Website of the Week -- Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies
The Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies seeks to improve understanding and the effective functioning of not-for-profit, philanthropic, or “civil society” organizations in the United States and throughout the world in order to enhance the contribution these organizations can make to democracy and the quality of human life. The Center is part of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies and carries out its work through a combination of research, training, and information-sharing both domestically and internationally. Go to: http://www.ccss.jhu.edu.
Publication of the Week -- The Change Handbook: The Definitive Resource on Today's Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems by Peggy Holman, Tom Devane and Steven Cady
From the Publisher: Originators and practitioners of such change methods as Future Search, Real Time Strategic Change, Gemba Kaizen, and Open Space Technology outline the distinctive aspects of their approaches, detail roles and responsibilities, share stories illustrating their use, and answer frequently asked questions. This extensively updated new edition of the classic bestseller features profiles of sixty-one change methods by the originators and foremost practitioners of such high-leverage change methods as Appreciative Inquiry, the World Café, Six Sigma, Future Search, and Open Space Technology. Each author outlines distinctive aspects of their approach, answers frequently asked questions, and provides case studies and references to learn more. A one-stop comparative chart helps you determine which methods will work best for you, along with chapters on mixing and matching and sustaining results. This tremendously expanded second edition is the definitive resource in the exciting area of engaging "whole systems" of people to create their own future. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Foundations Respond to Increased Needs as Assets Decline
A recent study by the Council on Foundations reveals that foundations continue to respond to the increased needs of families in spite of a decline in foundation assets. This report is another in a series of Council research reports on the relationship between philanthropy and the economy.This new report is based on data collected from 430 foundations in March 2009. It assesses how foundation endowments and grantmaking have been affected. It also considers how foundations have changed their grantmaking to focus on individuals and families hurt by the recession. Finally, it looked at the changes foundations have made in their own operations. Highlight of the study include:
• Foundation endowments, which started the year at $682 billion, fell precipitously in 2008 leading to a majority of foundations (62 percent) reporting they will reduce their grantmaking in 2009. However, the vast majority (82 percent) of foundations providing assistance to those adversely affected by the economic downturn will continue to do so, either at the same or higher levels, or have added it as a new area.
• Three out of four foundations saw their assets decline by 25 percent or more, with a higher proportion of independent and larger foundations experiencing such a drop.
• About half (48 percent) of foundations said that they will reduce the value of their total grantmaking for 2009 by 10 percent or more
• More than one in three foundations (38 percent) reported that they will maintain or increase the value of their grantmaking in 2009, with more than half of corporate grantmakers and 41 percent of family foundations maintaining or increasing the value of their grantmaking.
• Ninety-two percent of foundations stated they are making grants in 2009 to aid low-income individuals and families and others adversely affected by the economic downturn.
• Eighty-two percent of these foundations reported that their grantmaking in 2009 will be at least as much as it was in 2008; in fact, 31 percent said they are increasing their support for basic needs (food, emergency shelter, utility payments, and employment) and 6 percent said they have added it as a new grantmaking area.
• Most foundations are taking actions to reduce or contain their own operating costs by implementing hiring or salary freezes, cutting travel budgets, or reducing or eliminating conference attendance.
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.cof.org.
Resource of the Week -- Nonprofit Sustainability Guide
NeighborWorks America today released a comprehensive sustainability guide to help community development corporations and other non-profits to evaluate and improve the environmental and sustainable footprint of their organizations, or in short, "Go Green." Produced in association with Strategic Sustainability Consulting, Herndon, VA, the easy-to-read, straight-forward guide, "Greening Your Non-Profit from the Inside Out: A NeighborWorks Guide for Community Development Organizations" is built off of 22 actual sustainability audits of nonprofit organizations and uses these examples to tailor a "Go Green" guide for non-profit organizations. To download the practical, hands-on guide for free, go to: http://www.nw.org/network/green/default.asp.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Turning Photos into PowerPoint 2007 Slide Shows
To turn your digital pictures into PowerPoint 2007 slide shows:
• Click the Insert tab
• In the Illustrations group, click Photo Album
• On the Photo Album dialog box, click the File/Disk button to Insert pictures
• Click the Create button
Click here if you're using an earlier version of PowerPoint.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Picks of the Week: May 3 - May 9, 2009
Website of the Week -- Outcome Measurement Resource Network
The Resource Network of the United Way of America offers information, downloadable documents, and links to resources related to the identification and measurement of program- and community-level outcomes. Go to: http://www.liveunited.org/outcomes/?.
Publication of the Week -- Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Strategic Approach, 3rd Edition by Joan E. Pynes
From the publisher: Public and nonprofit organizations face difficult challenges today that make the strategic management of human resources crucial. This book shows how to integrate HR practices with the mission of their organization. An accessible tool complete with an instructor s manual, this book provides an integrated approach to current HR concerns and is unique in its focus on both public and nonprofit agencies. Offering guidance and techniques for implementing effective human resource management strategies job analysis, performance evaluation, recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, and collective bargaining Pynes demonstrates how strategic human resources management is essential to proactively managing change. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Downward Trend in High School Volunteering
Fewer high school age (16-18) Americans stepped up to volunteer their time over the past two years, new research reveals. Traditionally, teenagers have volunteered at slightly higher rates than other age groups, but in 2007 people 25 or older were more likely to volunteer than were those 16 to 18. These are some of the findings from a study examining youth volunteering trends from 2002 to 2007 released by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University’s Tisch College. The research presents volunteer rates by state and age groups calculated using the Current Population Survey (CPS), a joint product of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau. Overall trends showed a 6 percentage point decline in volunteering among 16-to-18 year-olds since the rate peaked in 2005 at 33 percent. Meanwhile, volunteer rates for the population aged 19-to-25 (18 percent) and 25 years and older (28 percent) both changed very little (2 percentage points or less) since 2002. The study also examined the state policies impacting youth volunteering, which many researchers believe have an impact on the levels of volunteering for 16-to-18 year-olds. For more information on the study, go to: http://www.civicyouth.org/?p=338.
Resource of the Week -- Social Networking Guides and Resources for Nonprofits
Networking for Good has compiled an excellent collection of introductory articles and resources to help you determine whether or not online social networks including services like Facebook, MySpace, and blogs fit your needs, and if so, how to get started. You can access the collection at http://www.fundraising123.org/social-networking. A great place to start is the article entitled “10 Things You Need to Do Prior to Diving into Social Media”. Go to: http://www.fundraising123.org/article.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Freeze a Formula into its Current Value
To freeze a formula into its current value:
• Select the formula
• Press F2 (Edit)
• Press F9 (Calc)
• Press Enter
Now you can copy or move the value anywhere you need it. This trick works in all versions of Excel, even 2007!
The Resource Network of the United Way of America offers information, downloadable documents, and links to resources related to the identification and measurement of program- and community-level outcomes. Go to: http://www.liveunited.org/outcomes/?.
Publication of the Week -- Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Strategic Approach, 3rd Edition by Joan E. Pynes
From the publisher: Public and nonprofit organizations face difficult challenges today that make the strategic management of human resources crucial. This book shows how to integrate HR practices with the mission of their organization. An accessible tool complete with an instructor s manual, this book provides an integrated approach to current HR concerns and is unique in its focus on both public and nonprofit agencies. Offering guidance and techniques for implementing effective human resource management strategies job analysis, performance evaluation, recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, and collective bargaining Pynes demonstrates how strategic human resources management is essential to proactively managing change. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Downward Trend in High School Volunteering
Fewer high school age (16-18) Americans stepped up to volunteer their time over the past two years, new research reveals. Traditionally, teenagers have volunteered at slightly higher rates than other age groups, but in 2007 people 25 or older were more likely to volunteer than were those 16 to 18. These are some of the findings from a study examining youth volunteering trends from 2002 to 2007 released by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University’s Tisch College. The research presents volunteer rates by state and age groups calculated using the Current Population Survey (CPS), a joint product of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau. Overall trends showed a 6 percentage point decline in volunteering among 16-to-18 year-olds since the rate peaked in 2005 at 33 percent. Meanwhile, volunteer rates for the population aged 19-to-25 (18 percent) and 25 years and older (28 percent) both changed very little (2 percentage points or less) since 2002. The study also examined the state policies impacting youth volunteering, which many researchers believe have an impact on the levels of volunteering for 16-to-18 year-olds. For more information on the study, go to: http://www.civicyouth.org/?p=338.
Resource of the Week -- Social Networking Guides and Resources for Nonprofits
Networking for Good has compiled an excellent collection of introductory articles and resources to help you determine whether or not online social networks including services like Facebook, MySpace, and blogs fit your needs, and if so, how to get started. You can access the collection at http://www.fundraising123.org/social-networking. A great place to start is the article entitled “10 Things You Need to Do Prior to Diving into Social Media”. Go to: http://www.fundraising123.org/article.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Freeze a Formula into its Current Value
To freeze a formula into its current value:
• Select the formula
• Press F2 (Edit)
• Press F9 (Calc)
• Press Enter
Now you can copy or move the value anywhere you need it. This trick works in all versions of Excel, even 2007!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Picks of the Week: April 26 - May 2, 2009
Website of the Week -- Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement
CIRCLE (The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement) conducts research on the civic and political engagement of Americans between the ages of 15 and 25. CIRCLE was founded in 2001 with a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts and is now also funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, and several others. It is based at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University. CIRCLE has a reputation for reliable, independent, timely research. CIRCLE has begun to change public discourse and press coverage about young people as citizens. CIRCLE is doing this by providing a stream of reliable data and analysis that helps Americans to understand the strengths and weaknesses of civic education, broadly defined. Go to: http://www.civicyouth.org.
Publication of the Week -- Stanford Social Innovation Review
From the publisher: Stanford Social Innovation Review is an award-winning magazine covering best strategies for nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible businesses. The Stanford Graduate School of Business launched the Review in 2003, the first publication by a leading school of management to promote innovative solutions to social problems. Each issue advances strategy and leadership in nonprofit management, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Click here to preview this publication on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Nonprofits Overlook Pro Bono and Skilled Volunteer Support
According to the 2009 Deloitte Volunteer IMPACT Survey, both nonprofits and corporations are overlooking a high-impact opportunity to leverage pro bono and skilled volunteer support to offset a decline in corporate giving dollars. Despite the challenging economic backdrop, nearly 40 percent of nonprofit executives say they will spend between $50,000 and $250,000 or more of "hard-won" cash on outside contractors and consultants this year. Yet nearly one-quarter (24 percent) of nonprofit respondents have no plans to use skilled volunteers or pro bono support in any capacity in 2009. According to the study, overwhelmingly, corporate grant makers (77 percent) and nonprofits (75 percent) place a high value on employee skills. Further, 95 percent of nonprofits agree they are in greater need of pro bono or skilled volunteer support. However, these statements are inconsistent with corporations' efforts to contribute skilled volunteers and nonprofits' efforts to seek them. Approximately one-third (35 percent) of nonprofits do not have the appropriate infrastructure needed to successfully deploy volunteers. Further, nearly one quarter (24 percent) of nonprofits surveyed have no one in charge of volunteer management or have someone in charge with less than three years of experience (23 percent). Similarly, more than one-in-four (26 percent) corporations have no one to oversee an employee volunteer program. Moreover, 17 percent of corporations have no employee volunteer program at all. To download the report, go to: http://www.deloitte.com.
Resource of the Week -- Alliance Resource Center
The Alliance Resource Center is a searchable database of resources for nonprofits. The database has been complied by the Alliance for Nonprofit Management. It includes information on organizations, websites, books, newsletters and other products and services for nonprofit organizations. You can search the database by entering a search terms, by selecting a “Resource Type” or by “Resource Category”. Go to: http://www.allianceonline.org/ARC.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Quickly Change Font Size in Word
To quickly increase or decrease the font size of selected text by 1 point, do this:
• Select Text
• Ctrl + ] to increase by 1 point.
• Ctrl + [ to decrease by 1 point.
This trick works in Word 2007 as well as earlier versions.
CIRCLE (The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement) conducts research on the civic and political engagement of Americans between the ages of 15 and 25. CIRCLE was founded in 2001 with a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts and is now also funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, and several others. It is based at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University. CIRCLE has a reputation for reliable, independent, timely research. CIRCLE has begun to change public discourse and press coverage about young people as citizens. CIRCLE is doing this by providing a stream of reliable data and analysis that helps Americans to understand the strengths and weaknesses of civic education, broadly defined. Go to: http://www.civicyouth.org.
Publication of the Week -- Stanford Social Innovation Review
From the publisher: Stanford Social Innovation Review is an award-winning magazine covering best strategies for nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible businesses. The Stanford Graduate School of Business launched the Review in 2003, the first publication by a leading school of management to promote innovative solutions to social problems. Each issue advances strategy and leadership in nonprofit management, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Click here to preview this publication on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Nonprofits Overlook Pro Bono and Skilled Volunteer Support
According to the 2009 Deloitte Volunteer IMPACT Survey, both nonprofits and corporations are overlooking a high-impact opportunity to leverage pro bono and skilled volunteer support to offset a decline in corporate giving dollars. Despite the challenging economic backdrop, nearly 40 percent of nonprofit executives say they will spend between $50,000 and $250,000 or more of "hard-won" cash on outside contractors and consultants this year. Yet nearly one-quarter (24 percent) of nonprofit respondents have no plans to use skilled volunteers or pro bono support in any capacity in 2009. According to the study, overwhelmingly, corporate grant makers (77 percent) and nonprofits (75 percent) place a high value on employee skills. Further, 95 percent of nonprofits agree they are in greater need of pro bono or skilled volunteer support. However, these statements are inconsistent with corporations' efforts to contribute skilled volunteers and nonprofits' efforts to seek them. Approximately one-third (35 percent) of nonprofits do not have the appropriate infrastructure needed to successfully deploy volunteers. Further, nearly one quarter (24 percent) of nonprofits surveyed have no one in charge of volunteer management or have someone in charge with less than three years of experience (23 percent). Similarly, more than one-in-four (26 percent) corporations have no one to oversee an employee volunteer program. Moreover, 17 percent of corporations have no employee volunteer program at all. To download the report, go to: http://www.deloitte.com.
Resource of the Week -- Alliance Resource Center
The Alliance Resource Center is a searchable database of resources for nonprofits. The database has been complied by the Alliance for Nonprofit Management. It includes information on organizations, websites, books, newsletters and other products and services for nonprofit organizations. You can search the database by entering a search terms, by selecting a “Resource Type” or by “Resource Category”. Go to: http://www.allianceonline.org/ARC.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Quickly Change Font Size in Word
To quickly increase or decrease the font size of selected text by 1 point, do this:
• Select Text
• Ctrl + ] to increase by 1 point.
• Ctrl + [ to decrease by 1 point.
This trick works in Word 2007 as well as earlier versions.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Picks of the Week: April 19 - 25, 2009
Website of the Week -- Executive Service Corps Affiliate Network
The Executive Service Corps Affiliate Network (ESCAN) is a nationwide network of nonprofit consulting organizations. ESC affiliates are management support organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in the communities they serve. They accomplish this by providing high quality, affordable consulting services and other technical assistance to nonprofits, schools, and government agencies. The ESC affiliates offer high impact volunteer opportunities to executives and professionals who have had senior level experience in business, government, or nonprofits. The Executive Service Corps Affiliate Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports its affiliates in building their capacity to serve their nonprofit clients by:
• Developing partnerships with national organizations
• Establishing performance benchmarking for ESC affiliates
• Facilitating the exchange of best consulting practices and model programs
• Marketing to national nonprofits
• Securing funding for affiliates’ consulting programs
• Organizing a National Leadership Conference
Go to: http://www.escus.org.
Publication of the Week -- The Zone of Insolvency: How Nonprofits Avoid Hidden Liabilities & Build Financial Strength by Ron Mattocks
From the Publisher: Would you know if your nonprofit is in the Zone of Insolvency and understand the related legal responsibilities and liabilities of operating in financial distress? Approximately one-third of nonprofits—more than 450,000 organizations—function perpetually in the Zone of Insolvency, i.e., in financial distress, and approximately seven percent are completely insolvent. What is the impact of hundreds of millions of dollars given to charitable organizations that operate in perpetual financial distress? Do board members have an inherent obligation to keep nonprofit organizations in operation regardless of their financial condition, or their mission effectiveness? Written by Ron Mattocks with the knowledge and authority that comes from many years of leadership and consulting in the nonprofit sector, Zone of Insolvency shines a bright and urgent light on the real issue of creating financial strength across the whole spectrum of nonprofit organizations. Required reading for nonprofit managers, board members, and volunteers, Zone of Insolvency takes an honest look at the fundamental obstacles facing the nonprofit sector through case studies of organizations. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.
Trend of the Week -- Foundation Growth and Giving Trends
In the midst of a deepening economic crisis, the more than 75,000 U.S. grantmaking foundations increased their giving 2.8 percent in 2008 to an estimated $45.6 billion, according to Foundation Growth and Giving Estimates: Current Outlook (2009 Edition) published by The Foundation Center. While giving increased modestly, it did not grow as much as had been expected due to the extreme nature of the economic downturn. Over 67 percent of foundations surveyed said they expect to reduce their 2009 giving. Key estimates for 2008 giving include:
• Independent and family foundations — which represent close to nine out of 10 foundations — increased their giving 2.5 percent to $33 billion.
• Corporate foundation giving held steady at $4.4 billion.
• Community foundation giving rose 6.7 percent to $4.6 billion, surpassing corporate foundations for the first time.
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge.
Resource of the Week -- Web based Community Organizing Training Module
Marshall Ganz has developed an excellent web-based resource on organizing. Professor Ganz is a long-time organizer; a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; and a principal of Harvard’s Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations. This Web module contains learning materials that address the following questions:
• What is organizing?
• How do people organize?
• What skills are required of organizers?
• How can these skills be shared with others?
This module is designed for organizers, students, and trainers of organizers alike. Organizers and students will find readings, video lecture clips and Web links on organizing ("Learning Resources" tab on the left margin). In addition, trainers will find a pedagogy of organizing developed by Professor Ganz and his colleagues ("Trainer's Workshop"). Go to: http://isites.harvard.edu.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Date Field in Word 2007
To quickly enter a date field in Word 2007, try this:
Alt + Shift + D
Remember, this is a date FIELD not text. It will always display the current date (assuming the date in your computer is correct.) So only use it when you want the date to change.
The Executive Service Corps Affiliate Network (ESCAN) is a nationwide network of nonprofit consulting organizations. ESC affiliates are management support organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in the communities they serve. They accomplish this by providing high quality, affordable consulting services and other technical assistance to nonprofits, schools, and government agencies. The ESC affiliates offer high impact volunteer opportunities to executives and professionals who have had senior level experience in business, government, or nonprofits. The Executive Service Corps Affiliate Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports its affiliates in building their capacity to serve their nonprofit clients by:
• Developing partnerships with national organizations
• Establishing performance benchmarking for ESC affiliates
• Facilitating the exchange of best consulting practices and model programs
• Marketing to national nonprofits
• Securing funding for affiliates’ consulting programs
• Organizing a National Leadership Conference
Go to: http://www.escus.org.
Publication of the Week -- The Zone of Insolvency: How Nonprofits Avoid Hidden Liabilities & Build Financial Strength by Ron Mattocks
From the Publisher: Would you know if your nonprofit is in the Zone of Insolvency and understand the related legal responsibilities and liabilities of operating in financial distress? Approximately one-third of nonprofits—more than 450,000 organizations—function perpetually in the Zone of Insolvency, i.e., in financial distress, and approximately seven percent are completely insolvent. What is the impact of hundreds of millions of dollars given to charitable organizations that operate in perpetual financial distress? Do board members have an inherent obligation to keep nonprofit organizations in operation regardless of their financial condition, or their mission effectiveness? Written by Ron Mattocks with the knowledge and authority that comes from many years of leadership and consulting in the nonprofit sector, Zone of Insolvency shines a bright and urgent light on the real issue of creating financial strength across the whole spectrum of nonprofit organizations. Required reading for nonprofit managers, board members, and volunteers, Zone of Insolvency takes an honest look at the fundamental obstacles facing the nonprofit sector through case studies of organizations. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.
Trend of the Week -- Foundation Growth and Giving Trends
In the midst of a deepening economic crisis, the more than 75,000 U.S. grantmaking foundations increased their giving 2.8 percent in 2008 to an estimated $45.6 billion, according to Foundation Growth and Giving Estimates: Current Outlook (2009 Edition) published by The Foundation Center. While giving increased modestly, it did not grow as much as had been expected due to the extreme nature of the economic downturn. Over 67 percent of foundations surveyed said they expect to reduce their 2009 giving. Key estimates for 2008 giving include:
• Independent and family foundations — which represent close to nine out of 10 foundations — increased their giving 2.5 percent to $33 billion.
• Corporate foundation giving held steady at $4.4 billion.
• Community foundation giving rose 6.7 percent to $4.6 billion, surpassing corporate foundations for the first time.
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge.
Resource of the Week -- Web based Community Organizing Training Module
Marshall Ganz has developed an excellent web-based resource on organizing. Professor Ganz is a long-time organizer; a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; and a principal of Harvard’s Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations. This Web module contains learning materials that address the following questions:
• What is organizing?
• How do people organize?
• What skills are required of organizers?
• How can these skills be shared with others?
This module is designed for organizers, students, and trainers of organizers alike. Organizers and students will find readings, video lecture clips and Web links on organizing ("Learning Resources" tab on the left margin). In addition, trainers will find a pedagogy of organizing developed by Professor Ganz and his colleagues ("Trainer's Workshop"). Go to: http://isites.harvard.edu.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Date Field in Word 2007
To quickly enter a date field in Word 2007, try this:
Alt + Shift + D
Remember, this is a date FIELD not text. It will always display the current date (assuming the date in your computer is correct.) So only use it when you want the date to change.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Picks of the Week: April 12 - 18, 2009
Website of the Week -- FSG Social Impact Advisors
FSG Social Impact Advisors (FSG) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 1999 as the Foundation Strategy Group by Mark Kramer and Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter. FSG is dedicated to accelerating social progress by advancing the practice of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility in three ways:
• Consulting services on strategy and implementation, evaluation, organizational alignment, and corporate social responsibility that help individual foundations, corporations, and nonprofits increase their effectiveness and social impact.
• Breakthrough ideas are at the core of what FSG does, from original writing on the ways foundations can create value, to more recent work on evaluation, corporate social responsibility, and community foundation sustainability. FSG’s research and writing has appeared in such publications as Harvard Business Review, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
• Multi-year initiatives in collaboration with external partners, guided by expert advisory boards, and supported by major funders. The goal of such action initiatives is to advance the field by creating tools, identifying best practices, and fostering constructive collaboration to accelerate the pace of social progress.
Go to: http://www.fsg-impact.org.
Publication of the Week -- Uncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential by Dan Pallotta
From the publisher: Pallotta TeamWorks was the for-profit brainchild behind several campaigns to raise funds for breast cancer and AIDS research and awareness, creating several nationwide, marathonlike events that raised millions. But its founder came under attack for violating the sacred premises of charitable organizations: low profile, low budget, and little or no profit. Pallotta turns on its head the assumption that charity and capitalism should be forever divided. Don’t charitable causes deserve the same kind of competitive forces that work to get results in the for-profit sector? Wouldn’t social causes be better served if charitable organizations were headed by the kind of bright, aggressive executives that work in the for-profit sector? Pallotta traces the history of nonprofit organizations to Puritan notions of charity and self-denial. He also offers a detailed case study of TeamWorks and other trends in the nonprofit sector that only tweak around the edges of a system that is sorely in need of change if it is to deliver on its mission to improve social inequities or cure diseases. A passionate, thought-provoking look at the nonprofit sector. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Major Trends in Education and Learning
According to the KnowledgeWorks Foundation, over the next decade, the most vibrant innovations in education will take place outside traditional institutions. The Foundation’s recently released comprehensive trend resource, “2020 Forecast: Creating the Future of Learning”, is a tool for thinking about, preparing for, and shaping the future of learning and education. It outlines key forces of change that will shape the landscape of learning over the next decade. This resource will be important for nonprofits engaged in work related to education and learning. The forecast contains four major types of information:
• “Drivers of Change”: major forces of transformation that will shape our efforts to remake learning.
• “Trends”: distinct directions of change that point to new concepts or new patterns of behavior that will shape the future of learning.
• “Signals”: examples, or early indicators, of the changes described by the trends and the drivers of change. By providing analogies, data, and explicit stories, signals help make the future seem more concrete.
• “Learning agents”: New roles and functions that might emerge in the future ecosystem of learning.
To access this amazing resource, go to: http://www.futureofed.org. You can download a pdf version and also order multiple hard copies at no charge.
Resource of the Week -- Video: Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
These 11 videos from BoardSource are based on BoardSource's Governance Series. The videos will help board members, chief executives, and senior staff understand the fundamental elements of service common to most boards, including board member responsibilities, how to structure the board in the most efficient manner, and how to accomplish governance work in the spirit and mission of the organization. The Governance Series can be purchased in the BoardSource bookstore. To access the videos, go to: http://www.boardsource.org/Spotlight.asp?ID=35.430#
Tech Tip of the Week -- Display Formulas in Excel 2007 Worksheet
When creating Microsoft Excel worksheets formula results are shown in the worksheet NOT the formula. There may be times when it would be helpful if you could SEE the formula in the worksheet.
To display formulas in Excel 2007:
• Click the Office button
• Click the Excel Options button
• In the Excel Options dialog box, click Advanced
• Scroll down to the Display options for this worksheet section
• Click to select the option Show formulas in cells instead of their calculated values
To resume seeing the results of the formula, just repeat the above steps. Or you can use the shortcut keys for toggling formula viewing on and off: Ctrl+` (accent key below the tilde ~). This shortcut works in earlier versions of Excel as well.
FSG Social Impact Advisors (FSG) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 1999 as the Foundation Strategy Group by Mark Kramer and Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter. FSG is dedicated to accelerating social progress by advancing the practice of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility in three ways:
• Consulting services on strategy and implementation, evaluation, organizational alignment, and corporate social responsibility that help individual foundations, corporations, and nonprofits increase their effectiveness and social impact.
• Breakthrough ideas are at the core of what FSG does, from original writing on the ways foundations can create value, to more recent work on evaluation, corporate social responsibility, and community foundation sustainability. FSG’s research and writing has appeared in such publications as Harvard Business Review, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
• Multi-year initiatives in collaboration with external partners, guided by expert advisory boards, and supported by major funders. The goal of such action initiatives is to advance the field by creating tools, identifying best practices, and fostering constructive collaboration to accelerate the pace of social progress.
Go to: http://www.fsg-impact.org.
Publication of the Week -- Uncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential by Dan Pallotta
From the publisher: Pallotta TeamWorks was the for-profit brainchild behind several campaigns to raise funds for breast cancer and AIDS research and awareness, creating several nationwide, marathonlike events that raised millions. But its founder came under attack for violating the sacred premises of charitable organizations: low profile, low budget, and little or no profit. Pallotta turns on its head the assumption that charity and capitalism should be forever divided. Don’t charitable causes deserve the same kind of competitive forces that work to get results in the for-profit sector? Wouldn’t social causes be better served if charitable organizations were headed by the kind of bright, aggressive executives that work in the for-profit sector? Pallotta traces the history of nonprofit organizations to Puritan notions of charity and self-denial. He also offers a detailed case study of TeamWorks and other trends in the nonprofit sector that only tweak around the edges of a system that is sorely in need of change if it is to deliver on its mission to improve social inequities or cure diseases. A passionate, thought-provoking look at the nonprofit sector. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Major Trends in Education and Learning
According to the KnowledgeWorks Foundation, over the next decade, the most vibrant innovations in education will take place outside traditional institutions. The Foundation’s recently released comprehensive trend resource, “2020 Forecast: Creating the Future of Learning”, is a tool for thinking about, preparing for, and shaping the future of learning and education. It outlines key forces of change that will shape the landscape of learning over the next decade. This resource will be important for nonprofits engaged in work related to education and learning. The forecast contains four major types of information:
• “Drivers of Change”: major forces of transformation that will shape our efforts to remake learning.
• “Trends”: distinct directions of change that point to new concepts or new patterns of behavior that will shape the future of learning.
• “Signals”: examples, or early indicators, of the changes described by the trends and the drivers of change. By providing analogies, data, and explicit stories, signals help make the future seem more concrete.
• “Learning agents”: New roles and functions that might emerge in the future ecosystem of learning.
To access this amazing resource, go to: http://www.futureofed.org. You can download a pdf version and also order multiple hard copies at no charge.
Resource of the Week -- Video: Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
These 11 videos from BoardSource are based on BoardSource's Governance Series. The videos will help board members, chief executives, and senior staff understand the fundamental elements of service common to most boards, including board member responsibilities, how to structure the board in the most efficient manner, and how to accomplish governance work in the spirit and mission of the organization. The Governance Series can be purchased in the BoardSource bookstore. To access the videos, go to: http://www.boardsource.org/Spotlight.asp?ID=35.430#
Tech Tip of the Week -- Display Formulas in Excel 2007 Worksheet
When creating Microsoft Excel worksheets formula results are shown in the worksheet NOT the formula. There may be times when it would be helpful if you could SEE the formula in the worksheet.
To display formulas in Excel 2007:
• Click the Office button
• Click the Excel Options button
• In the Excel Options dialog box, click Advanced
• Scroll down to the Display options for this worksheet section
• Click to select the option Show formulas in cells instead of their calculated values
To resume seeing the results of the formula, just repeat the above steps. Or you can use the shortcut keys for toggling formula viewing on and off: Ctrl+` (accent key below the tilde ~). This shortcut works in earlier versions of Excel as well.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Picks of the Week: April 5 - 11, 2009
Website of the Week -- HR Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector
The HR Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector (HR Council) works with organizations, educators, labor and government to identify and address issues related to paid employment in the voluntary and non-profit sector. Priorities include:
• Build and share knowledge
• Promote good HR practices
• Foster training and learning opportunities
• Provide leadership on HR issues
• Engage voluntary and non-profit organizations in our work
Even though the Council is based in Canada, resources will be of great use to nonprofits outside of Canada. Go to: http://www.hrcouncil.ca/about/overview.cfm. Of special interest is a publication entitled “Better Together”. It describes a shared HR services framework for non-profit organizations developed by the HR Council. This framework is based on the experiences of a number of existing non-profit shared HR services models.
Publication of the Week -- Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission: A Strategic Guide for Nonprofit Leaders by Holly Ross, Katrin Verclas and Alison Levine
From the publisher: Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission is a practical resource that will help nonprofit professionals make smart, strategic decisions about technology. The book shows how to effectively manage technology and offers practical advice for decision makers and staff alike who often have little or no experience with technology. With contributions from the top experts in the nonprofit technology field, this must-have guide addresses technology planning and people. It includes the tools you need to get the work done, and the knowledge that will help you communicate better, evaluate technology investments, raise money, and more. Written in non-technical language the book covers a broad spectrum of topics including:
• Achieving IT Alignment with Your Mission by Steve Heye, YMCA of the USA
• Managing Technology Change by Dahna Goldstein, PhilanTech
• Measuring the Return on Investment of Technology by Beth Kanter, trainer, blogger and consultant
• IT Planning and Prioritizing by Peter Campbell, Earthjustice
• Budgeting For and Funding Technology by Scott McCallum and Keith R. Thode, Aidmatrix Foundation
• And much more
Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Nonprofit Employment Expected to Fall in 2009
In 2009, nonprofit organizations will have fewer employees and almost no disciplined function to manage them, according to the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Employment Trends Survey. The Nonprofit HR Solutions 2009 survey reveals that 41.6 percent of nonprofits intend to create new full-time positions, down from 61.9 percent in 2008. In addition, 26.1 percent indicate that they intend to downsize or lay off staff in 2009 vs. 7.6 percent of nonprofits that planned reductions in 2008. Despite the dim industry outlook, responses to the 30-question survey show that more than 50 percent of nonprofits have no formal staffing or recruiting budget. Of organizations with formal recruiting budgets, almost 60 percent allocated $5,000 or less per year and instead relied primarily on formal and informal networks of colleagues and friends to fill vacant positions. Close to 30 percent of respondents have one staff person dedicated to managing the human resources function, an almost 8 percent increase from 2008; however, the majority of participating organizations said their human resources function is managed by someone with shared job responsibilities, outsourced to a third party, or simply too small to have any dedicated resources. To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.nonprofithr.com.
Resource of the Week -- VolunteerSpot
VolunteerSpot is a free online sign-up tool that simplifies grassroots volunteering. The site makes it easy for anyone to quickly mobilize and coordinate volunteers in their community, congregation or social network. This is a tool for all-volunteer group officers, committee chairs, special event planners, and others who need to schedule and organize many other volunteers. The leader creates a schedule of volunteer needs on the online calendar and invites people to sign up with an e-mail. Volunteers click a link to see what spots are available and choose when and how they want to help. VolunteerSpot sends automated confirmation and reminder messages, helping everyone keep their commitments. Since it happens in real-time, the schedule is always current, significantly reduces coordination time, and makes the process easier for everyone. VolunteerSpot is a free service for local-level volunteers. Corporations and larger groups wanting to brand the Web site or obtain planned premium features, such as hours tracking, will be charged a fee. But you can test the system immediately at no cost. Go to: www.volunteerspot.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Automatic Hyperlinks in Word 2007
By default, Word 2007 automatically creates hyperlinks whenever you type a Web address. To turn off this feature:
• Click the Office button
• Click the Word Options button
• Click Proofing
• Click AutoCorrect Options
• On the AutoFormat as you type tab and on the AutoFormat tab, click to clear the Internet and network paths with hyperlinks check box and click OK
• Click OK again to close the Word Options dialog box
If you've already typed a document and you want to remove the hyperlinks, simply select the entire document by pressing Ctrl + A and press Ctrl + Shift + F9.
The HR Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector (HR Council) works with organizations, educators, labor and government to identify and address issues related to paid employment in the voluntary and non-profit sector. Priorities include:
• Build and share knowledge
• Promote good HR practices
• Foster training and learning opportunities
• Provide leadership on HR issues
• Engage voluntary and non-profit organizations in our work
Even though the Council is based in Canada, resources will be of great use to nonprofits outside of Canada. Go to: http://www.hrcouncil.ca/about/overview.cfm. Of special interest is a publication entitled “Better Together”. It describes a shared HR services framework for non-profit organizations developed by the HR Council. This framework is based on the experiences of a number of existing non-profit shared HR services models.
Publication of the Week -- Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission: A Strategic Guide for Nonprofit Leaders by Holly Ross, Katrin Verclas and Alison Levine
From the publisher: Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission is a practical resource that will help nonprofit professionals make smart, strategic decisions about technology. The book shows how to effectively manage technology and offers practical advice for decision makers and staff alike who often have little or no experience with technology. With contributions from the top experts in the nonprofit technology field, this must-have guide addresses technology planning and people. It includes the tools you need to get the work done, and the knowledge that will help you communicate better, evaluate technology investments, raise money, and more. Written in non-technical language the book covers a broad spectrum of topics including:
• Achieving IT Alignment with Your Mission by Steve Heye, YMCA of the USA
• Managing Technology Change by Dahna Goldstein, PhilanTech
• Measuring the Return on Investment of Technology by Beth Kanter, trainer, blogger and consultant
• IT Planning and Prioritizing by Peter Campbell, Earthjustice
• Budgeting For and Funding Technology by Scott McCallum and Keith R. Thode, Aidmatrix Foundation
• And much more
Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Nonprofit Employment Expected to Fall in 2009
In 2009, nonprofit organizations will have fewer employees and almost no disciplined function to manage them, according to the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Employment Trends Survey. The Nonprofit HR Solutions 2009 survey reveals that 41.6 percent of nonprofits intend to create new full-time positions, down from 61.9 percent in 2008. In addition, 26.1 percent indicate that they intend to downsize or lay off staff in 2009 vs. 7.6 percent of nonprofits that planned reductions in 2008. Despite the dim industry outlook, responses to the 30-question survey show that more than 50 percent of nonprofits have no formal staffing or recruiting budget. Of organizations with formal recruiting budgets, almost 60 percent allocated $5,000 or less per year and instead relied primarily on formal and informal networks of colleagues and friends to fill vacant positions. Close to 30 percent of respondents have one staff person dedicated to managing the human resources function, an almost 8 percent increase from 2008; however, the majority of participating organizations said their human resources function is managed by someone with shared job responsibilities, outsourced to a third party, or simply too small to have any dedicated resources. To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.nonprofithr.com.
Resource of the Week -- VolunteerSpot
VolunteerSpot is a free online sign-up tool that simplifies grassroots volunteering. The site makes it easy for anyone to quickly mobilize and coordinate volunteers in their community, congregation or social network. This is a tool for all-volunteer group officers, committee chairs, special event planners, and others who need to schedule and organize many other volunteers. The leader creates a schedule of volunteer needs on the online calendar and invites people to sign up with an e-mail. Volunteers click a link to see what spots are available and choose when and how they want to help. VolunteerSpot sends automated confirmation and reminder messages, helping everyone keep their commitments. Since it happens in real-time, the schedule is always current, significantly reduces coordination time, and makes the process easier for everyone. VolunteerSpot is a free service for local-level volunteers. Corporations and larger groups wanting to brand the Web site or obtain planned premium features, such as hours tracking, will be charged a fee. But you can test the system immediately at no cost. Go to: www.volunteerspot.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Automatic Hyperlinks in Word 2007
By default, Word 2007 automatically creates hyperlinks whenever you type a Web address. To turn off this feature:
• Click the Office button
• Click the Word Options button
• Click Proofing
• Click AutoCorrect Options
• On the AutoFormat as you type tab and on the AutoFormat tab, click to clear the Internet and network paths with hyperlinks check box and click OK
• Click OK again to close the Word Options dialog box
If you've already typed a document and you want to remove the hyperlinks, simply select the entire document by pressing Ctrl + A and press Ctrl + Shift + F9.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Picks of the Week: March 29 - April 4, 2009
Website of the Week -- Theory of Change
The Theory of Change website has been newly revised and updated. This website is devoted to the application, methodology, use and practice of Theory of Change methodology. For 2009, it has been revamped to include more information on how to best use TOC, lessons from the many areas in which TOC has been applied, and the role of TOC in organizational functioning and capacity. At this site you'll find:
• When in your work can TOC help you and how (planning, re-grouping, evaluation, Board meetings?
• How it is best applied. Should the scope of your engagement be a day, a month, or a year?
• How can TOC be the basis for a major organizational shift towards focusing on outcomes and accountability, while remaining participatory and transparent?
• How has TOC been used recently in key topic areas such as social justice, women’s movements, international justice, youth development, structural racism and more
Go to: http://www.theoryofchange.org.
Publication of the Week -- Fundraising When Money Is Tight: A Strategic and Practical Guide to Surviving Tough Times and Thriving in the Future by Mal Warwick
From the publisher: Nobody can predict our economic future. But in tough times, whether driven by the economy or other factors, there are simple yet sometimes counterintuitive steps you can take to ensure that your organization will suffer the least possible damage in a down economy -- and emerge healthy and poised for renewed growth when the economic crisis has passed. This book will outline how the economy effects fundraising and then walk you through an effective strategy and practical steps you can take to survive and then thrive in the future. Topics include:
• What history teaches us
• A proven way to anticipate the future
• Three scenarios for economic recovery
• Three possible fundraising strategies
• Identify a winning strategy
• Strengthen your case for giving
• Cut costs with a scalpel, not an ax
• Fish where the big fish are
• Stay close and get personal with your donors
• Step up your efforts online
Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Impact of the Economic Downturn on the Nonprofit Sector
According to "Quiet Crisis," a report recently issued by Bruce Reed and John Bridgeland, the human need for nonprofit help is skyrocketing as nonprofit resources shrink. Their research uncovered disturbing evidence of the nonprofit sector's growing troubles:
• Churches, many of which deliver social services to the poor and needy, were expected to raise $3 billion to $5 billion less than anticipated in the last quarter of 2008;
• United Way saw a 68 percent increase during the past year in the number of calls for basic needs such as securing food, shelter, and warm clothing, and is receiving 10,000 to 15,000 more calls every month compared to 2007;
• Chicago's Meals on Wheels is trimming its budget by 35 percent;
• The State of Arizona reports an increase of more than 100 percent in the number of people who sought social services from 2007 to 2008, and Goodwill of Central Arizona reported nearly twice the number of visits to its centers on December 23, 2008, compared to the same day in 2007; and
• Over the last year, more than 70 percent of Michigan nonprofits have seen increasing demand for their services, while 50 percent say their financial support has dropped.
This report makes several concrete recommendations on how our nation can spark a strong nonprofit recovery and permit more Americans to do good works in hard times:
• Put 250,000 Americans a year to work in national and community service by passing the bipartisan Serve America Act.
• Adopt targeted incentives to expand private giving and volunteering.
• Create a Social Innovation and Compassion Capital Fund.
• Give nonprofit housing and financial institutions a prominent role in solving the nation's massive mortgage and foreclosure problems.
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.dlc.org.
Resource of the Week -- Urban Institute Outcome Indicators Project
The Urban Institute has developed and applied an Outcome Framework to program areas (examples: Transitional Housing, Youth Tutoring and Mentoring, Emergency Shelter, Advocacy. For each program, there is a sample mission statement, an outcome sequence chart, a table of candidate program-specific outcomes, and data collection strategies with suggested data sources for each outcome indicator. Go to: http://www.urban.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Open Access 2007 Objects in Design View
Here are 2 quick ways to open Access objects in Design View:
• Click the object to select and press Ctrl + Enter, or
• Right click the object and select Design View from the shortcut menu
The Theory of Change website has been newly revised and updated. This website is devoted to the application, methodology, use and practice of Theory of Change methodology. For 2009, it has been revamped to include more information on how to best use TOC, lessons from the many areas in which TOC has been applied, and the role of TOC in organizational functioning and capacity. At this site you'll find:
• When in your work can TOC help you and how (planning, re-grouping, evaluation, Board meetings?
• How it is best applied. Should the scope of your engagement be a day, a month, or a year?
• How can TOC be the basis for a major organizational shift towards focusing on outcomes and accountability, while remaining participatory and transparent?
• How has TOC been used recently in key topic areas such as social justice, women’s movements, international justice, youth development, structural racism and more
Go to: http://www.theoryofchange.org.
Publication of the Week -- Fundraising When Money Is Tight: A Strategic and Practical Guide to Surviving Tough Times and Thriving in the Future by Mal Warwick
From the publisher: Nobody can predict our economic future. But in tough times, whether driven by the economy or other factors, there are simple yet sometimes counterintuitive steps you can take to ensure that your organization will suffer the least possible damage in a down economy -- and emerge healthy and poised for renewed growth when the economic crisis has passed. This book will outline how the economy effects fundraising and then walk you through an effective strategy and practical steps you can take to survive and then thrive in the future. Topics include:
• What history teaches us
• A proven way to anticipate the future
• Three scenarios for economic recovery
• Three possible fundraising strategies
• Identify a winning strategy
• Strengthen your case for giving
• Cut costs with a scalpel, not an ax
• Fish where the big fish are
• Stay close and get personal with your donors
• Step up your efforts online
Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Impact of the Economic Downturn on the Nonprofit Sector
According to "Quiet Crisis," a report recently issued by Bruce Reed and John Bridgeland, the human need for nonprofit help is skyrocketing as nonprofit resources shrink. Their research uncovered disturbing evidence of the nonprofit sector's growing troubles:
• Churches, many of which deliver social services to the poor and needy, were expected to raise $3 billion to $5 billion less than anticipated in the last quarter of 2008;
• United Way saw a 68 percent increase during the past year in the number of calls for basic needs such as securing food, shelter, and warm clothing, and is receiving 10,000 to 15,000 more calls every month compared to 2007;
• Chicago's Meals on Wheels is trimming its budget by 35 percent;
• The State of Arizona reports an increase of more than 100 percent in the number of people who sought social services from 2007 to 2008, and Goodwill of Central Arizona reported nearly twice the number of visits to its centers on December 23, 2008, compared to the same day in 2007; and
• Over the last year, more than 70 percent of Michigan nonprofits have seen increasing demand for their services, while 50 percent say their financial support has dropped.
This report makes several concrete recommendations on how our nation can spark a strong nonprofit recovery and permit more Americans to do good works in hard times:
• Put 250,000 Americans a year to work in national and community service by passing the bipartisan Serve America Act.
• Adopt targeted incentives to expand private giving and volunteering.
• Create a Social Innovation and Compassion Capital Fund.
• Give nonprofit housing and financial institutions a prominent role in solving the nation's massive mortgage and foreclosure problems.
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.dlc.org.
Resource of the Week -- Urban Institute Outcome Indicators Project
The Urban Institute has developed and applied an Outcome Framework to program areas (examples: Transitional Housing, Youth Tutoring and Mentoring, Emergency Shelter, Advocacy. For each program, there is a sample mission statement, an outcome sequence chart, a table of candidate program-specific outcomes, and data collection strategies with suggested data sources for each outcome indicator. Go to: http://www.urban.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Open Access 2007 Objects in Design View
Here are 2 quick ways to open Access objects in Design View:
• Click the object to select and press Ctrl + Enter, or
• Right click the object and select Design View from the shortcut menu
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