Book Description
The Complete Nuts-and-Bolts Guide to Managing Today's Bottom-Line Oriented Nonprofit Organizations
This significantly revised and expanded Second Edition of the highly popular how-to book identifies and addresses the unique concerns of nonprofit organizations. Cutting through the morass of mere theory, the experts at Smith, Bucklin & Associates, Inc., a leading nonprofit management firm, get right to actual practice with dozens of real-world examples and case studies, and up-to-date, vital, "combat-tested" strategies and techniques for dealing with virtually every nonprofit business management issue, including:
- The daily role of boards of directors
- Fund development and marketing
- Public and government relations
- Educational programs and certification
- Information services
- Human resources management
- Using the Internet
In addition, featured here is a refocused strategic planning chapter that presents an ongoing, organic form of planning, as well as updated discussions of the importance of mission statements, planning publicity campaigns and coordinating special conventions, developing and marketing education programs, and much more.
Get the bottom line from the "front office." Whether you are an executive or manager of a nonprofit organization, a volunteer, consultant, fund-raising professional, a member of a board of directors or a trustee, the information in this indispensable guide is more critical-and more effective-than ever before.
Customer Reviews:
If You're Looking for Great Advice, You'll Find it Here!.......2000-05-24
After reading several books and on-line articles on non-profit management, I have found this book to be one of the most helpful that you can find. It has everything from strategic planning, to board and staff relations. What a great book! Even with my years of experience in working with non-profit organizations I still found this book to be very helpful.
Amazon.com
Writing for nonprofits is a juggling act. One's job might entail writing grant proposals, newsletters, thank-you notes, case statements, and Web-site material--each for a different boss. The most successful development writers take the time to both experience their causes firsthand (sleep in the shelter, go to rehearsals, visit the wilderness) and cultivate personal relationships with their donors ("people give to people"). You'll give yourself an amazing head start when applying for a grant, say Joseph Barbato and Danielle Furlich, just by following an organization's guidelines and getting your math right--it's surprising how many fundraisers do neither. Make your point once, clearly, and don't forget the human element. "You aren't just asking for money," say the authors of Writing for a Good Cause, "you are asking to help people." Barbato and Furlich, both veteran fundraisers, interviewed both grants administrators and development writers for this guide. The result is an inside view of the arcane workings of the world of fundraising that would make any novice feel more proficient immediately. Their "gotta-get-it-out-right-now, how-late-is-FedEx-open? Down-and-dirty proposal kit" is a terrific tool when there isn't time to write the "knockout, beguiling, exciting, can't-put-it-down, and surely can't-turn-it-down fundraising proposal." And keep in mind: when a donor gives your proposal the nod, say thank you. Twice. In fact, say Barbato and Furlich, "It is almost impossible to thank a donor too much." --Jane Steinberg
Book Description
Filled with tips and survival skills from writers and fund-raising officers at nonprofits of all sizes, Writing for a Good Cause is the first book to explain how to use words well to win your cause the money it needs. Whether you work for a storefront social action agency or a leading university, the authors' knowledgeable, practical advice will help you:
- Write the perfect proposal -- from the initial research and interviews to the final product
- Draft, revise, and polish a "beguiling, exciting, can't-put-it-down and surely can't-turn-it-down" request for funds
- Create case statements and other big money materials -- also write, design, and print newsletters, and use the World Wide Web effectively
- Survive last-minute proposals and other crises -- with the Down-and-Dirty Proposal Kit!
Writing for a Good Cause provides everything fund raisers, volunteers, staff writers, freelancers, and program directors need to know to win funds from individual, foundation, and corporate donors.
Download Description
From storefront social action agencies to leading museums and universities, organizations across the country are seeking funds for good causes. But even the best cause doesn't stand a chance when proposals and other materials are badly written or deadly dull. Writing for a Good Cause is the first book to explain how to use words well to win the support of funders.
The authors, who have applied their writing talents to a variety of good causes, address the full range of challenges writers in development offices face. Their knowledgeable, practical advice covers:
-- Writing the perfect proposal -- from the initial research and interviews to the final product
-- Drafting, revising, and polishing a "beguiling, exciting, can't-put-it-down and surely can't-turn-it-down" request for funds
-- Creating case statements and other big money materials -- including how to write, design, and print newsletters and use the World Wide Web effectively
Filled with tips from writers at nonprofits and suggestions from top foundation funders, Writing for a Good Cause provides everything volunteers, staff writers, freelancers, and others need to know to fashion persuasive presentations for individual, foundation, and corporate donors.
Customer Reviews:
Writer Writing For Writers.......2007-07-13
Immensely "Readable" guidelines for writing all types of fundraising materials. Barbato has written a timeless, easy to follow handbook that holds a special place on my reference bookshelf.
Writing for a good cause!.......2006-04-25
Excellent book with very practical tips on writing to get funded. There are many grantwriting books and resources available, but this is one of the better that I've found for writing persuasively for major gifts. Great practical advice on formulating winning proposals, concept papers and other grant writing tools. Definitely recommend to grantseekers of all levels.
Not just a guide to writing proposals - a guide to life.......2002-08-12
Not surprisingly, this book provides advice that -- if applied literally -- will assist you in writing excellent proposals to fund your non-profit organization's ventures.
Surprisingly, the advice contained herein -- if made more generic in your mind -- is excellent advice for entire areas of your life. Sounds hokey, true. But honestly, boiled down the advice can be listed as:
1. Identify what the problem is. Do your research until you really understand the causes of the problems and their many effects.
2. Identify how you will know when you have made the problem better. How will you know when the problem has been alleviated? What intermediate steps need to be taken? How will you measure your progress along the way?
3.Identify what tools are available, and which are still needed, to move towards a resolution, or diminution, of the problem. Be specific here. Vague generalities are useless, but the brass tacks of a solution are absolutely priceless. Who has access to these tools? Who can make difficult things easy?
4. If you are asking for someone to help you with this problem, present the whole equation to them in a light that makes the most sense to *them*. This doesn't mean to lie, or exaggerate. It only means to focus your proposal in a way that makes them see it most personally.
5. Proofread what you have written, to be sure it says what you want it to say. Then proofread it again. And again. Get it right, because it is a hard and fast representative of you. This should be true in everything concrete you put out in the world with your name on it.
Now, all of this can be applied to writing a grant proposal. And much of it can be applied to the other things in life. Filling a job position, finding a home, working out a deteriorating relationship, educating yourself or your children ... you name it.
It's so rare that a book directed at an audience of specialists resonates with so much broadly applicable truth ... and it was such a delight to find it. I plowed through this book last night, reading every word, applying its advice mentally to all sorts of issues in my own life. I am pleased to report that it opened my eyes to solutions that had eluded me until now.
Wonderfully written, amusingly told, full of great advice to writers of all persuasive materials, this book is a gem.
I put sticky notes on half the pages.......2002-08-09
I took this book, along with many others on fundraising, out of my local library. Though I'm new to raising funds, I've made much of my living writing articles and books; I wasn't sure it would have much to teach me.
This book was so startlingly useful that I had to buy it. It will likely become your most dog-eared fundraising guide.
Puts the Fun in Fundraising.......2002-07-11
When I am on deadline and desperately in need of help, "Writing for a Good Cause" is where I turn first for guidance, solace, or inspiration (seeing as how our office manager objects to open containers of alcohol at one's desk). Not only is this book full of incredibly practical writing tips in handy list form, it is also very funny and a page turner.
The heart of the book is a clear guide to how to write a great proposal, but other valuable topics are covered, including newsletters, case statements, interviews, and the like.
In one section, the authors mix genuine examples of great fundraising writing with an imaginary proposal to fund the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. They not only convince you to help build the Brooklyn Bridge, you're ready to buy it.
The bridge is not for sale, but this book is. It is well worth its price of two fast food lunches. Buy it, read it, and be happy.
Customer Reviews:
fabulous guide for every nonprofit.......2000-06-16
A copy should be in every nonprofit library. It's an indispensable guide to fundraising!
Book Description
The comprehensive and practical guide to successful fundraising-revised and updated
The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management, Second Edition provides a user-friendly road map for fundraising success in a highly competitive philanthropic environment. A practical how-to book tailored specifically to the needs of professional and volunteer fundraisers, it moves beyond theory to address the day-to-day problems faced in these organizations, and offers sound advice and proven solutions. The book and accompanying CD-ROM include all the tools, tips, and techniques you need to make your nonprofit stronger and find the resources you need. Inside you will find:
- The five principles of fundraising
- Resource development strategies
- Information management techniques
- Tips on prospect identification and market research
- Guidelines for running major gift programs
- Sections on fundraising by mail, by telephone, and through special events
- Capital and endowment campaign key success factors
No matter what your fundraising goal is-whether you need a detailed tour of the entire fundraising process or just a little help here and there-The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management, Second Edition is for you.
Customer Reviews:
Good book.......2007-04-22
I teach a class in fundraising and I use this book as my text. Great book, good examples. It's a comprehensive introduction to development for non-profits.
I'm Excited About This Guide to Fundraising Management.......2006-02-27
Even though I have not been able to read the Guide in full or use the CD Rom, all the special topics I have checked out thus far have been highly informative. I especially like the detailed charts and exhibits which provide an "at-a-glance" guide.
Having been a management consultant for 15 years, although not in the Arts Funding Area where I now toil as a volunteer, I have a good eye for serious data. And, having read several other books on the subject of nonprofit organizations, I can honestly say this book by Stanley Weinstein provides the kind of nuts and bolts data that is essential to fundraising.
Finally, since I had to pay for this Guide out of pocket, I can honestly say that I feel I got my money's worth even at this early stage of the fundraising process. It's a winner.
Please give me an opportunity in the future to provide another review...after our fledgling group...The Westlake Arts Center in Westlake, OH...implements some of the suggestions.
Thorough, well-researched.......2004-12-30
Weinstein does a good job representing the many facets of fundraising development today. The CD-ROM is a helpful addition. Highly recommended.
Excellent overview for novice fundraisers.......2004-08-04
I'm new to the fundraising/development field. I found this book very readable and informative. The subject is presented in a style that is intelligent and no-nonsense, unlike a lot of the "XXX for Dummies" and "Idiots Guide to XXX" series.
There is a nice little CD-ROM in the back with sample Word doc files on it. I wish there had been a few Excel spreadsheets too. I come from a sales background and found some of the advice for what to say to potential donors to be a bit ham-handed.
But, overall a great intro to fundraising with a lot of good advice that nonprofits should follow.
Book Description
AS a financial manager of a nonprofit organization, are you so preoccupied with its social and welfare objectives that you lose sight of operations efficiency and operating cost controls? In a time when you risk potential government cutbacks at any moment, informed resource management is more critical than ever. Financial Management for Nonprofits is a practical guide for financial managers in a variety of nonprofit organizations including charities, educational and medical institutions and religious organizations. Distinctive in its generous use of case stuides, examples and illustrations, this book also distinguishes itself through its emphasis on software. Its free software disk will help you to perform break-even, Cost-Value-Profit (CVP), financial ratio analysis, and "what if" analysis, and an appendix reviews and rates other available sofware programs. Financial Management for Nonprofits covers: Operational differences between nonprofit and for-profit corporations. Accounting practices broken down by specific nonprofit organizations. Ways to spot and avoid financial problems. Sort and long-term financing. Improving managerial and department performance.
Customer Reviews:
Lots of help!.......2000-04-14
Starting off, I had no idea where to begin which the financial management of a non-profit. I was worried this book would read through like an accounting textbook, but that is not the case at all. The book gives practical advice about running a non-profit and how this differs for a for-profit organization. There are also a lot of basic financial statements to use as examples. While this book did not contain all the information I was looking for, I found it to be a great starting point in my learning process.
Customer Reviews:
Great Start, But Far From Complete.......2000-12-31
This book is a good starting point for anyone considering forming a non-profit. It outlines the pros and cons of incorporation, and takes the mystery out of the incorporation process. The sample letters of incorporation, bylaws, and organizational meeting minutes were very helpful. But don't buy the book expecting it to be your only resource.
The book focuses almost exclusively on incorporating in Deleware. Although any organization can incorporate in Deleware - with possible advantages - it is worth researching the laws in your own state. You may be able to obtain the same advantages, with far less paperwork.
The most disappointing aspect of this book was that, despite the advertising on the cover, it has not been "newly revised" since 1993. The IRS forms, filing fees, and registered agent services are out of date.
Finall, I was disappointed to find that, because of its age, no internet resources are listed in the book, a serious drawback considering that all of the forms and instructions I needed were available from the IRS and State of California websites.
Overall, I found the book to be worth its price, but in this fast-changing world, it is in serious need of a "new" new revision.
A GOOD START BUT............2000-10-20
I have read this book and I will tell you, it is a very GOOD START but I was very disappointed that it didn't list a vast sort of agencies nationwide. I Live in Illinois and the information is basically for Delaware. This is why I only gave it 4 stars. You still have to do some research on your own but you definitely get your feet wet if you know what I mean. Buy this book to get you started and keep it to go back to when things get a little bit shaky from time to time. The tax forms part was very impressive..actual sample forms,addresses,etc.This book helped eliminate a lot of my worries and red tape. Good luck to all of you Non-Profiters and God BLESS!
Excellent guide.......1999-12-10
Very interseting, informative, and quick reading. Gives you a vast amount of information to successfully start a non proft corporation through filliing of your certificate of incorporation.
Book Description
The second edition of this essential book on the basics of fundraising provides new, up-to-date, and valuable information that every beginning fundraiser needs to know.
Customer Reviews:
Comprehensive Resource- Excellent Book!.......2007-10-05
I ordered this book because it was required for a graduate class that I was taking, but I found it to be an excellent resource. The author provides numerous examples for how to apply the material, but also provides additional internet resources to access other information in the field of nonprofit management and fundraising.
I would definitely purchase additional resources from this author again.
Great resource.......2007-04-22
I also use this book as a textbook in a fundraising class and the students consistently rank this as a great learning tool and resource that they will use in their careers. Excellent real-life examples and practical knowledge on every aspect of non-profit fund development.
Text Book for Fundraising Newbies to Experienced Professionals.......2005-10-24
Using this book as "the" textbook for a UCSD Extension class on Fundraising Introduction and Processes; The course is the first required course for a Certificate Program in Fundraising and this is the text book selected. Very in depth, overview of fundraising, annual giving campaigns, special fundraising events, planned giving, grant-writing etc. Covers it all in depth and simple to understand. Great book! Plus its way cheaper thru Amazon than in the UC bookstore ;-)
Good fundraising resource.......2004-12-30
Ciconte's book is insightful and thorough. This new edition is especially helpful, especially for the purposes of this reviewer, when it comes to Internet applications and computer programs. A well-written and fairly current fundraising resource guide.
Excellent and A Solid Complete Guide.......2001-07-15
Having read and used fund raising books and materials for over twenty (20) years, I am very impressed with this book. It is excellent, very thorough, and covers all major areas for an organization's fund raising program. I highly recommend that every non profit organization own a copy and use as a reference guide on a regular basis. Its truly solid and complete.
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General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Managing a Nonprofit Organization in the Twenty-First Century
The Executive Director's Survival Guide: Thriving as a Nonprofit Leader
How to Manage an Effective Nonprofit Organization: From Writing and Managing Grants to Fundraising, Board Development, and Strategic Planning
The Budget-Building Book for Nonprofits: A Step-by-Step Guide for Managers and Boards (Jossey-Bass Nonprofit & Public Management Series)
Managing the Non-Profit Organization: Principles and Practices
