Picks of the Week: June 24 - 30, 2012

Website of the Week -- The Bridgespan Group
The Bridgespan Group is a nonprofit advisor and resource for mission-driven organizations and philanthropists. Bridgespan collaborates with social sector leaders to help scale impact, build leadership, advance philanthropic effectiveness and accelerate learning. Bridgespan works on issues related to society’s most important challenges in three primary areas: pathways to opportunity for disadvantaged populations, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement. Services include strategy consulting, executive search, leadership development, philanthropy advising, and developing and sharing practical insights. Bridgestar (www.bridgestar.org), an initiative of the Bridgespan Group, provides a nonprofit management job board, content, and tools designed to help nonprofit organizations build strong leadership teams and individuals pursue career paths as nonprofit leaders. Go to: www.bridgespan.org.

Publication of the Week --  Grant Writing 101: Everything You Need to Start Raising Funds Today by Victoria Johnson

From the publisher:  Victoria Johnson has assembled an easy to read yet comprehensive guide for anyone looking to increase their organization's revenue through grants. This book includes basic guidelines, examples and references that guide the reader to the best approaches for seeking funds, and also provides valuable insights for making your organization stand out in an increasingly competitive fund-seeking environment. "Grant Writing 101" should be in every fundraiser's toolbox as a must-use tool. It is equally valuable for those beginning their career and fundraisers with decades of experience in the field. Kudos to Victoria Johnson for bringing a current and relevant approach to grant writing. Victoria Johnson, CFRE, is a successful grant writer, fundraising professional, and author.
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Trend of the Week – Older Adults and internet Use

As of April 2012, 53% of American adults age 65 and older use the internet or email. Though these adults are still less likely than all other age groups to use the internet, the latest data represent the first time that half of seniors are going online. After several years of very little growth among this group, these gains are significant. As of February 2012, one third (34%) of internet users age 65 and older use social networking sites such as Facebook, and 18% do so on a typical day. By comparison, email use continues to be the bedrock of online communications for seniors. As of August 2011, 86% of internet users age 65 and older use email, with 48% doing so on a typical day. Looking at gadget ownership, a growing share of seniors own a cell phone. Some 69% of adults ages 65 and older report that they have a mobile phone, up from 57% in May 2010. Even among those currently age 76 and older, 56% report owning a cell phone of some kind, up from 47% of this generation in 2010. To read or download the full report, go to: http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Older-adults-and-internet-use.aspx

 

New Guides On Boards, Strategic Planning, And Managing People

The Management Assistance Group (MAG) strengthens visionary social justice organizations, leaders, and networks to create a more just world. MAG has released three practical, easy-to-use guides on boards, strategic planning, and managing people. The guides are downloadable at no charge. Go to: http://www.managementassistance.org/ht/d/sp/i/519/pid/519