past.I told her what a knowledgeable base of nonprofit leaders we had among our readership and we agreed that a short survey might assist in her research – and we get early…

• Happy New Year – What will 2010 hold for you?

  5 Jan 2010 | 6:37 am

  I always feel a bit more reflective as one year ends and a new year begins. This year, in particular, has varied from very difficult to very different for most of us. For 2010, I am grateful to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Charitable Advisors and our capacity-building work with nonprofits and funders to support our communities.I will skip the full “Top 10 list” but wanted to share a few trends or factors that we are seeing for the next year or two that directly impact our work:1. The elephant in the room for 2010 - Will this be the year the nonprofit sector begins to get better…

• NFP News Gains New Face in Cincinnati

  1 Dec 2009 | 7:39 am

  I have exciting news to share that I believe will be of interest to our Indiana readers as we continue our efforts to support the nonprofit community. I launched the Cincinnati Not-for-Profit News in March 2008 after the success of our e-newsletter here in central Indiana. A big key to our growth and success, here in central Indiana, has been my ability to really get to know the nonprofits, funders, and related entities that build a strong nonprofit sector. Though we have more than 1500 subscribers in Cincinnati, I have not been able to spend the time there that would allow us to really know…

• How could 'Walking for Dreams 2010' benefit your Organization?

  18 Nov 2009 | 4:38 pm

  Last year, 17 non profits and 425 walkers raised over $60,000. Over the past 7 years, close to 100 organizations have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, in total. I have been involved since the 2nd or 3rd year walking for several different organizations. I think of 'Walking for Dreams' as the walk-a-thon event for organizations who: 1) aren't big enough to do their own event or 2) don't want to spend valuable volunteer or staff time on event organizing, or 3) want to gather a group of their supporters around fund raising for one particular program.Here's how it works: There is a $250…

• 
  One.org

• Lessons from a Port-au-Prince Restaurant

  ONE.Partners

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:06 am

  Here’s a guest post from our partners at World Vision, with a personal look at long-term development issues in Haiti. Gilbert Bailly is my favorite person in Haiti. His three Muncheez pizza restaurants miraculously remained intact during the quake. But he realized he had not a chance of running a business in the current chaos. Did [...]

• What We’re Reading 2/9/10

  Steve Wilson

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:08 am

  Washington Post–Haiti earthquake relief efforts are still falling short Nearly one month after an earthquake brought Haiti to a halt, the Washington Post reports that evidence is everywhere on the island that current relief efforts may soon fall short as the immediate emergency response phase fades. Despite the good intentions of the United States and the [...]

• Nigeria names acting president

  Chris Scott

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:28 am

  The New York Times reports that earlier today the Nigerian Parliament voted to make Vice President Goodluck Jonathan the acting president of Nigeria. The vote ended weeks of political uncertainty, with [President Umaru] Yar’Adua’s cabinet and supporters insisting there was no need to replace him, little word from the president himself about his condition, and outbreaks [...]

• Q&A with Michele Bertol ONE Member and “Bundled One”

  Brie O'keefe

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:42 pm

  On Saturday February 6, 2010, Michèle Bertol, a Haitian Canadian led ONE’s delegation to hand over our petition for Haiti debt forgiveness to the G7 Finance Minister’s meeting in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. A town of only 7,000 people near the Arctic Circle, it was harder to think of a more remote location to hold an international [...]

• “Science Speaks” with Ambassador Goosby

  Chris Scott

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:57 am

  UN Dispatch picked up a great interview conducted by Science Speaks with US Global AIDS Ambassador Eric Goosby in which he talks about the future of PEPFAR, universal access, and a host of other issues. You can read the full interview here.

• 
  BAD RAP Blog

• The nose knows! Space needed for nose work.

  1 Feb 2010 | 7:47 pm

  Canine Nose Work is all the rage in our corners. This fab new dog sport gives our furry noodle brains a real work out, which can only be a good thing. It's great for giving shy dogs a confidence boost and for breaking the doldrums of shelter life. It's also the perfect sport for dogs that can't go off-lead. (More info: k9nosework.com)Trainer Linda Chwistek is getting ready to hold a workshop just for pit bull people, but first we need to find the right indoor space. Do you have any ideas? A warehouse type space or large training room? This is Linda's wish list, and below, a little video that…

• Pink

  30 Jan 2010 | 7:46 am

  The rains slowed down a little bit yesterday, so the dogs were happy to stretch their legs and have a little romp. Of course new girl Pink was in the middle of the fun.

• Toledo animal control - Bounty hunters?

  29 Jan 2010 | 10:34 am

  KC Dog Blog has been steadily reporting some BIG news out of Ohio. Toledo has had a reputation as being one of the country's biggest death camps due to a decades-long no-mercy policy that not only barred pit bulls from surviving the shelter, but permitted dog wardens to enter private property to seize - and in most cases destroy - dogs they believed to be pit bulls. Incredibly - according to the Toledo Blade - the city paid the warden's office a 'bounty' of a $100 for each citation they wrote against pit bull owners, which as Brent Toellner explains, was certainly an incentive for Toledo's…

• February 20 - Bullylicious!

  27 Jan 2010 | 10:40 pm

  Got cabin fever yet? We do! and we're looking forward to busting out on Feb 20 at Bullylicious, a party designed to promote Pinups for Pitbull's annual calendar. Paco Collars go-to girl Ana Poe is Miss October, and she'll be there in living color to sign (and sell) calendars along with Pinups for Pitbulls organizers Little Darling and Audiogirl.This is an adult-only evening as Little Darling, Bunny Pistol and Barbary Coast Burlesque take over the stage and do their thang. The event will raise funds for Pinups for Pitbulls and BR with a raffle and silent auction. If you have auction goodies,…

• An American Love Story: Jon and Demo

  24 Jan 2010 | 9:10 am

  Jon Bozak and Demo have spent the last 16 years together, perfecting the art of friendship. Most of us know Demo the cartoon dog, who's been helping the world understand the evils of BSL and discrimination in this famous book. As sad as it is to know that he's gone, it's a joy to "meet" the real dog through Jon's artful tribute. Thank you Jon and - lord have mercy - thank you Demo. Love Story

• 
  Bob Ottenhoff Blog

• Multitasking Philanthropy and Shopping

  Bob Ottenhoff

  5 Feb 2010 | 1:13 pm

  I went to the supermarket the other day to do the weekly family food shopping and, while I was paying my bill, the checkout clerk asked me if I wanted to make a contribution to a charity. I said no, but I felt a little guilty about it. When I left the supermarket with my bags of groceries, there were kids on the curb asking for contributions to local charities, all of them good causes. When I got home I paid my bills, and my insurance company asked me if I wanted to make a contribution to their nonprofit. I’m not sure what it does. That one was easy to reject; I just didn’t click…

• More Advice on Giving Wisely

  Bob Ottenhoff

  26 Jan 2010 | 5:32 am

  Last Friday’s New York Times included an excellent article by Ariel Kaminer on giving to Haitian recovery. It includes two questions that my colleagues and I have been answering since the crisis began: "What about in-kind donations?" The article tells of a store in New York City where generous patrons donated food, clothing, and water for Haiti. "By early last week, the donations had been stacked into huge piles, and a plan had come into view: the store would lead a delegation of 25 people to Haiti, to rescue the children stranded at the Life for the World orphanage in…

• Current and Past Disaster Giving

  Bob Ottenhoff

  21 Jan 2010 | 8:37 am

  On January 18 the Giving Institute and Giving USA Foundation, working with the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, released an analysis of giving during the first five days since the earthquake in Haiti. As of the 18th, $189.9 million had been donated to 43 organizations for relief efforts. This tracks with the five-day fundraising response to the 2004 Asian tsunamis and the 2005 hurricanes. In 2006, the Giving USA Foundation reported that the previous year, American individuals, corporations, and foundations donated $7.37 billion for disaster relief in the aftermaths of…

• Another Way to Help as the Crisis in Haiti Continues

  Bob Ottenhoff

  21 Jan 2010 | 7:25 am

  It seems that everyone—including GuideStar—has a list of organizations helping in Haiti. And with these lists come questions. From donors: Which organization(s) should I support? From nonprofits: How does my organization get the public’s attention? Working with our partner GreatNonprofits, we have created a Haiti Disaster Action Center. This page lists more than 40 organizations working in Haiti. Here’s where you can help in a different way. If you have personal experience with any of these organizations—as a donor, volunteer, board member, or person helped out…

• Further Thoughts about Helping in Haiti

  Bob Ottenhoff

  20 Jan 2010 | 12:45 pm

  I just read an excellent post on Tactical Philanthropy. In it, Sean Stannard-Stockton looks at responses to previous disasters and encourages donors to take those lessons into account when giving to relief efforts in Haiti. We at GuideStar agree completely. In fact, during the Katrina crisis we began reminding reporters and donors that the problems of New Orleans existed long before the hurricane, and that taking your time with a wise giving decision was better than a rushed donation to an ineffective organization. Since the Haiti crisis broke, we have been telling donors much the same, and…

• 
  the Communications Network blog

• Going Beyond Transparency

  Communications Network

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:21 am

  Last week, the Foundation Center launched a new web portal, Glasspockets, which is dedicated to showcasing and promoting foundation transparency.  That foundations need to operate transparently is a given among foundation communicators. But how do our program colleagues view transparency -- as well as using communications to advance their organization's work? To find out, we asked regular contributor, Elizabeth Miller, Senior Program Associate, at the Overbrook Foundation. Her thoughts follow. Going Beyond TransparencyBy Elizabeth MillerWhen I think about communications in the context of the…

• What's in Your Toolkit?

  Communications Network

  26 Jan 2010 | 5:02 am

  Last month, The Joyce Foundation hosted a panel that looked at the ways advocacy groups are successfully harnessing the power of new media strategies and tactics, including microtargeting, social networking, and online community building, to identify and mobilize supporters to advance their issues and causes. Panelists were: Stephen Geer, Vice President, New Media at OMP political strategy firm and former director of email and online fundraising for the Obama presidential campaign Alex Johnston, executive director of ConnCAN, a statewide education advocacy organization in Connecticut Steve…

• To Publish or Perish?

  Communications Network

  22 Jan 2010 | 8:08 am

  Jonathan Swift is credited with the quote, "He was a bold man that first ate an oyster."  These days, in foundation circles, it takes almost the same amount of courage to raise the question about whether to publish annual reports, and not just in print, but even online or in any other form. At a 2008 Network conference, when it was suggested that foundations stop publishing annual reports entirely, the conversation started calmly and then heated up, indicating that there was no clear consensus about what to do.  In the years since, the discussion has continued, though mostly below the…

• Dispensing With Myths About Foundations

  Communications Network

  20 Jan 2010 | 4:35 am

  In our last post, we talked about the general lack of knowledge about philanthropy -- and foundations in particular -- among "influentials."  This guest post discusses how the Council of Michigan Foundations is using a novel approach to address this problem and finding ways to engage foundation leadership and trustees in the effort. Guest Post: Rebecca Noricks, Communications Manager, Council of Michigan Foundations Here in Michigan, we think it’s high time that people stop thinking of foundations as “ATM” machines – an idea that our friends at the Philanthropy Awareness Initiative…

• Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Piece

  Communications Network

  11 Jan 2010 | 9:32 am

  It's hard to work in this field and not be impressed by the passion and commitment of the people who are responsible for using communications to help advance their foundations' work as well as helping promote greater understanding of what their organizations are trying to accomplish.  That's also why it continues to be so puzzling -- if not confounding, even frustrating -- that, despite all this effort, the full story of philanthropy still remains a mystery to so many.  So if it's not for a lack of trying, what is it?Some observers say part of the problem stems from the reluctance of…

• 
  Dan Pallotta

• Haiti Is a Marketing Lesson

  Dan Pallotta

  3 Feb 2010 | 1:38 pm

  $560 million and counting in 17 days — that's how much donors have given to 40 U.S. charities surveyed by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Why the outpouring of cash? It's not just because people are dying. Innocent people are dying by the hundreds of thousands every day under the most horrific circumstances, but we don't see $560 million pouring into any of their causes in two and a half weeks. It's not because people are buried alive. People are buried alive every day by the scourge of AIDS and malaria, and literally in diamond and precious metals mines, but we don't see half a billion…

• Lessons in Entrepreneurship from a Gay Father of Triplets

  Dan Pallotta

  28 Jan 2010 | 7:35 am

  Many great social businesses start with a dream and follow a dizzying journey of ups and downs to remarkable and often unexpected results. I launched a social business that raised $556 million for AIDS and breast cancer. I traveled a gauntlet of obstacles, cynics, personal doubts, and disappointments along the way. But it was a different act of social entrepreneurship that ultimately taught me some of my most valuable lessons. When I told my parents in my junior year at Harvard that I was gay, they sent me to see Dr. Goldblatt — my cardiologist. What else would you expect…

• Compensation Should Be Aspirational

  Dan Pallotta

  21 Jan 2010 | 11:42 am

  The typical humanitarian organization sets executive (and staff) compensation by sampling other organizations of similar size (as measured by annual budget) and then matching what they find. It wouldn't occur to most of them to do it any other way. This is a terrific practice if you have no significant growth aspirations for the organization. It's also is a terrific paradigm for keeping social conditions the same for a very long time. If we want social change to occur at the pace of molasses, we needn't change a thing. We have a system that runs at that precise speed. It reinforces stasis.

• Executive Compensation, Charities, and the Curse of Proximity

  Dan Pallotta

  14 Jan 2010 | 6:52 am

  The music director of the nonprofit New York Philharmonic had a $2.2 million compensation package for the 2006-2007 season. The nonprofit Chicago Symphony Orchestra paid their man $1.9 million, and the nonprofit Boston Symphony Orchestra shelled out $1.5 million. A Chicago Tribune article on the subject quotes a consultant saying that "a music director is worth what he or she is able to bring into the organization." In 2009, the nonprofit University of Southern California paid the head football coach $4.4 million and the 20 highest-paid college football coaches (all working for either…

• Let's Call It the Humanity Sector

  Dan Pallotta

  22 Dec 2009 | 8:47 am

  Anyone who has thought about it for more than a nanosecond agrees that "nonprofit" is about the worst possible summary we could give of ourselves and our work. As I wrote recently, the word "profit" comes from the Latin noun profectus for "progress" and the verb proficere for "to advance." Thus, "nonprofit" means, etymologically, nonprogress. This is not a simple case of mistaken meaning. It is a dangerous unconscious statement of intent, or lack of it. The term has its roots in the Puritan conviction that the self was depraved and must be negated. Charity, as the Puritans constructed the…

• 
  Nonprofit Blog Exchange

• Help Save idealist.org

  29 Jan 2010 | 10:40 am

  Have you used Idealist to help find a job, internship, or volunteer opportunity? Have you found employees or volunteers from your posting on Idealist? Have you benefited in other ways because of idealist.org?If so, you will be interested in some news I just learned this week.Idealist is having financial issues and is asking for help to keep this great nonprofit resource around. Read their appeal for more information.I would hate to see this website shut down. I have used the site to search for nonprofit jobs and to get advice on nonprofit careers. They also have a great blog and they are a…

• Nonprofit Blog Exchange Roundup #31

  25 Dec 2009 | 8:00 pm

  'Curation' Is the Cure for Nonprofit Blogging (About.com Nonprofit Charitable Orgs)Using social media to drive policy change (IMPACTMAX)Time to Review Your Website (Internet & Media Strategies)21 Ways Volunteers Can Help with Your Website (Talance Friendly Web Tools Blog)New Feature: Share Your Opportunities on Facebook, Twitter, and Dozens of Other Sites With a Click (Engaging Volunteers)Forum One's Experience with SlideShare (Influence)How We Use Twitter at Forum One (Influence)Little Things Can Mean A Lot: 404 Pages (Idealware)Just because your email was not opened does not mean it was…

• Nonprofit Blog Exchange Roundup #30

  7 Nov 2009 | 1:00 pm

  10 Elements of an Effective Nonprofit or Do-Good Blog (Have Fun • Do Good)The TwitterKids of Tanzania (Epic Change Blog)Why Every Nonprofit Should Be On YouTube (See What's Out There)Boost your Cause Through Seasonal Fundraising (The Biddery Blog)The Transparency Litmus Test (eJewish Philanthropy)How a Facebook Event Transformed an Organization (Community Organizer 2.0)Email is Dead? Long Live Email (frogloop)New Study Reveals Nonprofits Still Need to Adapt Online Communications Best Practices (frogloop)Twitter Lists for Nonprofits (Amy Sample Ward’s Version of NPTech)International Day of…

• Nonprofit Blog Exchange Roundup #29

  4 Oct 2009 | 11:50 am

  BloggingReasons Your Organization Should Blog (A Small Change)Benefits of blogging for nonprofits (Get Fully Funded Blog)8 Ways Nonprofits Can Use Blogs (Have Fun • Do Good)Social MediaA 5-step quide to social media strategy for nonprofits (IMPACTMAX)5 Steps to a Successful Social Media Strategy (Amy Sample Ward’s Version of NPTech)Seven High-Impact Social Media Trends for Neighborhoods and Local Nonprofits (NeighborWorks News)CASE: 10 Ways Universities Use Social Media (The Accidental Marketer)Twitter90 Foundations That Tweet (Philanthropy411 Blog)20 Funder Networks That Tweet…

• Nonprofit Blog Exchange Roundup #28

  14 Jul 2009 | 11:45 am

  Five Tips to Engaging New Online Activists(frogloop) Traffic Report: Compete.com Explores Rise in Volunteer Traffic Online(Engaging Volunteers)Facebook and Myspace Causes App passes $10m in donations(Giving in a digital world)Taking Action on YouTube (Amy Sample Ward’s Version of NPTech)4 Reasons Facebook Might Not be Right for Your Nonprofit(Marketing for Nonprofits)Online Giving – Updating Your Method and Message–Part 1(Talisman Thinking Out Loud)Online Giving – Updating Your Method and Message–Part 2(Talisman Thinking Out Loud)Ten Keys to Successful Tweeting for Non-Profit…

• 
  Tall Skinny Kiwi

• Mountains of North Africa

  Andrew Jones

  6 Feb 2010 | 10:49 am

  Wow! Nearly two weeks without blogging. We are fine. We have been part of a convoy of 18 people from all over Europe, traveling through the mountains of Africa with our possessions on donkeys led by Berbers. Stories and photos to come when i find a wifi signal. Until then, prace.

• Africa

  Andrew Jones

  26 Jan 2010 | 9:49 am

  Ok - I feel a blogging break coming on. We are driving through Africa and wifi will be a little scarce, I presume. I will do my best to keep up. Anyway, appreciate prayers for us during our journeys. Ta!

• Redeemer City to City and Missional Stuff

  Andrew Jones

  26 Jan 2010 | 9:37 am

  Redeemer City to City is the new name and new look for Redeemer's Church Planting Center. Check out the new web site. What you may not know is that one of the many wonderful people that have featured on my blog for the last . . . shoot . . almost a decade . . . is the incredible and hairless Sasa Flek from Prague, Czech Republic. Sasa, who was the "scribe in our basement" when we lived in Prague has now completed his Bible translation into Czech and is setting up an apostolic base [if i can call it that] in Prague. And more to the point, Sasa is now officially connected to Redeemers family of…

• Al Mohler Tops the Religion Blogs

  Andrew Jones

  24 Jan 2010 | 1:01 am

  Dr Albert Mohler is a big man on radio, behind the pulpit, in the classroom, in the biggest office of one of the biggest Seminaries in the world, and also on the blogosphere. In fact he has just topped the blogosphere with the leading religion blog according to Technorati rankings. I know this because I am running right behind him at number 2. Al Mohler deserves to be on top. He writes good content and a lot of people read it. Christianity Today called Al Mohler the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” And of course a lot of people link to his content which is…

• After Haiti: What to Say, Sing or Show in Church

  Andrew Jones

  23 Jan 2010 | 3:16 am

  Some of you are figuring out what to sing, show or speak about at church tomorrow, in light of the Haiti earthquake. Here are some resources. VIDEO Pray for Haiti is a video you can download and play at your church gathering on Sunday. Its free and they guy behind it is my old VJ friend Travis Reed. You might remember he and some friends started a fantastic resource company called Highway Video and then went on to do The Work of the People. He was the guy behind the video on "Please Dont Make Us Sing This Song" which a lot of churches used immediately after Hurricane Katrina. Check out this…

• 
  eJewish Philanthropy

• How to Raise More Money in Economically Challenging Times

  eJP

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:08 am

  This post was first published in September, 2009. It carries a timely message as donor conservation should be high on your agenda every day. by David A. Mersky If you are an executive or volunteer leader of a nonprofit agency, you know that you are approaching that season of the year when you expect to receive maybe as much as 70% of your annual philanthropic revenue. For some nonprofits, the last six weeks of the year brings in virtually all of their income. If you are a donor, then you can expect your mailbox – and, increasingly, your email inbox – to be inundated with…

• Rethinking Your Video Marketing

  Gail Hyman

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:07 am

  I have produced a lot of nonprofit videos over the years. Their primary purpose was to motivate potential donors to give. Some were received very well; others not so much. A well-known Hollywood producer I once met told me that making a hit is a hit-and-miss experience… sometimes you strike gold and sometimes tin. His words of wisdom have stuck with me. Today, creating a hit video is really not the point. It is all about being in the moment and in front of your audience frequently and in powerful, real ways. The rules of engagement have changed. It no longer makes sense to invest…

• Ben-Gurion U. Physicians Return from Haiti

  eJP

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:06 am

  Physicians affiliated with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) were among the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) medical and rescue delegation in Haiti. Marking their return, they were honored this week on BGU’s Marcus Family Campus. The delegation’s 236 members included 218 IDF soldiers and officers, and 18 civilians. In addition to the Israeli delegation, several graduates of BGU’s Medical School for International Health, an English-taught medical school in collaboration with Columbia University that focuses on emergency medicine, disaster relief and the developing world, were…

• Projection Shows Americans Will Give Less in ‘10

  eJP

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:05 am

  from The Chronicle of Philanthropy: How Much Will Americans Give in 2010? The economy’s sluggish growth suggests that American households will give 3.9 percent less to charity in 2010, according to a new projection by two researchers at Boston College’s Center on Wealth and Philanthropy. But if the economy heats up, donations could return to pre-recession levels in 2010. Bookmark:

• JTS’s Provost Disses Older Workers

  eJP

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:46 am

  According to a story in yesterday’s New York Post, Alan Cooper – JTS’s provost – “sent a mass e-mail last May to the school’s full-time staff advocating that older workers put themselves out to pasture. Baby boomers, he wrote “have created a kind of bottleneck in the work world. The frustration this poses for the young and talented should be obvious.” … The seminary did not return calls for comment.” [eJP note: We hope there is an innocent explanation for this story; or that the New York Post 'just got it wrong'. Either way, we look…

• 
  Jewish Donor Blog

• Direct Mail "Quotes"

  Yoav Kaufman and David Rubin

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:37 am

  Denny Hatch has been in the marketing industry 50+ years and I tend to think that he's one of the foremost experts in the field of direct mail marketing. These are a few of Denny's quotes from his... This is The Jewish Donor Blog, a blog by Negev Direct, about direct mail, fundraising stratagies, experience, putting the donor first and more.

• The Remarkably Generous American Jews of 2009

  Yoav Kaufman and David Rubin

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:28 am

  Slate's annual top 60 list of the "largest American charitable contributions of the year" has been published and you can view the full 2009 list by clicking here. Ok, so none of the known Jewish... This is The Jewish Donor Blog, a blog by Negev Direct, about direct mail, fundraising stratagies, experience, putting the donor first and more.

• Jobs in Jewish Philanthropy 02.04.10

  Yoav Kaufman and David Rubin

  4 Feb 2010 | 12:05 pm

  Source: Philanthropy.com Senior Development OfficerCenter for Jewish HistoryPosted: 02/03/2010Category:Special eventsLocation:New YorkDirector of Leadership Giving, Capital CampaignJewish Home... This is The Jewish Donor Blog, a blog by Negev Direct, about direct mail, fundraising stratagies, experience, putting the donor first and more.

• Fundraising "Quote"

  Yoav Kaufman and David Rubin

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:56 am

  "2010 is not going to be the year of social media. 2010 is going to be the year of relationships. Yes, it will be the social media toolset that invigorates relationships. There is a subtle mindset... This is The Jewish Donor Blog, a blog by Negev Direct, about direct mail, fundraising stratagies, experience, putting the donor first and more.

• Email Marketing Tip of the Day

  Yoav Kaufman and David Rubin

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:28 am

  "Put a date in the subject line. Having a date or specific time period in the subject line generates increases in open rates of 39 percent, Schwedelson said. "By adding a sense of urgency, such as... This is The Jewish Donor Blog, a blog by Negev Direct, about direct mail, fundraising stratagies, experience, putting the donor first and more.

• 
  IssueLab

• A Post-Global Economic Development Strategy

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The development of the US economy has been fundamentally shaped by the availability of abundant, low-cost energy. There is growing consensus, however, that a major change in the global energy regime will impact the economy shortly. The question is not if, but rather how soon and how much. Efforts will be needed to create alternative energy sources, to increase energy efficiency, and to redesign major urban systems.... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at…

• Safe Routes to School Increases Physical Activity and Improves Health

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): Safe Routes to School National Partnership. This report indicates how Safe Routes to School is being institutionalized at select schools, and providing a mechanism to improve student and school health. It provides local case studies from Benton County, OR; Eau Claire, WI; Flagstaff, AZ; and Garfield, NJ that detail how SRTS can lead to improved public health.... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at http://www.issuelab.org

• The Automobile at Rest: Toward Better Parking Policies in the Delaware Valley

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The Automobile at Rest: Toward Better Parking Policies in the Delaware Valley presents an overview of parking policies and requirements in the Delaware Valley region, along with strategies for managing and designing parking better. Each of the region's 353 municipalities set their own parking requirements within their municipal zoning ordinance, usually based on national standards from the Institute of... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at…

• The Potential Revenue from Financial Transactions Taxes

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): Center for Economic and Policy Research. This joint report by CEPR and the Political Economy Research Institute (University of Massachusetts, Amherst) gives an estimate of $177-354 billion in revenue that could be raised by taxing financial transactions in the United States.... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at http://www.issuelab.org

• Teachers Guide to The Measure of America

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

  Contributing organization(s): American Human Development Project. From the Introduction: "This study guide is designed to enhance students' mastery of key content and skills in social studies through examination of recent statistical data about the United States collected from congressional districts, states, and regions of the United States. It is intended to be used in conjunction with The Measure of America: American Human Development Report 2008 -- 2009 by Sarah Burd-Sharps,... IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Locate, access, and engage at…

• 
  pubTalk

• "Donations are down. Government funding is down. Need is up."

  Rachel Carr

  2 Feb 2010 | 9:50 am

  Last weekend the Wall Street Journal ran an interesting, though troubling, article on nonprofit sustainability. With the deep economic recession and increasing loss of jobs nationwide, demand for services often provided by nonprofit organizations is on the rise. However, both private donations and government funding have witnessed steady declines over the last several years. According to Giving USA, though private donations doubled between 1987 and 2007, they dropped over 6% in 2008, the largest in Giving USA's 50-year history of following such trends. Equally disheartening, government…

• Musings from abroad: The Invisible Plural

  Barbara Crosby

  13 Jan 2010 | 3:08 pm

  The mass media in both the U.S. and the U.K. (as well as Internet discussion groups) are full of assessments of President Obama's leadership as Barack Obama nears the end of his first year in the top elective U.S. office and prepares for year two. Yet in many ways, President Obama is a fiction. By that I mean the notion that any one person is in charge of, and able to do, everything we expect of a head of a democratic state is a fiction. For those who think the President is performing well, the fiction is comforting; for those with the opposite view, the fiction is disturbing. Journalists -…

• What is The Future of The Nonprofit Sector in Higher Education?

  Melissa Stone

  17 Dec 2009 | 1:16 pm

  I was recently at the annual meeting of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council, a membership association of nearly fifty centers in colleges and universities devoted to research, teaching, and outreach to the nonprofit sector. While predominantly North American, its membership is increasingly global. At the meeting, I facilitated a lengthy discussion of themes for an important conference in 2011 on education about the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. What was fascinating about the conversation was how heated it became over the question of whether there really was value in the conference's…

• Anti-PowerPoint Movement?

  Jackie Aman

  9 Dec 2009 | 7:46 am

  To PowerPoint or not to PowerPoint...that is the question. In this final thrust of semester's end where the majority of Humphrey students are immersed in course presentations, this question weighs on my mind. These days it seems as if PowerPoint has become inseparable from presentations, as slide-presentation technology is utilized in nearly every Humphrey Class, conference, and professional development training; it has even taken center stage on the big screen (think, An Inconvenient Truth). Moreover, it is expected and oftentimes required that students utilize PowerPoint when giving class…

• Costs and benefits of public charities

  Sarah Berke

  6 Dec 2009 | 1:41 pm

  A dramatic headline - Charities Rise, Costing U.S. Billions in Tax Breaks - in today's New York Times led an article about the increase in the number of nonprofit organizations. According to the article, "The $300 billion donated to charities last year cost the federal government more than $50 billion in lost tax revenue."

• 
  Foundation Group Blog

• This Year’s Form 990 is a Very Big Deal

  Greg McRay, EA

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:32 am

  The filing deadline for the 2009 Form 990 is May 17, 2010 for 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations running on a calendar year basis.  There is nothing particularly new about that.  What IS new is that this year’s filing obligation has the potential to cause an enormous amount of heartache to those nonprofits that are unaware of the requirements and fail to do what is necessary.  We touched on this briefly in our last article, but we want to expand on it a little bit.  We implore all of our clients and friends to read this article carefully and be informed. ALL tax-exempt…

• News For Nonprofits

  Greg McRay, EA

  26 Jan 2010 | 7:12 am

  As long-time readers of our articles know, most of our posts focus on tips and best practices for effective nonprofit management.  This post is going to be a little different.  There is so much going on right now that affects nonprofits, we thought it would be a good idea to provide you with a brief run-down of some things you need to know.  Some of it is related, some not.  Here we go… 1.  Many smaller nonprofits could lose their tax-exemption this year. How?  Tax filing year 2009 is the third year that the IRS has required the filing of Form 990-N for organizations averaging…

• Haitian Charities Need Your Help

  Greg McRay, EA

  14 Jan 2010 | 10:15 am

  Given the sheer number of clients we work with, we rarely highlight specific ones or their needs.  The devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti is almost beyond imagination.  Below is a list of Foundation Group clients that work in Haiti and are responding to the disaster.  Please, take a moment and pray for the people of Haiti, then donate to a charity that is working to make a difference… Child Reach International (646-739-0944) The Kids Connection Haiti (http://www.friendsoftheorphans.org/haitiquake) Love One Another Embassy/Orphanage (615-453-5777) Please help.  Thank you.

• Avoiding 501(c)(3) Founder’s Syndrome

  Greg McRay, EA

  12 Jan 2010 | 11:02 am

  Founder’s syndrome.  It affects nonprofits and for-profits alike.  And it can be crippling to any organization.  Understanding what it is and how to avoid it is crucial to the future of your 501(c)(3). Taken from that most-reputable of sources, Wikipedia, founder’s syndrome is defined as, “a pattern of negative or undesirable behavior on the part of the founder(s) of an organization”.  While that can be true, we find that most cases of founder’s syndrome within nonprofits simply involve a founder with too much influence.  In plain English, it means that the…

• How Year-End Contribution Statements Can Raise Money

  Greg McRay, EA

  5 Jan 2010 | 7:37 am

  It’s one of those administrative tasks that must be done every year:  mailing your donors a year-end statement of their contributions.  Even if you are receipting on a per gift basis, a year-end itemized report is a best practice that should be adopted.  If you are already doing that, good for you!  But let me ask you this… Is your year-end donation letter making money for you? Have you noticed that some nonprofits are still doing fairly well in this economy, even thriving, while others have suffered dramatically?  What do they know that you don’t?  While there are…

• 
  PhilanthroPost

• Castilleja Global Week (a look back at our future)

  socialenterprisegal

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:30 am

  by Anis Salvesen When I see natural disasters and wars in the news, it makes me wonder for a moment if the planet is headed on a steady path to its ultimate destruction.   Pretty bleak thoughts, I know. That’s why I am so glad I attended the last day of Global Week at Castilleja School , an all-girls high school in Palo Alto a few weeks ago.  Global Week is an annual event during which the entire school devotes an entire week to examining global issues through a series of workshops, films, speakers, class projects, readings, service opportunities and panel discussions. This year’s…

• Looking Out: Colombia – Inspiring Examples from our Global Community.

  universalgivingteam

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:11 am

  By Mariela Cedeño If you happen to be researching the country of Colombia, you will most likely be led to headlines highlighting the country’s pervasive problems with drug trafficking, the ever present threat of left and right wing rebel groups, or at best your search will paint a picture of a country in perpetual political turmoil. But in a country of 44 million people, with abundant coastline, beautiful mountains, and a rich and diverse heritage, can that be all there is? When we look for examples on how we can enrich our local communities we often look within or elaborately try to…

• MassChallenge to foster startup renaissance through global competition

  universalgivingteam

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:26 am

  By Eric Brandt Starting in Spring 2010, Boston-based nonprofit MassChallenge is launching the largest-ever global startup competition. The idea behind the competition is that times of crisis are notoriously fertile sources of innovation. However, the current economic crisis has stifled entrepreneurship by eliminating funding sources and discouraging risk taking. Through the competition, MassChallenge hopes to provide a much-needed boost to startups around the world. The contest is open to anyone: any industry, any idea, anywhere on the planet. It’s intended for seed- and early-stage…

• Help Haiti Today

  CherylMahoney

  15 Jan 2010 | 9:42 am

  By Anis Salvesen Haiti was struck by a 7.0 earthquake on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.  The capital, Port-au-Prince,  population 2 million, was devastated.  The presidential palace collapsed.  The UN headquarters crumbled, killing at least 16, including the UN mission head, Hedi Annabi.  Various ministry buildings, the cathedral, a luxury hotel – all were demolished. A series of aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 5.5 and another of 5.9, rocked the country.  Terrified Haitians slept outdoors for fear of being trapped in buildings brought down by further seismic activity. …

• Do It Anyway

  CherylMahoney

  14 Jan 2010 | 9:05 am

  By Cheryl Mahoney On our founder’s blog, Living and Giving, we recently featured a poem titled “Do It Anyway.”  Everything may not turn out perfectly when you try to do good…but do it anyway.  “The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.” And so on.  It’s a beautiful poem, and you can read it in its entirety here.  In working with it, I discovered that the story behind the poem was nearly as interesting as the poem itself. If you put ”Do It…

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  Living and Giving

• Social Entrepreneurship in Asia Takes Off

  Pamela Hawley

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:00 am

  It’s not just the Joy – it’s the Jobskills. I just got off the phone with Andrea Krause, the leader of The Foundation for Youth Social Entrepreneurship (FYSE). It’s a regional social entrepreneurship organization, one of the first of its kind.  It speaks not only of their desire to do good, but also to develop the young individual’s skills, potential and even job training and preparedness in Asia. In the United States, we focus on social entrepreneurship more from a ‘passion perspective.’  We want to follow our dreams, and we want to follow them…

• Modeling the Ideal Business

  Pamela Hawley

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:00 am

  I’ve been enjoying some wonderful discussions on Social Edge, a website sponsored by the Skoll Foundation, where a number of social entrepreneurs share their thoughts and discuss ideas.  Lindsay Clinton posted an article titled “The Social and Commercial Two-Step” in December which has sparked a lively conversation.  Her initial post discussed whether social and commercial goals can be combined in a single enterprise, and whether it’s a viable model to include both a for-profit side and a non-profit side.  I responded with a few thoughts on the difference between…

• The Balance of Business and Service

  Pamela Hawley

  4 Feb 2010 | 8:00 am

  Last March, I posted on this blog about a contribution I had written for the book, The People’s New Deal: Creating a New Civilization through Social Entrepreneurship, edited by Patrick U. Petit and Marianne Obermueller.  I’m pleased to announce that the book has since been published, and is available for purchase. My essay is titled “The Balance of Business and Service.”  You can read the writing I posted previously, in three sections.  In Part One, I discuss what inspired me to become a social entrepreneur.  In Part Two, I talk about what led me to found…

• Pathway to Social Entrepreneurship

  Pamela Hawley

  3 Feb 2010 | 8:00 am

  Early days on thinking on social entrepreneurship, at a coffee cafe. This is before I knew about the term.   Business… as socially responsible from the beginning.  As I look at the last statement I wrote: “Business should never come above sacrificing the individual.”   This is true.  However, it is important to generate profit.  It’s just that in achieving profit, it shouldn’t ever hurt the individual.

• World Trust: You’re Okay, but Everyone Else Isn’t

  Pamela Hawley

  2 Feb 2010 | 9:12 am

  Last Thursday was one of those days which I loved.  It’s where I was pushed to an entirely different level of awareness, allowing me to be a more sensitive person and leader. I was having lunch with the head of the Mitchell Kapor Foundation, with Cedric, Tiffany and Carmen.*  They are such lovely people, and doing such important work. Rather than viewing themselves as simply giving out money, they see themselves as partners, advisers and encouragers to community leaders.  They are very active in helping local leaders and organizations achieve their goals in the community – an…

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  Kiva Loans

• Mary Ann Jao : Philippines

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:40 am

  $25 of $450 raised. Started raising funds on Feb 9, 2010 Mary Ann Jao is from the village of Centro 1. She is 44 years old, is married, and has six school-aged children. Mary Ann owns and operates a general store, selling a variety of different products in the local community. She has been engaged in her business for over fifteen years and earns approximately 5,000 PHP a month. In 2007, Mary Ann joined ASKI to gain access to financial services to help improve her living situation and her ability to engage in business activities. She has successfully repaid a previous loan of 10,000 PHP from…

• Yahya : Palestine

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:20 am

  $50 of $2,500 raised. Started raising funds on Feb 9, 2010 Yahya is a 31-year-old man who lives in Gaza. He is married with five children. He has owned a supermarket since 2005. He needs a loan of $2,500 to buy the equipment and groceries. This loan will help increase his family's income. Yahya is an honest, motivated man who is seeking help to continue his successful business.

• Yacine Cisse : Senegal

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:20 am

  $150 of $625 raised. Started raising funds on Feb 9, 2010 Yacine CISSE, 47, is married and the mother of two children. She has been a member of her Village Bank for two years and has gathered experience with the four loans she has received and has managed well. She has a little business selling perfume, couscous, and peanuts. Her goals are to support her family and add to her savings. Translated from French by Teresa Kramer, Kiva Volunteer

• Bolotova Rayma's Group : Kyrgyzstan

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:20 am

  $75 of $1,350 raised. Started raising funds on Feb 9, 2010 Rayma Bolotova is the leader of this group. She is 53 years old, but still an active businesswoman. Rayma is married and is raising her only daughter. Her daughter is 20 years old. She is a 3rd year student at a construction university. She is studying in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Rayma’s husband is retired and spends all of his time taking care of animals. The client’s family is involved in animal husbandry and has a household consisting of 5 cattle and 10 small livestock. The loan will be used for the purchase of 1 cow…

• Mame Penda Diaw : Senegal

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:00 am

  $50 of $750 raised. Started raising funds on Feb 9, 2010 Mame Penda DIAW is 55-years-old, married and mother of five children. She has been a member of the local « Banc Villageois » loan group for two years. She imports goods from Dubai, mainly clothing and kitchen utensils. She strives to improve her family’s living conditions and provide schooling for her children.Translated from French by René McConnell, Kiva Volunteer

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  La Vida Idealist

• Weird Words and How to Learn Them

  robpacker

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:19 am

  It almost goes without saying that language is one of the main reasons that people volunteer in Latin America. It could be that they may want to learn or improve their Spanish or Portuguese language skills, and if you speak the local language, you automatically have a connection with people you’re working with that you wouldn’t get through indirect communication. It was a combination of these reasons, and the fact that I felt I’d be more effective in a place I could speak to everyone, that brought me to Colombia and I’m a big fan of my position here. I enjoy riding around on public…

• Day in the Life: To Haggle or Not to Haggle?

  danmalin

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:51 pm

  Here’s a familiar scene: it’s market day in Cusco, Chichicastenango, Otavalo and hundreds of  other cities across Latin America. You start making your way past stalls and it’s all there: jewelry, ponchos, T-shirts, pottery and even those little alpaca dolls you love so much. But remember, you’re there to shop for friends, so you find some handmade earrings (For your girlfriend? No, just a friend. Ahh, okay amigo. Whatever you say.) and pay what seems a modest price. You feel good about your day at the market, until you get back to your host family’s house and…

• My Country, ‘Tis of Thee

  laurenfoukes

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:48 am

  What is it about world travelers bad-mouthing their countries of origin?  Is it out of shame, or do they really dislike their home country that much?  Did I miss something in the secret World Traveler Handbook?  I cannot tell you how many countless times I have come across various travelers / volunteers / expats who have nothing but bad things to say about their home country.  And more often than not these people are from the United States.  I frequently find myself arguing and defending my love for my home with fellow U.S. citizens!  Which leads me to wonder: what is the perception of…

• Making It Happen For Yourself

  curtisfox

  5 Feb 2010 | 11:56 am

  When it comes to establishing oneself in a new foreign place, learning the difference between “trolling for opportunities” vs. “putting the word out”  is important. When I first set out with the idea of finding somewhere to volunteer at, I spent a lot of time trolling for ideas and connections on websites such as Idealist, Craigslist, Community Nonprofit Resource Group (CNRG) and South American Explorers Club. I was guided by a loose set of criteria (Latin America, several months requirement, stipend, etc.) and was hunting for anything that remotely satisfied those…

• Postcard From the Road: WWOOFing It

  cellyham

  5 Feb 2010 | 7:23 am

  Micah Kiljoy is a a native to Portland, OR and has spent the last two winters hitchhiking up and down the coasts of the United States. This is her second time in Mexico and first time participating in the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program. She spends most of her time reading, writing, knitting and taking pictures. I have been in Mexico for three weeks, working as a volunteer for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), a nonprofit that hosts working and learning opportunities for those interested in sustainable living. So far the results of my work have been…

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  Trina's Nonprofit Blog

• Haiti: Lessons in racialized language

  Trina Isakson

  18 Jan 2010 | 6:34 am

  This post is part of the Nonprofit Millennial Bloggers Alliance’s response to the situation in Haiti. We encourage other Millennials to get informed and get involved. It happened after Hurricane Katrina, too. No obvious Canadian example is coming to mind, but I’m sure one (or many) exists. I’m speaking of the racialized language that media and public commentary use to describe the actions of black people in the midst of a devastating catastrophe. Take the verb “loot”. Media are using it to describe what is happening as Haitians access food, water, and other…

• Haiti earthquake donation options for Canadians

  Trina Isakson

  14 Jan 2010 | 9:18 am

  Canadians can donate to Canadian organizations in order to support emergency relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. Please give money, not in-kind donations of clothing and supplies. Professionals with experienced nonprofit organizations know what’s needed best and how/if supplies can be distributed. Give money. If you want to donate something other than money, Aeroplan miles to an organizaton like Medecins sans Frontieres is another option. Also, please consider making undesignated donations (donations given to the general organization, not to one…

• My blog as it was in 2009

  Trina Isakson

  31 Dec 2009 | 5:25 pm

  As I rush off to get ready for a low key New Years Eve, I reflect. Here’s my blog as it was in 2009. Happy New Year everyone. Top read posts of 2009 Extroverts vs. introverts in the workplace ‘Best practice’ is a lie…and boring Twitter: An engagement tool, not a fundraiser ticket seller Connection to mission: proposing a new org chart A Young Nonprofit Professional’s Guide to Vancouver Leading from the (outside): can kind-but-tough louve strengthen our organizations? Social movements, institutions and the Millennial generation Posts I wish more people read, and…

• No need to get me a Christmas gift

  Trina Isakson

  17 Dec 2009 | 10:44 pm

  Image/Gift Tag Credit: Sarah Parrott Instead, will you donate to the Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation? I’ll match every dollar you donate to double your impact if you donate before Dec 25. Even $5 or $10 makes a difference. Donate here. I’m attending a fundraising moonlight snowshoe event for an at-risk youth high school program that combines academics with adventure-based learning, counselling, and community service. Due to the success of the program, the graduation rate of Take a Hike students is higher than the provincial average. Find out about the event here. Your…

• How NOT to do corporate social responsiblity

  Trina Isakson

  16 Dec 2009 | 10:21 pm

  Image Credit: zaveqna I got an email today from a company looking to support nonprofit organizations. Their first question of me: Do you have suggestions about how I could go about finding non-profit groups in British Columbia that are looking for new funding sources? Uh, toss a rock and you’re likely to hit one. Their (not-so-mindblowing) plan is for nonprofit organizations to promote this companies members, and when the nonprofit’s supporters frequent these businesses, the nonprofit gets 3% of the value of the transaction. However, in order to get the 3%, the supporter would…

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  Live United Blog

• The State of the Economy

  Liz

  28 Jan 2010 | 12:14 pm

  We’ve just posted the January edition of State of the Economy. This is a monthly publication that pulls together key economic developments both locally and nationally. It also includes the most recent data available about referrals made by United Way 2-1-1. A few highlights from our most recent issue: Both local and national unemployment rates remained steady in January at 10% (U.S.) and 7.4% (MN) respectively. Lender-mediated home sales averaged $124,000 in the Twin Cities in 2009 compared to $204,000 for traditional home sales. The Twin Cities’ housing inventory is down 22% from a year…

• The High Cost of Inequality

  Liz

  12 Jan 2010 | 12:22 pm

  Is inequality worse for us than poverty? That’s what Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett argue, sometimes convincingly, in their book, The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger. Wilkinson and Pickett examine income inequality across 23 countries. (Income inequality is measured in many ways, but one typical measure is to compare the income of the richest 20% of the population to the income of the poorest 20% of the population.) In Japan, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, the richest 20% are about four times as rich as the poorest 20%. At the other end of the spectrum (i.e.,…

• Greed, Gardening and Gut Symmetries: 9 Books from 2009

  Liz

  7 Jan 2010 | 3:14 pm

  Photo by mitikusa I finished my 2009 books-read list over the weekend—always a fun project. Here are 9 of my favorites from the year: Sabbath, by Wayne Muller. My favorite book of the year, hands down. This is a book I give reverence to, a book that I found grounding and wise with the occasional slap. Read this if you have many things going in your life and you sometimes feel like you don’t know up from down. Meltdown: The End of the Age of Greed, by Paul Mason. Read this if you’re looking for a better understanding of how the economic meltdown happened, or feel stupid because you still…

• Hot Off the Press!

  Liz

  29 Dec 2009 | 9:41 am

  Quarterly Economic Pulse December 2009 The most recent Quarterly Economic Pulse has just been published—local data about the economy and what that means and how it affects the nonprofit sector. The Pulse is a joint venture of Greater Twin Cities United Way and Twin Cities Compass, and this is our third issue (see previous issues here—you have to scroll down a little bit for the links). The good news: The economy is inching its way out of recession, reflected in Gross Domestic Product, employment figures, consumer confidence and the stock market. Key word: inching. The bad news: Because…

• Is College Making Us Dumb?

  Liz

  21 Dec 2009 | 11:08 am

  I’ve been reading Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work, by Matthew B. Crawford for the last couple of weeks, and I can’t remember the last time I felt so ambivalent about a book. (Okay, I checked and it was 2005—Cool Memories by Jean Baudrillard, which alternately infuriated and impressed me.) Shop Class as Soulcraft is having a similar effect.  For example, passages like the following infuriate me: So now, if you go to a Toyota dealership to look at a Scion (their cheaper, youth-oriented brand), you get a brochure full of pictures of crazy custom Scions, and…

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  Look To The Stars News: Latest

• Jim Carrey And Jenny McCarthy Host Saturday Night Charity Spectacular

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:30 am

  Written by Tim Saunders Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy hosted a special event in Miami to raise money for charity during the weekend. The celebrity couple hosted the Saturday Night Spectacular event to raise money for Jenny’s Generation Rescue autism charity. Attended by a number of celebrity guests, such as Shannon Elizabeth and magician David Blaine, the event featured a poker tournament, live entertainment and a performance by Cirque USA. McCarthy is well known for her work supporting autism research, a cause she became involved with after her son was diagnosed with the condition. As…

• Ashton Kutcher And Demi Moore Give Flowers To Charity

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am

  Written by Tim Saunders Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore will send roses to 270 human trafficking victims this Valentine’s Day to raise awareness of their plight. “I struck up an agreement with the wife this year that we’re not going to try to do something big for each other and instead the best way we can celebrate the day is to share our love with other people,” said Kutcher. "There’s an organization in New York called GEMS that helps human trafficking victims. There are a bunch of these girls that have come off the streets and are now being housed by this…

• David Beckham's Big Charity Heart

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am

  Written by Tim Saunders David and Victoria Beckham have donated over £1million (US$1.5 million) to help children in the last five years through their charity. The Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust was set up by the couple to support initiatives for sick and disabled children. Past charities supported include UNICEF and organizations which help disabled children, such as those which provide wheelchairs to those in need. Although donations to the Trust have fallen by £90,000 in the last year, the charity still gives to good causes. “To have raised so much money and helped so…

• Gerard Butler Offers Date In Charity Raffle

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am

  Written by Tim Saunders Actor Gerard Butler has launched an online raffle giving his fans the chance to win a date with the star by helping his favorite charity. Kids Kicking Cancer is a unique charity that helps empower young cancer patients through martial arts. The star’s “officially unofficial” fan site, GerardButler.net, is asking fans to donate $20 to the charity to go in to the draw to win a trip to New York or LA from anywhere in the US to enjoy a private dinner with the star. Other prizes include the chance to visit the star on the set of his new movie, reserved…

• Kristin Cavallari Starts Year With Charity Trip

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:30 am

  Written by Tim Saunders The Hills’ Kristin Cavallari was in El Salvador for charity last month, and talked to USMagazine.com about the experience. “Going to El Salvador was such an incredible experience,” said the 23-year-old actress, who visited schools and interacted with students. “It really put everything into perspective and made me appreciate everything I have. Seeing how happy and excited the kids were was the best feeling in the world.” The star will continue her charity work later this year by traveling to Kenya with One Kid, One World, a charity that…

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  Leading by Design: A Resource for Nonprofits

• Are We Asking the Right Question When We Start a Cultural Nonprofit?

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:28 am

  AN ONGOING DISCUSSION IN THE HISTORY MUSEUM COMMUNITY (and I suspect in other cultural communities) has to do with its saturation of organizations.  Practically every county or parish in the United States has at least one history museum, historic house or historic site.  At least one.  In some areas of the country, it's impossible to travel ten miles without landing on the doorstep of a local history museum.Almost all of them are nonprofit entities, which means they are organized around a board of trustees, committees and legions of volunteers.  They rely on philanthropy…

• The Dollar and a Dream Syndrome

  2 Feb 2010 | 10:10 am

  IT'S THE "DOLLAR AND A DREAM SYNDROME" -- someone thinks getting up a community theater would be lots of fun or starting a museum about local history or gathering artists together to open an arts center. Great ideas, all. But how workable for the long run?As with most small businesses, new cultural nonprofits can be pretty fragile, partly because they develop from personal desire that, ultimately must be shared by many people. As a result, they can live on the edge for long periods of time, surviving on the friendship and handouts of devotees. But one can hardly call that sustainable, right?

• Five Guiding Trends to Help Your Organization Reshape Its Future

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:18 am

  Thanks to a comment on one of the many listservs I read, I’ve just started reading Convergence:  How Five Trends Will Reshape the Social Sector, published last November by the James Irving Foundation.  Right off the bat I’m encouraged that there are many avenues cultural nonprofits can explore right now based on the report’s findings.These avenues stem from five trends the report discusses:  • Demographic Shifts Redefine Participation• Technological Advances Abound• Networks Enable Work to Be Organized in New Ways• Interest in Civic Engagement and Volunteerism Is…

• "sustainability does not = doing the same thing"

  29 Jan 2010 | 10:46 am

  MY TITLE IS A QUOTE FROM Nelson Layag of CompassPoint, who commented on Rosetta Thurman's post about the future of nonprofit service/professional organizations. The whole discussion struck a chord with me, but that quote just leapt off the screen.  (The Andy Warhol quote I found on flickr is no slouch either.)If there's ever a time for nonprofits to seek new approaches and opportunities, I think this is it.  Much of what we've depended upon to sustain us -- audiences, donors, programs, endowments, networks -- are now dwindling or shifting or are far too narrow or shallow.  To…

• When Internal Discordance Goes Public

  27 Jan 2010 | 9:03 am

  YOU'RE READING YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER AND YOU come across this headline "Financial Woes, Board Defections Hurt Arts Center: Former board members question executive director's decisions."  Well, that's a little gut-wrenching (particularly if you work or volunteer in the nonprofit sector, or if you're an ED).How would you react?  You'd probably dig right into that article, wouldn't you?  Would you also ask yourself what the heck is going on that it's so bad to have made this kind of news?As you pick your way through the article it becomes clearer that taking the ugly stuff to the…

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  Nonprofit Execs on the Edge

• Share your love for your favorite nonprofit

  Lisbeth Cort

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:49 pm

  In honor of Valentine’s Day, spread a little love for your favorite nonprofit. It will only take a minute to blow a kiss their way. Here’s how:On Facebook:1.  On your favorite nonprofit’s Facebook (FB) page, post a photo relevant to what they do or something you’ve participated in. It will show others why they’re so awesome. Then share this link with your other friends.  Or...2.  In your “status” update on February 14 post: I love [fill in the name of your favorite nonprofit] because [fill in the blank] and include the link to their Web site or FB page. …

• Nonprofits: don't make these 3 communications mistakes

  Lisbeth Cort

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:52 am

  I recently observed a few surprising mistakes made by businesses using social media and online marketing. I share these in hopes that your nonprofits will not run your online communications and community engagement efforts like these businesses did. Mistake #1: Bribing me to be your friend/fan.A lot has been written about the recent Chase’s Chase Community Giving grant contest on Facebook (FB) so I won’t rehash all that.  Briefly, nonprofits competed for $5 million in grant money by asking their supporters to vote for their organization on Chase’s FB page. To vote, one first…

• A simple outline for your fundraising ask

  Lisbeth Cort

  2 Feb 2010 | 4:11 pm

  “Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.Seth Godin’s recent 8 questions and a why provides a simple and brilliant basis for every fundraising ask. I edited Godin's questions just a tad for use in crafting your ask:Who are you trying to serve?What are you promising to do?How much money do you need to make it happen?How much organizational time and freedom are you willing to trade for this funding opportunity?What are you trying to change?What do you want people to think and say about your organization?Which…

• Strategic plans: so much more than a Magic 8 Ball

  Lisbeth Cort

  27 Jan 2010 | 8:47 am

  Headline, January 25, 2010 WSJ:  “Strategic Plans Lose Favor: Slump Showed Bosses Value of Flexibility, Quick Decisions”. I say it’s not strategic plans that hurt the for-profit sector of late, nor will planning ever hold a nonprofit back. Far from being something that ties an organization down, keeps them from being able to be nimble or prevents them from taking advantage of opportunities, strategic plans provide the solid context for making smart, quick and informed decisions all along the way. More than a Magic 8 BallA corporate consultant quoted in the venerable…

• In this brief job Gen Y and the nonprofit both win

  Lisbeth Cort

  25 Jan 2010 | 12:04 pm

  The LA-based Durfee Foundation presents a great model for offering Gen Y a meaningful entry level job while constantly renewing, challenging and energizing executive leadership. Claire Peeps, executive director of the Durfee Foundation, just wrote a nice piece, “Hiring for Turnover: a Modest Proposal” for the GIA Reader. In it, she describes her foundation’s executive assistant position, a job designed to last two to three years max. Claire markets this position as:“ideally suited to a student who has recently graduated, or who may be between training programs, who wishes to gain…

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  A Voice For Children

• Celebrating the Saints

  Once in awhile, we take the opportunity to celebrate the great achievements of our partners – and what better excuse than the Super Bowl? We donned our #9 Saints Jerseys and had lunch to wish Drew Brees and his team well. Drew is more than just a great quarterback. He is a true philanthropist who truly [...]

• A True Saint

  While we celebrate the Saints’ march to the Super Bowl, I hope equal attention is given to the Brees family for their inspiring philanthropic leadership on behalf of a beleaguered city’s children.

• The Exploratory Meeting

  Listen intently to not only what the potential donors says, but what they don’t say. Get a sense of what burns inside your potential donor and what generates excitement as they speak to their past giving experiences.

• Hope for Haiti Now: Giving More.

  If you haven't given to help Haiti, it isn't too late. Whether it is one of these organizations or another one that is doing great work, now is the time to think about setting up a recurring donation to provide aid. Now is the time to start thinking about long-term recovery, reconstruction and rebuilding. The tiny island nation needs our support now (and in the coming months), more than ever.

• Giving Wisely

  By giving wisely, we help organizations improve their efficiency and their effectiveness. Nonprofits, especially in tough economic times, continually try to do more with less. The more we as donors are able to ease their burdens through responding to their needs rather than our wants, the more organizations will be able to focus on the task at hand - improving people, communities and lives.