Picks of the Week: November 22 - December 5, 2009

Website of the Week -- GiveMN

GiveMN is a new way to donate and raise money online. Donors can give to any 501(c)3charity, church, or educational institution in the U.S in the U.S. and keep track of all of their charitable donations Fundraisers can run campaigns and special events to support their favorite charities They can set up charitable registries to celebrate special events, collect pledges, and raise funds for nonprofits. Nonprofits can reach new constituents online and activate their supporters to raise funds. They can connect with a huge audience of potential supporters through GiveMN's existing community and social networks like Facebook and Twitter. Go to: http://givemn.razoo.com/p/about_us.


Publication of the Week -- Harvard Business Review on Corporate Responsibility

From the publisher: What and whom is a business for? This collection of articles gathers the latest thinking on the strategic significance of corporate social responsibility. Readers will develop an understanding of why businesses should continue to give money away even while laying off workers, how companies play a leadership role in today's social problems by incorporating the best thinking of governments and nonprofit institutions, and how community needs are actually opportunities to develop ideas and demonstrate business technologies. Readers will see how corporate responsibility can lead to new markets and solutions to long-standing business problems. The Harvard Business Review Paperback Series is designed to bring today's managers and professionals the fundamental information they need to stay competitive in a fast-moving world. From the preeminent thinkers whose work has defined an entire field to the rising stars who will redefine the way we think about business, here are the leading minds and landmark ideas that have established the Harvard Business Review as required reading for ambitious businesspeople in organizations around the globe. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.


Trend of the Week -- Grantmaking in 2009 & 2010

Here are key findings regarding grant making trends from a recent survey conducted by the Regional Association of Washington Grantmakers:

• The recession has served as a crucible for many grantmakers, providing an impetus to reduce expenses, reevaluate priorities, and promote and engage in collaboration.
• A lower percentage of grantmakers reported a decrease in assets in 2009 (65%) than in 2008 (86%). Some saw a decline in 2009 as a result of increasing their payout rates.
• Grantmakers expect to give fewer grants in 2010 than in 2009.
• More respondents expect their grants budgets to decrease than increase in 2010. Nearly half expect a decline; roughly one in six expect a decline of 5% or less. Nearly one-third expect grants budgets to increase. Approximately one-quarter are not sure.

Go to: http://www.washingtongrantmakers.org.


Resource of the Week -- Board Governance Podcast Library

BoardStar is created a library of 100 podcasts on board governance topics. Through inspirational 8-10 minute interviews with nonprofit leaders, Board Directors can learn about their roles and responsibilities, as well as receive quick points to strengthen their nonprofit Boards. Perfect for introducing a topic for discussion, BoardStar invites you to share a podcast at your next Board meeting. The podcasts are accessible online at no charge. CD and DVD compendiums are available for purchase. You can also download a PDF podcast episode guide. Go to: http://web.memberclicks.com.


Tech Tip of the Week -- Clear All Formatting in Excel 2007

• Select the cell or range of cells to clear (or press Ctrl + A to select all)
• Click the Home tab on the Ribbon
• In the Editing group, click the Clear button
• Select Clear Formats