Website of the Week – The Listening Post Project
The Johns Hopkins Listening Post Project, and initiative of the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies, is monitoring in a systematic and timely way what is happening to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. To do so, project staff have partnered with nonprofit umbrella organizations in several major nonprofit fields and with over 1,000 local nonprofit organizations that have agreed to serve as the Listening Post Project's “eyes and ears” on critical nonprofit challenges and promising responses organizations are making to them. To learn more about the Listening Post Project and access report findings, go to: http://www.ccss.jhu.edu.
Publication of the Week -- Results Now for Nonprofits: Strategic, Operating, and Governance Planning by Mark Light
From the publisher: Using a lightning-fast and inclusive process, Results Now® puts purpose, strategy, operations, and governance into one user-friendly, comprehensive plan that your board can pass in a single vote and your organization can maintain as a regular part of its business throughout the year. Results Now for Nonprofits relies on accountability and performance measurement to increase the level of effective decision-making. This "big picture first, details next" planning process helps you:
• Use the Results Now master plan as a centerpiece of board meetings and as a standard part of board meeting advance information
• Foster a welcome climate for give-and-take strategic thinking
• Clarify the organization's story for the community and keep people on point about what's important
• Develop team cohesion
• Orient newer leadership members and recharge seasoned ones
• Attract new funders who reward nonprofits who plan
A must-have for all nonprofit executives and directors, members of boards and trustees, and nonprofit managers, Results Now for Nonprofits is a results-driven, practical tool that will help your organization achieve its mission, values, and destiny. Click to preview this look on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Trends in International Grantmaking Update by U.S. Foundations
Giving by U.S. foundations for international purposes held virtually steady last year, generating $6.7 billion, down just 4 percent. According to International Grantmaking Update: A Snapshot of U.S. Foundation Trends, a new report prepared by the Foundation Center in cooperation with the Council on Foundations, this decrease was less than half the 8.4 percent estimated decline in foundation giving overall last year. This latest update of the Foundation Center's benchmark series on international grantmaking examines changes in overall giving through 2009 based on a survey of leading funders. It also documents trends in giving through 2008 based on actual grants awarded by over 1,000 of the largest U.S. foundations. To download a free copy of the report, go to: http://foundationcenter.org.
Resource of the Week – Social Innovation Resources
Root Cause, a nonprofit research and consulting firm, has complied resources to help leaders in the nonprofit, government, and business sectors understand the roles they can play in encouraging social innovation at their own organizations or in others—in order to create lasting social impact. You can find practical tools and thought pieces on the following topics:
• Social Innovation and the Emerging Social Impact Market
• Business Planning
• Performance Measurement
• Financial Sustainability
• Social Issue Primers
To access the resources, go to: http://www.rootcause.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Paste with Live Preview in Excel 2010
One of the improvements in Excel 2010 is the ability to preview what you are pasting before you paste it. Here's how:
• Copy what you want to paste
• Position your pointer where you want to begin pasting
• Right click to display the shortcut menu which lists the most common choices
• Pause your pointer over the Paste Options buttons to preview the result before pasting
• Click to select your desired option or click the arrow beside Paste Special for more choices
For more help, watch this short video by Microsoft Paste with Live Preview.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Picks of the Week: March 20 - 26, 2011
Website of the Week – Google for Nonprofits Program
Google has launched the Google for Nonprofits program that provides access to exclusive products and resources to help nonprofit tax exempt organizations expand their impact. By joining Google for Nonprofits, a nonprofit organization will be approved to enroll in exclusive nonprofit products, which include:
• Google Grants: Free AdWords advertising to promote your website on Google through keyword targeting.
• YouTube for Nonprofits: Premium branding capabilities on YouTube channels, increased uploading capacity, the ability to select custom thumbnail images, and Call-to-action overlay on your videos.
• Google Earth Outreach Grants: Free licensing for Google Earth Pro, Google SketchUp Pro and Maps API Premier.
• Google Apps for Nonprofits: Free version of Google Apps for Nonprofits with fewer than 3,000 users, or a 40% discount ($30/user/year) on Google Apps for Business for organizations which have over 3,000 users.
Nonprofits will also receive the following benefits regardless of whether they enroll in Google's exclusive product programs:
• Monthly Google for Nonprofits newsletter
• Access to other Google for Nonprofits online resources
• Special offers and events
• Access to online training material targeted towards nonprofits
To be eligible for the Google for Nonprofits program, organizations must have current 501(c)(3) status and be headquartered in the United States. To apply for the Google for Nonprofits program, go to: http://www.google.com/nonprofits/index.html.
Publication of the Week -- The Custom-Fit Workplace: Choose When, Where, and How to Work and Boost Your Bottom Line by Joan Blades and Nanette Fondas
From the publisher: In this book, Blades and Fondas offer business professionals an indispensable handbook for transforming the way we work and breaking free from the old, inflexible, 40-hour workweek. The authors show creative ways for individuals to fit work requirements with life obligations, and persuade managers to adopt these custom-fit work strategies to improve their bottom line. Readers will finish the book convinced of the place of custom-fit work arrangements in today’s workplace—and of how honoring employees’ lives outside of work is an effective and innovative strategy for both managers and organizations. Featuring compelling stories of companies like Jet Blue, Ernst & Young, and Best Buy, the book profiles strategies that are gaining traction in workplaces across the country:
• New twists on traditional flexible hours and part-time work strategies
• Virtual workplaces
• Results-Only Work Environments (ROWEs)
• “Babies at Work” programs
• “On ramp and off ramp” opportunities
Practical and engaging, The Custom-Fit Workplace provides individuals and employers the tools they need to be successful and happy both at work and in life. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Causes Women Support
Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University has examined charitable giving by women and released results of their research. The first report of Women Give 2010, released in October, reported differences in giving to charity between male and female single-headed households across income levels. Findings in that report revealed that (1) in every income group from the lowest quintile ($23,509 or less) to the highest quintile ( >$103,000), female-headed households were more likely to give to charity than male-headed households; (2) in every income group except for one, women gave more than men (almost twice as much); (3) when comparing females to males by single-status, women were more likely to give and give more than men—except for widowers who gave more than widows. The second report, Causes Women Support, is a follow-up to the October 2010 report. Using the same data set, methodology, and analysis, we examine the differences between men and women's giving by charitable area. The research question we ask is, "Are there differences between male and female single-headed households across all subsectors of charitable giving? As in the first report, we focus only on male and female households led by the following singles: (1) never marrieds, (2) divorced/separated, and (3) widows/widowers. By focusing only on male and female single-headed households, the conclusions that we draw will be more definitive as to the differences between men's and women's giving. To download the findings, go to: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.
Resource of the Week – The Coaching and Philanthropy Project’s Online Toolkit
The Coaching and Philanthropy (CAP) Project’s Online Toolkit of free resources and action guides takes you on a deep dive into everything you need to know about coaching and how it can help you in your nonprofit work – to build on your strengths, create a stronger team, increase organizational capacity, and develop future leaders. To access the toolkit, go to: https://groups.compasspoint.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Change Text Case in Word
To change the case of text in Word, try this:
• Select text
• Press Shift + F3 until it changes to the desired case style
Pressing Shift + F3 toggles the text case between sentence case, UPPERCASE, lowercase, and capitalize each word. Be sure to hold down the Shift WHILE you press F3. Also, it works in all versions of Word. However, if you include text with punctuation at the end, it will skip the option to capitalize each word. You can also try this in PowerPoint.
Google has launched the Google for Nonprofits program that provides access to exclusive products and resources to help nonprofit tax exempt organizations expand their impact. By joining Google for Nonprofits, a nonprofit organization will be approved to enroll in exclusive nonprofit products, which include:
• Google Grants: Free AdWords advertising to promote your website on Google through keyword targeting.
• YouTube for Nonprofits: Premium branding capabilities on YouTube channels, increased uploading capacity, the ability to select custom thumbnail images, and Call-to-action overlay on your videos.
• Google Earth Outreach Grants: Free licensing for Google Earth Pro, Google SketchUp Pro and Maps API Premier.
• Google Apps for Nonprofits: Free version of Google Apps for Nonprofits with fewer than 3,000 users, or a 40% discount ($30/user/year) on Google Apps for Business for organizations which have over 3,000 users.
Nonprofits will also receive the following benefits regardless of whether they enroll in Google's exclusive product programs:
• Monthly Google for Nonprofits newsletter
• Access to other Google for Nonprofits online resources
• Special offers and events
• Access to online training material targeted towards nonprofits
To be eligible for the Google for Nonprofits program, organizations must have current 501(c)(3) status and be headquartered in the United States. To apply for the Google for Nonprofits program, go to: http://www.google.com/nonprofits/index.html.
Publication of the Week -- The Custom-Fit Workplace: Choose When, Where, and How to Work and Boost Your Bottom Line by Joan Blades and Nanette Fondas
From the publisher: In this book, Blades and Fondas offer business professionals an indispensable handbook for transforming the way we work and breaking free from the old, inflexible, 40-hour workweek. The authors show creative ways for individuals to fit work requirements with life obligations, and persuade managers to adopt these custom-fit work strategies to improve their bottom line. Readers will finish the book convinced of the place of custom-fit work arrangements in today’s workplace—and of how honoring employees’ lives outside of work is an effective and innovative strategy for both managers and organizations. Featuring compelling stories of companies like Jet Blue, Ernst & Young, and Best Buy, the book profiles strategies that are gaining traction in workplaces across the country:
• New twists on traditional flexible hours and part-time work strategies
• Virtual workplaces
• Results-Only Work Environments (ROWEs)
• “Babies at Work” programs
• “On ramp and off ramp” opportunities
Practical and engaging, The Custom-Fit Workplace provides individuals and employers the tools they need to be successful and happy both at work and in life. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Causes Women Support
Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University has examined charitable giving by women and released results of their research. The first report of Women Give 2010, released in October, reported differences in giving to charity between male and female single-headed households across income levels. Findings in that report revealed that (1) in every income group from the lowest quintile ($23,509 or less) to the highest quintile ( >$103,000), female-headed households were more likely to give to charity than male-headed households; (2) in every income group except for one, women gave more than men (almost twice as much); (3) when comparing females to males by single-status, women were more likely to give and give more than men—except for widowers who gave more than widows. The second report, Causes Women Support, is a follow-up to the October 2010 report. Using the same data set, methodology, and analysis, we examine the differences between men and women's giving by charitable area. The research question we ask is, "Are there differences between male and female single-headed households across all subsectors of charitable giving? As in the first report, we focus only on male and female households led by the following singles: (1) never marrieds, (2) divorced/separated, and (3) widows/widowers. By focusing only on male and female single-headed households, the conclusions that we draw will be more definitive as to the differences between men's and women's giving. To download the findings, go to: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.
Resource of the Week – The Coaching and Philanthropy Project’s Online Toolkit
The Coaching and Philanthropy (CAP) Project’s Online Toolkit of free resources and action guides takes you on a deep dive into everything you need to know about coaching and how it can help you in your nonprofit work – to build on your strengths, create a stronger team, increase organizational capacity, and develop future leaders. To access the toolkit, go to: https://groups.compasspoint.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Change Text Case in Word
To change the case of text in Word, try this:
• Select text
• Press Shift + F3 until it changes to the desired case style
Pressing Shift + F3 toggles the text case between sentence case, UPPERCASE, lowercase, and capitalize each word. Be sure to hold down the Shift WHILE you press F3. Also, it works in all versions of Word. However, if you include text with punctuation at the end, it will skip the option to capitalize each word. You can also try this in PowerPoint.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Picks of the Week: March 13 - 19, 2011
Website of the Week – ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation
The ASU Lodestar Center exists to advance nonprofit leadership practice so that organizations can better achieve their mission. Whether the mission is housing, youth development, recreation, or neighborhood revitalization, effective nonprofit organizations improve individual lives and enhance our entire community. Through research, education, and outreach activities the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation provides knowledge and tools that enhance the effectiveness of those who govern, manage, provide programs and services, volunteer for and support nonprofit organizations. Go to: http://lodestar.asu.edu.
Publication of the Week -- Successful Marketing Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations: Winning in the Age of the Elusive Donor by Barry J. McLeish
From the publisher: In Successful Marketing Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations, Second Edition, nonprofit marketing guru Barry J. McLeish shares everything he's learned during more than two decades managing and consulting nonprofits of every shape and size. Skipping all the arcane theory and the business school jargon, he gives you clear, step-by-step advice and guidance and all the tools you need to develop and implement a sophisticated marketing program tailored to your organization's needs and goals.
• New sections on the new media available to nonprofit marketers
• Techniques for analyzing your market and developing a comprehensive marketing plan
• Marketing strategies that will support fund-raising, promote new services, and enhance your organization's reputation and visibility
• Methods for developing a marketing program that reaches both the consumers of your service and the donors who support your organization
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Americans Living With Disability And Their Technology Profile
According to a new study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, one in four American adults live with a disability that interferes with activities of daily living. Fifty-four percent of adults living with a disability use the internet, compared with 81% of adults who report none of the disabilities listed in the survey. Two percent of American adults say they have a disability or illness that makes it harder or impossible for them to use the internet. This report is based on data from telephone interviews conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International between August 9 and September 13, 2010, among a sample of 3,001 adults, age 18 and older. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. For more information and to download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.pewinternet.org.
Resource of the Week – Transitioning to a Nonprofit Career
Successfully moving into a senior nonprofit management role takes teamwork. Both the individual taking the position and the organization welcoming the new hire should be equally committed to making the onboarding process a success. Bridgestar, an initiative of the Bridgespan Group has compiled a number of excellent resources on the this topic These materials from Bridgespan's Bridgestar job board initiative provide an overview of what makes for a successful transition. Go to: http://www.bridgespan.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Enter a Line Break Within a Cell in Excel
To Enter line breaks in an Microsoft Excel worksheet:
• Click the cell where you want the label or heading to appear
• Type the first line of information
• Press ALT + ENTER
• Type the second line (Repeat step 3 if you have additional lines to enter)
• Press ENTER when you've finished typing
The ASU Lodestar Center exists to advance nonprofit leadership practice so that organizations can better achieve their mission. Whether the mission is housing, youth development, recreation, or neighborhood revitalization, effective nonprofit organizations improve individual lives and enhance our entire community. Through research, education, and outreach activities the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation provides knowledge and tools that enhance the effectiveness of those who govern, manage, provide programs and services, volunteer for and support nonprofit organizations. Go to: http://lodestar.asu.edu.
Publication of the Week -- Successful Marketing Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations: Winning in the Age of the Elusive Donor by Barry J. McLeish
From the publisher: In Successful Marketing Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations, Second Edition, nonprofit marketing guru Barry J. McLeish shares everything he's learned during more than two decades managing and consulting nonprofits of every shape and size. Skipping all the arcane theory and the business school jargon, he gives you clear, step-by-step advice and guidance and all the tools you need to develop and implement a sophisticated marketing program tailored to your organization's needs and goals.
• New sections on the new media available to nonprofit marketers
• Techniques for analyzing your market and developing a comprehensive marketing plan
• Marketing strategies that will support fund-raising, promote new services, and enhance your organization's reputation and visibility
• Methods for developing a marketing program that reaches both the consumers of your service and the donors who support your organization
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Americans Living With Disability And Their Technology Profile
According to a new study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, one in four American adults live with a disability that interferes with activities of daily living. Fifty-four percent of adults living with a disability use the internet, compared with 81% of adults who report none of the disabilities listed in the survey. Two percent of American adults say they have a disability or illness that makes it harder or impossible for them to use the internet. This report is based on data from telephone interviews conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International between August 9 and September 13, 2010, among a sample of 3,001 adults, age 18 and older. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. For more information and to download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.pewinternet.org.
Resource of the Week – Transitioning to a Nonprofit Career
Successfully moving into a senior nonprofit management role takes teamwork. Both the individual taking the position and the organization welcoming the new hire should be equally committed to making the onboarding process a success. Bridgestar, an initiative of the Bridgespan Group has compiled a number of excellent resources on the this topic These materials from Bridgespan's Bridgestar job board initiative provide an overview of what makes for a successful transition. Go to: http://www.bridgespan.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Enter a Line Break Within a Cell in Excel
To Enter line breaks in an Microsoft Excel worksheet:
• Click the cell where you want the label or heading to appear
• Type the first line of information
• Press ALT + ENTER
• Type the second line (Repeat step 3 if you have additional lines to enter)
• Press ENTER when you've finished typing
Monday, March 7, 2011
Picks of the Week: March 6 - 12, 2011
Website of the Week – GrantSpace
GrantSpaceSM, a new service of the Foundation Center, offers information and resources that are specifically designed to meet the needs of grantseekers. At GrantSpaceSM, you can:
• View video recordings of live discussions with grantmakers
• Listen to podcasts featuring experts in the field
• Find answers to your questions in the Knowledge Base
• Connect right now with a professional Foundation Center librarian
• Get information about opportunities in your subject
• Increase your expertise in fundraising and management
• Attend training and events, in-person and online
• and much more
To access the website, go to: http://grantspace.org.
Publication of the Week -- The Nonprofit Organizational Culture Guide: Revealing The Hidden Truths That Impact Performance by Paige Hull Teegarden, Denice Rothman Hinden and Paul Sturm
From the publishers: Part practical guide and part reference, the authors draw upon contemporary research to thoroughly examine and define organizational culture, then explore its implications for nonprofit organizational management. The book guides readers through the process of Revealing Organizational Culture (the ROC), an assessment which helps leaders successfully apply the principles of culture to achieve their organizational goals by analyzing organizational stories. This book is a comprehensive guide for nonprofit managers and leaders, board members, consultants, funders, and others who seek to help nonprofits improve their organizations, service delivery, and ultimately performance in accomplishing their missions. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – States Slash Arts Support
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies has released a new study that shows exactly how much cash-starved states have been squeezing their arts budgets during the economic downturn. Legislatures across the country cut appropriations to state arts agencies by 7.2 percent in the 2011 fiscal year, to $272-million. And that was the third straight year of cuts, it found, meaning legislatures have slashed spending on arts agencies by 19 percent since the recession started. According to the study, arts spending has never recovered from the 2001-2 recession. State arts agencies—which exist in all of the states and provide grants and other help to nonprofit arts organizations–get more than three-fourths of their revenue from legislative appropriations. Taking into account inflation, the report said that spending has plummeted 45 percent since 2002. For more information, go to: http://www.nasaa-arts.org.
Resource of the Week – Arts Advocacy Resources
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) is the membership organization that unites, represents and serves the nation's state and jurisdictional arts agencies. Each of the 56 states and jurisdictions has created an agency to support excellence in and access to the arts. NASAA has developed a number of advocacy and case-making tools to help document the impact and results of public investment in the arts. To access the tools, go to: http://www.nasaa-arts.org/Advocacy/index.php. NASAA has also developed the Advocate series which offers tips and strategies that help arts advocates make the case, mobilize support and expand their influence. To access the series, go to: http://www.nasaa-arts.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Using Screenshot in Office 2010
Screenshot -- a new feature in Office 2010 -- allows you to capture images from your screen.
• Click the document that you want to add the screenshot to
• Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon
• In the Illustrations group, click Screenshot
• To add the whole window, click the thumbnail in the Available Windows gallery
• To add part of the window, click Screen Clipping, and when the pointer becomes a cross, press and hold the left mouse button to select the area of your screen that you want to capture
• If you have multiple windows open, click the window you want to clip from before clicking Screen Clipping. When you click Screen Clipping, the program you are working in is minimized and only the window behind it is available for clipping
• After adding a screenshot, you can use the tools on the Picture Tools tab to edit and enhance the screenshot
You can use Screenshot in Word 2010, PowerPoint 2010 and Excel 2010.
GrantSpaceSM, a new service of the Foundation Center, offers information and resources that are specifically designed to meet the needs of grantseekers. At GrantSpaceSM, you can:
• View video recordings of live discussions with grantmakers
• Listen to podcasts featuring experts in the field
• Find answers to your questions in the Knowledge Base
• Connect right now with a professional Foundation Center librarian
• Get information about opportunities in your subject
• Increase your expertise in fundraising and management
• Attend training and events, in-person and online
• and much more
To access the website, go to: http://grantspace.org.
Publication of the Week -- The Nonprofit Organizational Culture Guide: Revealing The Hidden Truths That Impact Performance by Paige Hull Teegarden, Denice Rothman Hinden and Paul Sturm
From the publishers: Part practical guide and part reference, the authors draw upon contemporary research to thoroughly examine and define organizational culture, then explore its implications for nonprofit organizational management. The book guides readers through the process of Revealing Organizational Culture (the ROC), an assessment which helps leaders successfully apply the principles of culture to achieve their organizational goals by analyzing organizational stories. This book is a comprehensive guide for nonprofit managers and leaders, board members, consultants, funders, and others who seek to help nonprofits improve their organizations, service delivery, and ultimately performance in accomplishing their missions. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – States Slash Arts Support
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies has released a new study that shows exactly how much cash-starved states have been squeezing their arts budgets during the economic downturn. Legislatures across the country cut appropriations to state arts agencies by 7.2 percent in the 2011 fiscal year, to $272-million. And that was the third straight year of cuts, it found, meaning legislatures have slashed spending on arts agencies by 19 percent since the recession started. According to the study, arts spending has never recovered from the 2001-2 recession. State arts agencies—which exist in all of the states and provide grants and other help to nonprofit arts organizations–get more than three-fourths of their revenue from legislative appropriations. Taking into account inflation, the report said that spending has plummeted 45 percent since 2002. For more information, go to: http://www.nasaa-arts.org.
Resource of the Week – Arts Advocacy Resources
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) is the membership organization that unites, represents and serves the nation's state and jurisdictional arts agencies. Each of the 56 states and jurisdictions has created an agency to support excellence in and access to the arts. NASAA has developed a number of advocacy and case-making tools to help document the impact and results of public investment in the arts. To access the tools, go to: http://www.nasaa-arts.org/Advocacy/index.php. NASAA has also developed the Advocate series which offers tips and strategies that help arts advocates make the case, mobilize support and expand their influence. To access the series, go to: http://www.nasaa-arts.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Using Screenshot in Office 2010
Screenshot -- a new feature in Office 2010 -- allows you to capture images from your screen.
• Click the document that you want to add the screenshot to
• Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon
• In the Illustrations group, click Screenshot
• To add the whole window, click the thumbnail in the Available Windows gallery
• To add part of the window, click Screen Clipping, and when the pointer becomes a cross, press and hold the left mouse button to select the area of your screen that you want to capture
• If you have multiple windows open, click the window you want to clip from before clicking Screen Clipping. When you click Screen Clipping, the program you are working in is minimized and only the window behind it is available for clipping
• After adding a screenshot, you can use the tools on the Picture Tools tab to edit and enhance the screenshot
You can use Screenshot in Word 2010, PowerPoint 2010 and Excel 2010.
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