Website of the Week – Public Agenda
For over 30 years, Public Agenda has been providing unbiased and unparalleled research that bridges the gap between American leaders and what the public really thinks about issues ranging from education to foreign policy to immigration to religion and civility in American life. Nonpartisan and nonprofit, Public Agenda was founded by social scientist and author Daniel Yankelovich and former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance in 1975. Public Agenda's two-fold mission is to help American leaders better understand the public's point of view and enable citizens know more about critical policy issues so they can make thoughtful, informed decisions. Go to: http://www.publicagenda.org.
Publication of the Week -- The Influential Fundraiser: Using the Psychology of Persuasion to Achieve Outstanding Results by Bernard Ross and Clare Segal
From the publisher: With the explosion of uninspired e-mail solicitations, dull fundraising dinners, and cookie-cutter direct mail campaigns, donors are demanding a new, personalized approach when being asked for money. Drawing on the authors' practical experience and the most current psychological and neurological research, The Influential Fundraiser offers a wealth of approaches that will help fundraisers make significant and successful creative "asks" for money from donors . . . in person. Written by Bernard Ross and Clare Segal—two leading experts in the field of international nonprofit fundraising—the book offers step-by-step guidance for gaining confidence and learning the necessary skills and techniques fundraisers must have to build successful relationships and raise substantial amounts of money. Written in an accessible, engaging style, The Influential Fundraiser will help you to be both highly effective and very flexible. The 5P model outlined in the book—Passion, Proposal, Preparation, Persuasion, and Persistence—will help fundraisers and volunteers learn invaluable skills needed for fundraising success. The Influential Fundraiser is international in scope and includes helpful suggestions for dealing with a wide range of cultural and diversity issues. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Foundations’ Public Policy-related Activities
The Foundation Center’s first report benchmarking the level of engagement of U.S. foundations in policy-related activities reflects an increase in grantmaker support for research, public education, and resources to policymakers in recent years. Key Facts on Foundations’ Public Policy-related Activities finds that one-quarter of the more than 1,300 foundations that responded to a survey either fund or are engaged in such activities, with larger foundations far more likely to participate than smaller ones. In fact, more than half of those who engage in public policy-related activities increased their levels of support over the last five years. To download a copy of the report, go to: http://foundationcenter.org.
Resource of the Week – Fundraising Databases
The Center for Nonprofit Management has complied a list of online fundraising databases for grant seekers and grant makers. Go to: http://www.cnmsocal.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Add a Drop Cap in Word 2010
A drop cap is used to display the first letter of the paragraph in a large font. To add a drop cap to a paragraph in Word 2010:
• Click in the paragraph where you would like to apply a drop cap
• Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon
• In the text group, choose Drop Cap
• From the Drop Cap list, click to select the style or choose options for additional choices
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Picks of the Week: December 12 - 18, 2010
Website of the Week – Community Partners
Community Partners was established in 1992 to meet a growing need experienced by civic and social entrepreneurs in Southern California for a structure that freed them from red tape while they pursued the cause that animated them. Conceived as a “foundation for emerging philanthropies”, its "incubator" has grown steadily to include nearly 130 projects led by people who reflect the scope and diversity of the Southern California region and over a dozen strategic initiatives in partnership with funders, networks and established organizations. From initial investments of $250,000, Community Partners has grown into a solid institution managing more than $10 million a year in revenue. For emerging leaders of civic and community projects, Community Partners handles finance, HR, and legal needs; help them develop their idea into a funded project; connect them with their peers and leaders in the community; and equip them with the tools and training to grow an effective, sustainable project. For experienced social innovators and networks of established stakeholder groups, Community Partners provides the knowledge and means to get new ideas and coalitions off the ground in a matter of weeks. For funders, Community Partners provides skilled management of program offices, peer convenings, regranting, and capacity-building programs that strengthen their impact in the community. While the focus is on Southern California, the resources will be very helpful to others. Go to: http://www.communitypartners.org/about-us.
Publication of the Week -- The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods by John McKnight and Peter Block
From the publisher: There is a growing movement of people with a different vision for their local communities. They know that real satisfaction and the good life are not provided by organizations, institutions, or systems. No number of great CEO’s, central offices, or long range plans produce what a community can produce. People are discovering a new possibility for their lives. They have a calling. They are called. And together they call upon themselves. This possibility is idealistic, and yet it is an ideal within our grasp. It is a possibility that is both idealistic and realistic. Our culture leads us to believe that a satisfying life can be purchased. It tells us that in the place where we live, we don't have the resources to create a good life. This book reminds us that a neighborhood that can raise a child, provide security, sustain our health, secure our income, and care for our vulnerable people is within the power of our community. This book gives voice to our ideal of a beloved community. It reminds us of our power to create a hope-filled life. It assures us that when we join together with our neighbors we are the architects of the future where we want to live. For nearly three decades, John McKnight has conducted research on social service delivery systems, health policy, community organizations, neighborhood policy, and institutional racism. He currently directs research projects focused on asset-based neighborhood development and methods of community building by incorporating marginalized people. Peter Block is an author, consultant. His work is about empowerment, stewardship, chosen accountability, and the reconciliation of community. He’s the author of Flawless Consulting, Stewardship, The Answer to How is Yes, and Community. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Millennial Donor Trends
According to a new study, Millennial Generation donors want to be engaged in a different way than Baby Boomers or Generation X donors; however, contrary to what general perceptions might suggest, that doesn’t mean you’ll connect with them most successfully through social media appeals. For the “2010 Millennial Donor Study,” Achieve and Johnson Grossnickle Associates (JGA) asked more than 2,200 people between the ages of 20 and 40 across the U.S. about their giving habits and engagement preferences. Approximately 75% of the respondents represented Generation Y or Millennial donors. The results of the survey show a generation definitely connected by technology and social media, but more inspired to give and volunteer by personal engagement and human connections. These results would suggest that nonprofit organizations seeking to tap into this new generation of donors will need to redesign their solicitation and engagement processes, treating these new givers more like their older peers in an effort that will not deliver a quick return on investment but will reward the organization over time. Key findings include:
• 91% of Millennial donors are at least somewhat likely to respond to a face-to-face request for money from a nonprofit organization, with 27 percent being highly likely to respond to such a request. Only 8 percent are highly likely to respond to an email request.
• 55.2% of Millennial donors are likely or highly likely to respond to a specific request or particular project. 55.7% are not likely to respond to a general, non-specific ask.
• 71.9% of Millennial donors don’t need to volunteer for an organization before they donate.
• Millennial donors want to know details about the organizations they support: 86.3 percent want updates on programs or services, and 54.6 percent want information about the organization and its financial condition. 68 percent want information about volunteer opportunities.
• 60.5% say they would like access to board and executive leadership, and 53.2% say they have it.
• Asked who could get them to donate to an organization, most Millennial donors say they would be likely or highly likely to give if asked by a family member (74.6%) or a friend (62.8 %). Only 37.8% would be likely or highly likely to give is asked by a coworker.
To download a copy of the report, go to:
http://api.ning.com.
Resource of the Week – Volunteer Management Blogs
Susan Ellis of Energize, Inc. has compiled an excellent list of blogs on the subject of volunteer management. Go to: http://www.energizeinc.com/prof/blogs.html.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Using Excel 2010 Sparklines
A new feature in Excel 2010 called Sparklines can help you spot trends in your data. Sparklines are tiny charts that sit on top of a cell. Here’s how to create them:
• Select an empty cell or group of empty cells where you want to insert Sparklines
• Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon
• In the Sparklines group, click the type of Sparkline you want to create
• In the Data box, enter the range of cells that contain the data to base the Sparklines on
Community Partners was established in 1992 to meet a growing need experienced by civic and social entrepreneurs in Southern California for a structure that freed them from red tape while they pursued the cause that animated them. Conceived as a “foundation for emerging philanthropies”, its "incubator" has grown steadily to include nearly 130 projects led by people who reflect the scope and diversity of the Southern California region and over a dozen strategic initiatives in partnership with funders, networks and established organizations. From initial investments of $250,000, Community Partners has grown into a solid institution managing more than $10 million a year in revenue. For emerging leaders of civic and community projects, Community Partners handles finance, HR, and legal needs; help them develop their idea into a funded project; connect them with their peers and leaders in the community; and equip them with the tools and training to grow an effective, sustainable project. For experienced social innovators and networks of established stakeholder groups, Community Partners provides the knowledge and means to get new ideas and coalitions off the ground in a matter of weeks. For funders, Community Partners provides skilled management of program offices, peer convenings, regranting, and capacity-building programs that strengthen their impact in the community. While the focus is on Southern California, the resources will be very helpful to others. Go to: http://www.communitypartners.org/about-us.
Publication of the Week -- The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods by John McKnight and Peter Block
From the publisher: There is a growing movement of people with a different vision for their local communities. They know that real satisfaction and the good life are not provided by organizations, institutions, or systems. No number of great CEO’s, central offices, or long range plans produce what a community can produce. People are discovering a new possibility for their lives. They have a calling. They are called. And together they call upon themselves. This possibility is idealistic, and yet it is an ideal within our grasp. It is a possibility that is both idealistic and realistic. Our culture leads us to believe that a satisfying life can be purchased. It tells us that in the place where we live, we don't have the resources to create a good life. This book reminds us that a neighborhood that can raise a child, provide security, sustain our health, secure our income, and care for our vulnerable people is within the power of our community. This book gives voice to our ideal of a beloved community. It reminds us of our power to create a hope-filled life. It assures us that when we join together with our neighbors we are the architects of the future where we want to live. For nearly three decades, John McKnight has conducted research on social service delivery systems, health policy, community organizations, neighborhood policy, and institutional racism. He currently directs research projects focused on asset-based neighborhood development and methods of community building by incorporating marginalized people. Peter Block is an author, consultant. His work is about empowerment, stewardship, chosen accountability, and the reconciliation of community. He’s the author of Flawless Consulting, Stewardship, The Answer to How is Yes, and Community. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Millennial Donor Trends
According to a new study, Millennial Generation donors want to be engaged in a different way than Baby Boomers or Generation X donors; however, contrary to what general perceptions might suggest, that doesn’t mean you’ll connect with them most successfully through social media appeals. For the “2010 Millennial Donor Study,” Achieve and Johnson Grossnickle Associates (JGA) asked more than 2,200 people between the ages of 20 and 40 across the U.S. about their giving habits and engagement preferences. Approximately 75% of the respondents represented Generation Y or Millennial donors. The results of the survey show a generation definitely connected by technology and social media, but more inspired to give and volunteer by personal engagement and human connections. These results would suggest that nonprofit organizations seeking to tap into this new generation of donors will need to redesign their solicitation and engagement processes, treating these new givers more like their older peers in an effort that will not deliver a quick return on investment but will reward the organization over time. Key findings include:
• 91% of Millennial donors are at least somewhat likely to respond to a face-to-face request for money from a nonprofit organization, with 27 percent being highly likely to respond to such a request. Only 8 percent are highly likely to respond to an email request.
• 55.2% of Millennial donors are likely or highly likely to respond to a specific request or particular project. 55.7% are not likely to respond to a general, non-specific ask.
• 71.9% of Millennial donors don’t need to volunteer for an organization before they donate.
• Millennial donors want to know details about the organizations they support: 86.3 percent want updates on programs or services, and 54.6 percent want information about the organization and its financial condition. 68 percent want information about volunteer opportunities.
• 60.5% say they would like access to board and executive leadership, and 53.2% say they have it.
• Asked who could get them to donate to an organization, most Millennial donors say they would be likely or highly likely to give if asked by a family member (74.6%) or a friend (62.8 %). Only 37.8% would be likely or highly likely to give is asked by a coworker.
To download a copy of the report, go to:
http://api.ning.com.
Resource of the Week – Volunteer Management Blogs
Susan Ellis of Energize, Inc. has compiled an excellent list of blogs on the subject of volunteer management. Go to: http://www.energizeinc.com/prof/blogs.html.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Using Excel 2010 Sparklines
A new feature in Excel 2010 called Sparklines can help you spot trends in your data. Sparklines are tiny charts that sit on top of a cell. Here’s how to create them:
• Select an empty cell or group of empty cells where you want to insert Sparklines
• Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon
• In the Sparklines group, click the type of Sparkline you want to create
• In the Data box, enter the range of cells that contain the data to base the Sparklines on
Monday, December 6, 2010
Picks of the Week: December 5 - 11, 2010
Website of the Week – Nonprofit Trends
Nonprofit Trends is a blog by Steve MacLaughlin and covers a wide range of topics around the nonprofit sector with a focus on the trends shaping the nonprofit sector. Steve is the Director of Internet Solutions at Blackbaud and is responsible for leading how the company provides online solutions for its clients. Steve has spent more than 14 years building successful online initiatives with a broad range of Fortune 500 firms, government and educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations across the world. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and events including the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association (DMFA), Institute of Fundraising, National Association of Independent School (NAIS), Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), and other nonprofit organizations. Go to: http://www.nptrends.com.
Publication of the Week -- The Change Leader's Roadmap: How to Navigate Your Organization's Transformation, 2nd Edition by Linda Ackerman Anderson and Dean Anderson
From the publisher: In these turbulent times, competent change leadership is a most coveted leadership skill, and savvy change consultants are becoming trusted participants at the board table. For both leaders and consultants, knowing how to navigate the complexities of organization transformation is fast becoming the key to a successful career. This second edition of the author s landmark book is the king of all how-to books on change. It provides a strategic overview of the author s proven change process methodology, as well as pragmatic guidance and tools for each key step in a complex transformational change process. The Change Leader s Roadmap is the most comprehensive guide available for building transformational change strategy and designing and implementing successful transformation. This book is specifically written for leaders, project managers, OD practitioners, change practitioners, and consultants seeking greater change results. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nonprofit Fundraising Trends
The Nonprofit Research Collaborative has released the “November 2010 Fundraising Survey” on the state of nonprofit fundraising. Respondents answered questions comparing their organizations’ total contributions in the first nine months of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009. Nearly the same percentage of organizations reported that giving was up as those that reported giving was down. Of the about 2,500 responses, 36 percent said giving rose and 37 percent said giving fell, while the other 26 percent reported that total giving remained the same. However, there are some differences across organizations according to charity type and budget size. Key findings include:
• Organizations in four of the analyzed subsectors reported an equal percentage of both increases and decreases in contributions. These subsectors include: Arts, Education, Environment/Animals, and Human Services.
• International organizations were the most likely to report an increase in contributions, reflecting donations made for disaster relief.
• The larger the organization’s size based on total annual expenditures, the more likely the organization was to report an increase in charitable receipts in the first nine months of 2010, compared with the same period in 2009.
• Approximately 22 percent of charities used volunteers in positions that were formerly paid positions during the first nine months of 2010. This is up from 15 percent a year ago.
• Most organizations were hopeful about 2011. About 47 percent planned budget increases, 33 percent expected to maintain their current level of expenditures, and only 20 percent anticipated a lower budget for 2011.
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://foundationcenter.org.
Resource of the Week -- Nonprofit Webinars for December 2010
Wild Apricot, a Canadian based software development company has compiled a list of webinars on a number of nonprofit management topics being offered this month at no charge – useful for fundraisers, board members, administrators, active volunteers and volunteer coordinators. Go to:
http://www.wildapricot.com.
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.
Nonprofit Trends is a blog by Steve MacLaughlin and covers a wide range of topics around the nonprofit sector with a focus on the trends shaping the nonprofit sector. Steve is the Director of Internet Solutions at Blackbaud and is responsible for leading how the company provides online solutions for its clients. Steve has spent more than 14 years building successful online initiatives with a broad range of Fortune 500 firms, government and educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations across the world. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and events including the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association (DMFA), Institute of Fundraising, National Association of Independent School (NAIS), Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), and other nonprofit organizations. Go to: http://www.nptrends.com.
Publication of the Week -- The Change Leader's Roadmap: How to Navigate Your Organization's Transformation, 2nd Edition by Linda Ackerman Anderson and Dean Anderson
From the publisher: In these turbulent times, competent change leadership is a most coveted leadership skill, and savvy change consultants are becoming trusted participants at the board table. For both leaders and consultants, knowing how to navigate the complexities of organization transformation is fast becoming the key to a successful career. This second edition of the author s landmark book is the king of all how-to books on change. It provides a strategic overview of the author s proven change process methodology, as well as pragmatic guidance and tools for each key step in a complex transformational change process. The Change Leader s Roadmap is the most comprehensive guide available for building transformational change strategy and designing and implementing successful transformation. This book is specifically written for leaders, project managers, OD practitioners, change practitioners, and consultants seeking greater change results. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nonprofit Fundraising Trends
The Nonprofit Research Collaborative has released the “November 2010 Fundraising Survey” on the state of nonprofit fundraising. Respondents answered questions comparing their organizations’ total contributions in the first nine months of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009. Nearly the same percentage of organizations reported that giving was up as those that reported giving was down. Of the about 2,500 responses, 36 percent said giving rose and 37 percent said giving fell, while the other 26 percent reported that total giving remained the same. However, there are some differences across organizations according to charity type and budget size. Key findings include:
• Organizations in four of the analyzed subsectors reported an equal percentage of both increases and decreases in contributions. These subsectors include: Arts, Education, Environment/Animals, and Human Services.
• International organizations were the most likely to report an increase in contributions, reflecting donations made for disaster relief.
• The larger the organization’s size based on total annual expenditures, the more likely the organization was to report an increase in charitable receipts in the first nine months of 2010, compared with the same period in 2009.
• Approximately 22 percent of charities used volunteers in positions that were formerly paid positions during the first nine months of 2010. This is up from 15 percent a year ago.
• Most organizations were hopeful about 2011. About 47 percent planned budget increases, 33 percent expected to maintain their current level of expenditures, and only 20 percent anticipated a lower budget for 2011.
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://foundationcenter.org.
Resource of the Week -- Nonprofit Webinars for December 2010
Wild Apricot, a Canadian based software development company has compiled a list of webinars on a number of nonprofit management topics being offered this month at no charge – useful for fundraisers, board members, administrators, active volunteers and volunteer coordinators. Go to:
http://www.wildapricot.com.
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.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Picks of the Week: November 28 - December 4, 2010
Website of the Week – Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations
The Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations is located at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1984, the Mandel Center offers the nation's most fully developed program in nonprofit management and was one of the first university-based programs in the country focused on the education of nonprofit leaders and managers. As an academic center that aims to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit leaders and managers, the Mandel Center offers a variety of services for individuals and organizations who want to learn more about or be active members of the nonprofit sector. Go to: www.case.edu/mandelcenter.
Publication of the Week -- Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire: A Roadmap to a Sustainable Culture of Ingenuity and Purpose by Braden Kelley
From the publisher: Every successful organization began as a nimble, innovative start-up with the ability to course-correct and quickly adapt to the needs of its customers. But along the way, success and growth may have caused changes in the structure, the culture, and sometimes even the vision of the business. Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire equips your organization to identify and remove those barriers to innovation that have prevented it from achieving sustainable growth and change. Filled with case studies and proven guidance, this book evolves leading innovation theories into coherent, practical applications that you can implement in reinvigorating your own organization. In today's fast-paced marketplace, those unwilling to change are often left behind. With an interactive Web site including health checks and an innovation audit, as well as video and text interviews, Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire provides you with the tools you need to reframe your business's innovation strategy and goals and successfully supply the marketplace with revolutionary solutions to your customers' issues. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Giving Circle Trends
Donors in giving circles give more, give more strategically, and are more engaged in their communities, according to a report released by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Giving circles have emerged over the last decade as a growing and significant philanthropic trend among donors of all wealth levels and backgrounds. Past studies have shown that the number of giving circles has exploded across the country and that they are an established philanthropic force. Giving circle members are more likely than other donors to give to organizations serving women and girls, ethnic and minority groups, and for arts, culture and ethnic awareness. They are less likely to give to federated or combined giving funds (such as the United Way) and to religious organizations. For a summary and full report, go to: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.
Resource of the Week – Board Leader Succession Planning Resource
While much has been written about executive leadership succession in nonprofits, there are not as many resources available to help with board succession planning. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has compiled some useful resources in the article “Succession Planning with Your Board”. There are links to a number of excellent worksheets and tools. Go to: http://www.shrm.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Customize the Ribbon in Office 2010
Office 2010 allows you to customize the Ribbon in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Here's how:
• Click the File tab on the Ribbon
• Click Options to display the Options dialog box
• Click Customize the Ribbon
• Select the command you want to add to the Ribbon
• Click the tab where you want the command added and click new group -- commands can only be added to custom groups (you can even create a new custom tab if you want to)
• Click Add
• Click OK when you are finished adding commands to the Ribbon
The Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations is located at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1984, the Mandel Center offers the nation's most fully developed program in nonprofit management and was one of the first university-based programs in the country focused on the education of nonprofit leaders and managers. As an academic center that aims to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit leaders and managers, the Mandel Center offers a variety of services for individuals and organizations who want to learn more about or be active members of the nonprofit sector. Go to: www.case.edu/mandelcenter.
Publication of the Week -- Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire: A Roadmap to a Sustainable Culture of Ingenuity and Purpose by Braden Kelley
From the publisher: Every successful organization began as a nimble, innovative start-up with the ability to course-correct and quickly adapt to the needs of its customers. But along the way, success and growth may have caused changes in the structure, the culture, and sometimes even the vision of the business. Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire equips your organization to identify and remove those barriers to innovation that have prevented it from achieving sustainable growth and change. Filled with case studies and proven guidance, this book evolves leading innovation theories into coherent, practical applications that you can implement in reinvigorating your own organization. In today's fast-paced marketplace, those unwilling to change are often left behind. With an interactive Web site including health checks and an innovation audit, as well as video and text interviews, Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire provides you with the tools you need to reframe your business's innovation strategy and goals and successfully supply the marketplace with revolutionary solutions to your customers' issues. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Giving Circle Trends
Donors in giving circles give more, give more strategically, and are more engaged in their communities, according to a report released by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Giving circles have emerged over the last decade as a growing and significant philanthropic trend among donors of all wealth levels and backgrounds. Past studies have shown that the number of giving circles has exploded across the country and that they are an established philanthropic force. Giving circle members are more likely than other donors to give to organizations serving women and girls, ethnic and minority groups, and for arts, culture and ethnic awareness. They are less likely to give to federated or combined giving funds (such as the United Way) and to religious organizations. For a summary and full report, go to: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.
Resource of the Week – Board Leader Succession Planning Resource
While much has been written about executive leadership succession in nonprofits, there are not as many resources available to help with board succession planning. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has compiled some useful resources in the article “Succession Planning with Your Board”. There are links to a number of excellent worksheets and tools. Go to: http://www.shrm.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Customize the Ribbon in Office 2010
Office 2010 allows you to customize the Ribbon in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Here's how:
• Click the File tab on the Ribbon
• Click Options to display the Options dialog box
• Click Customize the Ribbon
• Select the command you want to add to the Ribbon
• Click the tab where you want the command added and click new group -- commands can only be added to custom groups (you can even create a new custom tab if you want to)
• Click Add
• Click OK when you are finished adding commands to the Ribbon
Monday, November 22, 2010
Picks of the Week: November 21 - 27, 2010
Website of the Week – NPTECH.INFO
NPTECH is a catch-all term for information related both to nonprofits and technology. The term originated as a tag at social networking sites like Delicious and Flickr that nonprofit technology professionals used to share and refer information, and it is still very much used that way today. But nptech now also refers to the broad, loose community of socially minded professionals who work with technology -- be it servers or social media -- at mission-minded organizations. NPTech.Info pulls information tagged with NPTECH from around the web into a one stop shop. You can click on the primary links to read popular blogs; find info tagged "nptech" from around the web (you can tag your blog entries, Flickr Photos, Delicious links, etc. nptech, too, to have the info show up here); and general technology news. Go to: http://nptech.info.
Publication of the Week -- Developing a Learning Culture in Nonprofit Organizations by Stephen J. Gill
From the publisher: How can today’s nonprofits demonstrate effective use of funds? How can they motivate employees and volunteers and combat burnout and high turnover? How can they ensure that they are performing in accordance with their mission and purpose? Author Stephen J. Gill answers these questions and more in Developing a Learning Culture in Nonprofit Organizations. Filled with practical tips and tools, the book shows students and managers of human services, arts, education, civic, and environmental agencies how to implement a learning culture with individuals, teams, the organization as a whole, and the larger community. Key features include:
• Demonstrates how to create a culture of intentional learning that uses reflection and feedback, focuses on successes and failures, and builds a strong organization that motivates employees and volunteers
• Offers specific, hands-on tools for each level of the organization, from the individual and team to the whole organization and the community
• Discusses not only the need for a learning culture but also the barriers that may stand in the way
• Takes a step-by-step approach that facilitates managers’ and students' understanding and learning
• Incorporates practical tools that can be used in nonprofit management and in actual field instruction
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Recession's Impact on Foundations
Foundation operations appear to have stabilized following cuts in staffing, travel, or other operating expenses by a majority of grant makers. In a sign that foundations may be turning the corner, only 12 percent of respondents to the Center's September 2010 "Foundation Giving Forecast Survey" expect these operational changes to remain in place over the longer term. Among the changes that could persist: funders making fewer site visits to grantees, attending fewer conferences, eliminating print copies of annual reports, and moving to electronic grant applications. Other key findings include:
• Indicators suggest a return to modest growth in foundation giving in 2011.
• Few foundations anticipate lasting changes in grantmaking priorities as a result of the economic crisis.
• Foundation operations have largely stabilized following widespread changes in 2009.
• The economic crisis had a minimal impact on foundations’ decisions to spend down their endowments and terminate operations.
• More than two out of five respondents provided support specifically to address problems related to the economic crisis.
To download a copy of the study, to go: http://foundationcenter.org.
Resource of the Week – How to Establish a Good ED-Board Relationship
Bridgestar has developed a new resource "Starting Off on the Right Foot: How to Establish a Good ED-Board Relationship" that provides guidance on how boards and new executive directors/chief executive officers (EDs/CEOs) can lay a good foundation for an effective working relationship. The guide is based on interviews with CEOs and board chairs about the preliminary steps they took to ensure their relationships worked from day one. For a copy of the free guide, go to: http://www.bridgestar.org.
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 on the Ribbon
• 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
NPTECH is a catch-all term for information related both to nonprofits and technology. The term originated as a tag at social networking sites like Delicious and Flickr that nonprofit technology professionals used to share and refer information, and it is still very much used that way today. But nptech now also refers to the broad, loose community of socially minded professionals who work with technology -- be it servers or social media -- at mission-minded organizations. NPTech.Info pulls information tagged with NPTECH from around the web into a one stop shop. You can click on the primary links to read popular blogs; find info tagged "nptech" from around the web (you can tag your blog entries, Flickr Photos, Delicious links, etc. nptech, too, to have the info show up here); and general technology news. Go to: http://nptech.info.
Publication of the Week -- Developing a Learning Culture in Nonprofit Organizations by Stephen J. Gill
From the publisher: How can today’s nonprofits demonstrate effective use of funds? How can they motivate employees and volunteers and combat burnout and high turnover? How can they ensure that they are performing in accordance with their mission and purpose? Author Stephen J. Gill answers these questions and more in Developing a Learning Culture in Nonprofit Organizations. Filled with practical tips and tools, the book shows students and managers of human services, arts, education, civic, and environmental agencies how to implement a learning culture with individuals, teams, the organization as a whole, and the larger community. Key features include:
• Demonstrates how to create a culture of intentional learning that uses reflection and feedback, focuses on successes and failures, and builds a strong organization that motivates employees and volunteers
• Offers specific, hands-on tools for each level of the organization, from the individual and team to the whole organization and the community
• Discusses not only the need for a learning culture but also the barriers that may stand in the way
• Takes a step-by-step approach that facilitates managers’ and students' understanding and learning
• Incorporates practical tools that can be used in nonprofit management and in actual field instruction
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Recession's Impact on Foundations
Foundation operations appear to have stabilized following cuts in staffing, travel, or other operating expenses by a majority of grant makers. In a sign that foundations may be turning the corner, only 12 percent of respondents to the Center's September 2010 "Foundation Giving Forecast Survey" expect these operational changes to remain in place over the longer term. Among the changes that could persist: funders making fewer site visits to grantees, attending fewer conferences, eliminating print copies of annual reports, and moving to electronic grant applications. Other key findings include:
• Indicators suggest a return to modest growth in foundation giving in 2011.
• Few foundations anticipate lasting changes in grantmaking priorities as a result of the economic crisis.
• Foundation operations have largely stabilized following widespread changes in 2009.
• The economic crisis had a minimal impact on foundations’ decisions to spend down their endowments and terminate operations.
• More than two out of five respondents provided support specifically to address problems related to the economic crisis.
To download a copy of the study, to go: http://foundationcenter.org.
Resource of the Week – How to Establish a Good ED-Board Relationship
Bridgestar has developed a new resource "Starting Off on the Right Foot: How to Establish a Good ED-Board Relationship" that provides guidance on how boards and new executive directors/chief executive officers (EDs/CEOs) can lay a good foundation for an effective working relationship. The guide is based on interviews with CEOs and board chairs about the preliminary steps they took to ensure their relationships worked from day one. For a copy of the free guide, go to: http://www.bridgestar.org.
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 on the Ribbon
• 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
Monday, November 15, 2010
Picks of the Week: November 14-20, 2010
Website of the Week – Community Resource Exchange
For over 30 years, Community Resource Exchange (CRE) has worked to create a more just, equitable and livable city for ALL New Yorkers. CRE provide strategic advice and technical services every year to more than 300 community-based nonprofit organizations confronting social issues such as poverty and HIV/AIDs in low and moderate income neighborhoods. As one of the most established nonprofit management consulting providers of its kind, CRE provides its clients with information, guidance, resources for nonprofits, skill building and leadership training for Community Based Organizations to make New York City stronger - one community group at a time. Be sure to check out their Resources for Nonprofits. Go to: http://www.crenyc.org/about_us.
Publication of the Week -- The Nonprofit Marketing Guide: High-Impact, Low-Cost Ways to Build Support for Your Good Cause by Kivi Leroux Miller
From the publisher: This down-to-earth book shows how to hack through the bewildering jungle of marketing options and miles-long to-do lists to clear a marketing path that's right for your organization, no matter how understaffed or underfunded. You'll see how to shape a marketing program that starts from where you are now and grows with your organization, using smart and savvy communications techniques, both offline and online. Combining big-picture management and strategic decision-making with reader-friendly tips for implementing a marketing program day in and day out, this book provides a simple yet powerful framework for building support for your organization's mission and programs.
• Includes cost-effective strategies and proven tactics for nonprofits
• An ideal resource for thriving during challenging times
• Fast, friendly, and realistic advice to help you navigate the day-by-day demands of any nonprofit
Written by one of the leading sources of how-to info and can-do inspiration for small and medium-sized nonprofit organizations, Kivi Leroux Miller is, among other things, a communication consultant and trainer, and president of EcoScribe Communications and Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- High Net worth Donor Trends
The 2010 Bank of America Merrill Lynch Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy tracks significant shifts as well as consistent trends in the giving behaviors of the wealthiest donors in the United States. The findings highlight the philanthropic legacy of high net worth households and offer valuable information to nonprofit organizations who seek to engage, sustain, and deepen relationships with these donors. Key findings include;
• High net worth households continued to support charitable organizations at levels seen in 2005 and 2007 (98.2 percent of high net worth households donated to charity in 2009). This indicates that despite the economic downturn, high net worth households remain committed to supporting nonprofits.
• Despite a strong commitment to nonprofits in 2009, average charitable giving by high net worth households decreased between 2007 and 2009. Average charitable giving dropped 34.9 percent from $83,034 in 2007 to $54,016 in 2009, after adjusting for inflation.
• About one-third of households cited an organization's own communications about its impact (34.1 percent) as important when giving to charity.
• In response to meeting community needs, nearly 64 percent of high net worth household gave more in 2009 than in 2008 to support people's basic needs and/or to fund the general operations of an organization.
• A few subsectors saw increases, between 4 and 21 percent, in the average amount given by wealthy households including arts, environment/animal care, international causes, and to giving vehicles. Other subsectors saw more significant declines from 2007, with giving to health experiencing a 63.7 percent decline, education a 55 percent decline, and combined purpose organizations (such as United Way, United Jewish Appeal, or Catholic Charities) experiencing a 44 percent decline.
For more information, go to:
http://mediaroom.bankofamerica.com.
Resource of the Week – TechSoup Grant Writing Series
Wish you knew more about applying for grant funding? Does it seem overwhelming and you wonder how to get started? TechSoup is offering a new grant series, Successful Grants in One Hour a Week. The online series will provide you with small steps that cover the entire grant writing and submission process. Weekly blog posts will outline your steps for the week so you'll be prepared to apply for a basic grant before the end of the year. For information, go to: http://blog.techsoup.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Worksheet Selection in Excel
If you have several worksheets in an Excel workbook, it can be time consuming to select the one you want to view. This shortcut can help you speed up the process.
• Right click on the sheet tab navigation arrows located in the lower left corner of the screen
• A menu of worksheet tabs pops up
• Left click the worksheet you want to view
This tip works in Excel 2007 as well as earlier versions.
For over 30 years, Community Resource Exchange (CRE) has worked to create a more just, equitable and livable city for ALL New Yorkers. CRE provide strategic advice and technical services every year to more than 300 community-based nonprofit organizations confronting social issues such as poverty and HIV/AIDs in low and moderate income neighborhoods. As one of the most established nonprofit management consulting providers of its kind, CRE provides its clients with information, guidance, resources for nonprofits, skill building and leadership training for Community Based Organizations to make New York City stronger - one community group at a time. Be sure to check out their Resources for Nonprofits. Go to: http://www.crenyc.org/about_us.
Publication of the Week -- The Nonprofit Marketing Guide: High-Impact, Low-Cost Ways to Build Support for Your Good Cause by Kivi Leroux Miller
From the publisher: This down-to-earth book shows how to hack through the bewildering jungle of marketing options and miles-long to-do lists to clear a marketing path that's right for your organization, no matter how understaffed or underfunded. You'll see how to shape a marketing program that starts from where you are now and grows with your organization, using smart and savvy communications techniques, both offline and online. Combining big-picture management and strategic decision-making with reader-friendly tips for implementing a marketing program day in and day out, this book provides a simple yet powerful framework for building support for your organization's mission and programs.
• Includes cost-effective strategies and proven tactics for nonprofits
• An ideal resource for thriving during challenging times
• Fast, friendly, and realistic advice to help you navigate the day-by-day demands of any nonprofit
Written by one of the leading sources of how-to info and can-do inspiration for small and medium-sized nonprofit organizations, Kivi Leroux Miller is, among other things, a communication consultant and trainer, and president of EcoScribe Communications and Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- High Net worth Donor Trends
The 2010 Bank of America Merrill Lynch Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy tracks significant shifts as well as consistent trends in the giving behaviors of the wealthiest donors in the United States. The findings highlight the philanthropic legacy of high net worth households and offer valuable information to nonprofit organizations who seek to engage, sustain, and deepen relationships with these donors. Key findings include;
• High net worth households continued to support charitable organizations at levels seen in 2005 and 2007 (98.2 percent of high net worth households donated to charity in 2009). This indicates that despite the economic downturn, high net worth households remain committed to supporting nonprofits.
• Despite a strong commitment to nonprofits in 2009, average charitable giving by high net worth households decreased between 2007 and 2009. Average charitable giving dropped 34.9 percent from $83,034 in 2007 to $54,016 in 2009, after adjusting for inflation.
• About one-third of households cited an organization's own communications about its impact (34.1 percent) as important when giving to charity.
• In response to meeting community needs, nearly 64 percent of high net worth household gave more in 2009 than in 2008 to support people's basic needs and/or to fund the general operations of an organization.
• A few subsectors saw increases, between 4 and 21 percent, in the average amount given by wealthy households including arts, environment/animal care, international causes, and to giving vehicles. Other subsectors saw more significant declines from 2007, with giving to health experiencing a 63.7 percent decline, education a 55 percent decline, and combined purpose organizations (such as United Way, United Jewish Appeal, or Catholic Charities) experiencing a 44 percent decline.
For more information, go to:
http://mediaroom.bankofamerica.com.
Resource of the Week – TechSoup Grant Writing Series
Wish you knew more about applying for grant funding? Does it seem overwhelming and you wonder how to get started? TechSoup is offering a new grant series, Successful Grants in One Hour a Week. The online series will provide you with small steps that cover the entire grant writing and submission process. Weekly blog posts will outline your steps for the week so you'll be prepared to apply for a basic grant before the end of the year. For information, go to: http://blog.techsoup.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Worksheet Selection in Excel
If you have several worksheets in an Excel workbook, it can be time consuming to select the one you want to view. This shortcut can help you speed up the process.
• Right click on the sheet tab navigation arrows located in the lower left corner of the screen
• A menu of worksheet tabs pops up
• Left click the worksheet you want to view
This tip works in Excel 2007 as well as earlier versions.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Picks of the Week: November 7 - 13, 2010
Website of the Week – Our Shared Resources
OurSharedResources.com is a new free service where those who work in the field of volunteer management are able to add useful resources and others in the field will be able to access them. With many people contributing a little re-inventing the wheel time and time again is avoided. Resources are downloadable, real-world examples of forms, manuals or position descriptions, templates & tools for creating resources, as well as tips, ideas and how-to resources. OurSharedResources.com is now available in French, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese. The language of all resources in the site will be identified and users will be able to limit their search to material in their specified language. To check out the site, go to: http://oursharedresources.com.
Publication of the Week -- Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability by Jeanne Bell, Jan Masaoka and Steve Zimmerman
From the publisher: Co-authored by CompassPoint's Jeanne Bell, Blue Avocado's Jan Masaoka and Spectrum's Steve Zimmerman, this new book offers nonprofit executives and board members a simple yet powerful framework for analyzing and adjusting their business models for greater organizational sustainability. It introduces the Matrix Map, a practical tool for determining the current impact and financial performance of core programs and fundraising activities. It also provides guidance on how leaders can make strategic business decisions on an as-needed basis, rather than wait for episodic strategic planning. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Public Trust in Nonprofits Stronger Than In Government
American Express released findings from a “Perspectives on Nonprofits” survey, which shows that while seven in ten Americans (71%) trust nonprofits more than they trust government or industry to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, more than eight in ten Americans (83%) believe that nonprofits do not always have the resources they need to invest. Other findings include:
• Only 5 percent of the people who responded said they currently work for a nonprofit group, but an additional 50 percent said they were at least somewhat interested in such employment.
• Among those interested in working at a nonprofit organization, 67 percent said such work could be more rewarding than other kinds of employment, though 41 percent said it would mean earning lower pay. Among these 14% believe that they would have fewer opportunities for training and leadership development than they would working for other types of organizations.
• About four out of five Americans also said they agreed that nonprofit groups do not have “the resources to invest in the growth and development of their employees.”
StrategyOne conducted an online survey among 1,044 Americans, aged 18 years or older, between October 25-26, 2010 on perceptions of the nonprofit sector and its ability to address society’s needs. The data is representative of census data of the American population. Go to: http://www.advisorone.com.
Resource of the Week – Special Events Guide
Network for Good has published a guide to planning and conducting large special events. “The Big Event: 5 Tips for Making Your Next Fundraising Event a Great Success”. The contents include: Set a goal that makes sense, Choose the right type of event, Secure corporate sponsors, Design a dynamic experience for your supporters, Assess what worked (and didn’t), and, Plan for next time and keep up your relationships. To download a copy, go to:
http://www.fundraising123.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Nudging Objects on PowerPoint 2007 Slides
Have you ever tried to move an object on a slide just a little? Try this:
• Select the object
• Press Ctrl + an arrow key
This tip also works in earlier versions.
OurSharedResources.com is a new free service where those who work in the field of volunteer management are able to add useful resources and others in the field will be able to access them. With many people contributing a little re-inventing the wheel time and time again is avoided. Resources are downloadable, real-world examples of forms, manuals or position descriptions, templates & tools for creating resources, as well as tips, ideas and how-to resources. OurSharedResources.com is now available in French, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese. The language of all resources in the site will be identified and users will be able to limit their search to material in their specified language. To check out the site, go to: http://oursharedresources.com.
Publication of the Week -- Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability by Jeanne Bell, Jan Masaoka and Steve Zimmerman
From the publisher: Co-authored by CompassPoint's Jeanne Bell, Blue Avocado's Jan Masaoka and Spectrum's Steve Zimmerman, this new book offers nonprofit executives and board members a simple yet powerful framework for analyzing and adjusting their business models for greater organizational sustainability. It introduces the Matrix Map, a practical tool for determining the current impact and financial performance of core programs and fundraising activities. It also provides guidance on how leaders can make strategic business decisions on an as-needed basis, rather than wait for episodic strategic planning. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Public Trust in Nonprofits Stronger Than In Government
American Express released findings from a “Perspectives on Nonprofits” survey, which shows that while seven in ten Americans (71%) trust nonprofits more than they trust government or industry to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, more than eight in ten Americans (83%) believe that nonprofits do not always have the resources they need to invest. Other findings include:
• Only 5 percent of the people who responded said they currently work for a nonprofit group, but an additional 50 percent said they were at least somewhat interested in such employment.
• Among those interested in working at a nonprofit organization, 67 percent said such work could be more rewarding than other kinds of employment, though 41 percent said it would mean earning lower pay. Among these 14% believe that they would have fewer opportunities for training and leadership development than they would working for other types of organizations.
• About four out of five Americans also said they agreed that nonprofit groups do not have “the resources to invest in the growth and development of their employees.”
StrategyOne conducted an online survey among 1,044 Americans, aged 18 years or older, between October 25-26, 2010 on perceptions of the nonprofit sector and its ability to address society’s needs. The data is representative of census data of the American population. Go to: http://www.advisorone.com.
Resource of the Week – Special Events Guide
Network for Good has published a guide to planning and conducting large special events. “The Big Event: 5 Tips for Making Your Next Fundraising Event a Great Success”. The contents include: Set a goal that makes sense, Choose the right type of event, Secure corporate sponsors, Design a dynamic experience for your supporters, Assess what worked (and didn’t), and, Plan for next time and keep up your relationships. To download a copy, go to:
http://www.fundraising123.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Nudging Objects on PowerPoint 2007 Slides
Have you ever tried to move an object on a slide just a little? Try this:
• Select the object
• Press Ctrl + an arrow key
This tip also works in earlier versions.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Picks of the Week: October 31 - November 6, 2010
Website of the Week – NTEN: The Nonprofit Technology Network
NTEN is a membership organization of nonprofit technology professionals. Members share the common goal of helping nonprofits use all aspects of technology more effectively. NTEN believes that technology allows nonprofits to work with greater social impact and supports its members to strategically use technology to make the world a better, just, and equitable place. NTEN facilitates the exchange of knowledge and information within communities by connecting members to each other, providing professional development opportunities, educate on issues of technology use in nonprofits, and spearhead groundbreaking research, advocacy, and education on technology issues. Go to: http://www.nten.org.
Publication of the Week -- The Politics of Partnerships: A Critical Examination of Nonprofit-Business Partnerships by Maria May Seitanidi
From the publisher: The Politics of Partnerships contributes to the sustainability debate a holistic framework for partnership building, based on in-depth accounts of ways and means of collaborative working to incorporate conflict as a successful way of delivering change. This is a must read book for the business community but equally for the non-profits and governments. Seitanidi's book urges us to step up to the challenge of accepting and adapting our responsibilities within our increasingly beyond boundaries social realities. Based on detailed empirical research, Seitanidi shows us the reality behind the rhetoric of partnerships. This book is animated by a profound belief in the necessity for social change and shows us how partnerships can make a real difference, but also why they so often under perform. ... An outstanding book that combines theory with practice and provides both context and challenges to our understanding of the complexity of the ethos of very different sectors and how they can work together. This is a vital book for all private sector managers engaged in voluntary sector relations and vice versa on how to do it properly. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Donor Motivation Trends
This research study, Donor Motivation and Behavior for the 21st Century, was commissioned and created by Russ Reid and conducted by Grey Matter Research & Consulting in June 2010. This study was conducted across the United States, in both English and Spanish, via telephone and through a demographically representative online research panel. The sample size was 2,005 adults 18 or older, with a very low margin of error. Overall, 39% of American adults are donors (meaning they have given in the past 12 months). This translates to 90 million Americans. Here are a few of the findings:
• Men and women are equally likely to be donors.
• The older the individual, the more likely he or she is to be a donor.
• Being a donor is not something that varies much with geography.
• Suburbia does provide a disproportionately large group of donors, largely because suburban residents tend to have higher incomes.
• The proportion of donors increases as education level increases.
• People who regularly attend religious worship services are slightly more likely to be donors than are those who don’t attend, but people who financially support a place of worship are far more likely to be donors to nonprofits than are those who don’t give money to a place of worship.
To download an Executive Summary, go to: http://98.129.107.186/pdf/russreid_hod_exec_summary.pdf.
Resource of the Week – Getting Social Media Right: A Short Guide for Nonprofit Organizations
The Bridgespan Group has developed a social media guide for nonprofits. "Getting Social Media Right: a Short Guide for Nonprofit Organizations" authored by Richard Steele Sivan McLetchie and Chris Lindquist is organized around a framework referred to as the “Seven C’s” of social media: Cause, Communication, Community, Collaboration, Costs, Capital, and Competition. According to the authors, by challenging yourself to ask questions around the Seven C’s, you can quickly begin to organize your thinking about social media, and plan or revise your approach so that your social media efforts create real value for your organization. The full data set – purged of any identifying information – survey, and framework are all available for download. Go to: http://www.bridgespan.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Entering the Euro in Word 2007
To enter the Euro symbol in Word 2007, use this simple keyboard shortcut:
• Hold down the Alt key and the Ctrl key
• Type the letter e
This trick also works in earlier versions.
NTEN is a membership organization of nonprofit technology professionals. Members share the common goal of helping nonprofits use all aspects of technology more effectively. NTEN believes that technology allows nonprofits to work with greater social impact and supports its members to strategically use technology to make the world a better, just, and equitable place. NTEN facilitates the exchange of knowledge and information within communities by connecting members to each other, providing professional development opportunities, educate on issues of technology use in nonprofits, and spearhead groundbreaking research, advocacy, and education on technology issues. Go to: http://www.nten.org.
Publication of the Week -- The Politics of Partnerships: A Critical Examination of Nonprofit-Business Partnerships by Maria May Seitanidi
From the publisher: The Politics of Partnerships contributes to the sustainability debate a holistic framework for partnership building, based on in-depth accounts of ways and means of collaborative working to incorporate conflict as a successful way of delivering change. This is a must read book for the business community but equally for the non-profits and governments. Seitanidi's book urges us to step up to the challenge of accepting and adapting our responsibilities within our increasingly beyond boundaries social realities. Based on detailed empirical research, Seitanidi shows us the reality behind the rhetoric of partnerships. This book is animated by a profound belief in the necessity for social change and shows us how partnerships can make a real difference, but also why they so often under perform. ... An outstanding book that combines theory with practice and provides both context and challenges to our understanding of the complexity of the ethos of very different sectors and how they can work together. This is a vital book for all private sector managers engaged in voluntary sector relations and vice versa on how to do it properly. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Donor Motivation Trends
This research study, Donor Motivation and Behavior for the 21st Century, was commissioned and created by Russ Reid and conducted by Grey Matter Research & Consulting in June 2010. This study was conducted across the United States, in both English and Spanish, via telephone and through a demographically representative online research panel. The sample size was 2,005 adults 18 or older, with a very low margin of error. Overall, 39% of American adults are donors (meaning they have given in the past 12 months). This translates to 90 million Americans. Here are a few of the findings:
• Men and women are equally likely to be donors.
• The older the individual, the more likely he or she is to be a donor.
• Being a donor is not something that varies much with geography.
• Suburbia does provide a disproportionately large group of donors, largely because suburban residents tend to have higher incomes.
• The proportion of donors increases as education level increases.
• People who regularly attend religious worship services are slightly more likely to be donors than are those who don’t attend, but people who financially support a place of worship are far more likely to be donors to nonprofits than are those who don’t give money to a place of worship.
To download an Executive Summary, go to: http://98.129.107.186/pdf/russreid_hod_exec_summary.pdf.
Resource of the Week – Getting Social Media Right: A Short Guide for Nonprofit Organizations
The Bridgespan Group has developed a social media guide for nonprofits. "Getting Social Media Right: a Short Guide for Nonprofit Organizations" authored by Richard Steele Sivan McLetchie and Chris Lindquist is organized around a framework referred to as the “Seven C’s” of social media: Cause, Communication, Community, Collaboration, Costs, Capital, and Competition. According to the authors, by challenging yourself to ask questions around the Seven C’s, you can quickly begin to organize your thinking about social media, and plan or revise your approach so that your social media efforts create real value for your organization. The full data set – purged of any identifying information – survey, and framework are all available for download. Go to: http://www.bridgespan.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Entering the Euro in Word 2007
To enter the Euro symbol in Word 2007, use this simple keyboard shortcut:
• Hold down the Alt key and the Ctrl key
• Type the letter e
This trick also works in earlier versions.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Picks of the Week: October 24 - 30, 2010
Website of the Week – Nonprofit and Philanthropy Good Practice
The Nonprofit and Philanthropy Good Practice or NPGoodpractice.org is a project of Nonprofit Services at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy. NPGoodpractice.org was created in 2002 with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as a one-stop shop for widely accepted and innovative nonprofit practices. Nonprofit leaders can access hands-on tips, articles and profiled links and apply them to their organizations. In 2010, the site was redesigned with interactive features. Visitors to NPGoodpractice.org come from all 50 states and over 140 countries. Go to: http://npgoodpractice.org.
Publication of the Week -- Renewal Coaching: Sustainable Change for Individuals and Organizations by Douglas B. Reeves and Elle Allison
From the publisher: Renewal Coaching provides a series of personal assessments that will guide individuals and teams through the seven stages of renewal. Each assessment includes both survey and narrative responses, and readers can use the journal pages in the text or convenient on-line formats to respond. The Renewal Coaching framework consists of these seven elements: Recognition Finding patterns of toxicity and renewal; Reality Confronting change killers in work and life; Reciprocity Coaching in harmony; Resilience Coaching through pain; Relationship Nurturing the personal elements of coaching; Resonance Coaching with emotional intelligence; Renewal Creating energy, meaning, and freedom to sustain the Journey. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Most Women Give More Than Men, New Study Finds
Women at virtually every income level are more likely to give to charity and to give more money on average than their male counterparts, after controlling for education, income and other factors that influence giving, new research from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University finds. The study analyzed charitable-giving data from 8,000 American households. Looking at every income level, the researchers found that women give to charity more frequently than men in similar circumstances. Giving by men and women is closest at the lowest income level, $23,509 or less. But more than one third of women making less than that sum (35.2 percent) were still more likely to give to charity than men earning the same amount (27.5 percent). Those gender differences are more pronounced among people making more money, the study found. For example, all but 4 percent of women who made more than $103,000 gave to charity, while only three-fourths of men who made that much did. To download a copy of the study, go to: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/womengive.
Resource of the Week – Board Members' Guide to Partnership Planning
Today, more and more nonprofits are looking to partner with other organizations. Strategic partnerships offer benefits that range along a spectrum from simple joint programming ventures to full-scale mergers. The purpose of the Board Members' Guide to Partnership Planning is to serve as a reference for board members embarking on the collaboration journey. Many factors must be considered, and the following list shares 10 key elements critical to the success of any effective partnership. Boards are encouraged to use this list as a starting point for boardroom discussions (Note: The electronic version of this guide contains hyperlinks under each topic heading to additional resources for that subject area). Finally, this guide also contains a Partnership Checklist, a useful tool in tracking your progress through the partnership process. To download a copy of the guide, go to: http://www.asu.edu.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Create Access 2007 Tables from Excel
Here's a simple way to create an Access 2007 table from an Excel worksheet:
• Open the Excel worksheet
• Select the data you want in your Access table
• Copy the data to the clipboard and paste it into Access or you can even drag and drop it into Access
The Nonprofit and Philanthropy Good Practice or NPGoodpractice.org is a project of Nonprofit Services at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy. NPGoodpractice.org was created in 2002 with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as a one-stop shop for widely accepted and innovative nonprofit practices. Nonprofit leaders can access hands-on tips, articles and profiled links and apply them to their organizations. In 2010, the site was redesigned with interactive features. Visitors to NPGoodpractice.org come from all 50 states and over 140 countries. Go to: http://npgoodpractice.org.
Publication of the Week -- Renewal Coaching: Sustainable Change for Individuals and Organizations by Douglas B. Reeves and Elle Allison
From the publisher: Renewal Coaching provides a series of personal assessments that will guide individuals and teams through the seven stages of renewal. Each assessment includes both survey and narrative responses, and readers can use the journal pages in the text or convenient on-line formats to respond. The Renewal Coaching framework consists of these seven elements: Recognition Finding patterns of toxicity and renewal; Reality Confronting change killers in work and life; Reciprocity Coaching in harmony; Resilience Coaching through pain; Relationship Nurturing the personal elements of coaching; Resonance Coaching with emotional intelligence; Renewal Creating energy, meaning, and freedom to sustain the Journey. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Most Women Give More Than Men, New Study Finds
Women at virtually every income level are more likely to give to charity and to give more money on average than their male counterparts, after controlling for education, income and other factors that influence giving, new research from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University finds. The study analyzed charitable-giving data from 8,000 American households. Looking at every income level, the researchers found that women give to charity more frequently than men in similar circumstances. Giving by men and women is closest at the lowest income level, $23,509 or less. But more than one third of women making less than that sum (35.2 percent) were still more likely to give to charity than men earning the same amount (27.5 percent). Those gender differences are more pronounced among people making more money, the study found. For example, all but 4 percent of women who made more than $103,000 gave to charity, while only three-fourths of men who made that much did. To download a copy of the study, go to: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/womengive.
Resource of the Week – Board Members' Guide to Partnership Planning
Today, more and more nonprofits are looking to partner with other organizations. Strategic partnerships offer benefits that range along a spectrum from simple joint programming ventures to full-scale mergers. The purpose of the Board Members' Guide to Partnership Planning is to serve as a reference for board members embarking on the collaboration journey. Many factors must be considered, and the following list shares 10 key elements critical to the success of any effective partnership. Boards are encouraged to use this list as a starting point for boardroom discussions (Note: The electronic version of this guide contains hyperlinks under each topic heading to additional resources for that subject area). Finally, this guide also contains a Partnership Checklist, a useful tool in tracking your progress through the partnership process. To download a copy of the guide, go to: http://www.asu.edu.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Create Access 2007 Tables from Excel
Here's a simple way to create an Access 2007 table from an Excel worksheet:
• Open the Excel worksheet
• Select the data you want in your Access table
• Copy the data to the clipboard and paste it into Access or you can even drag and drop it into Access
Monday, October 18, 2010
Picks of the Week: October 17 - 23, 2010
Website of the Week – Fast Company Magazine Resource Centers of Excellence
Fast Company Magazine has launched two new online resource centers focusing on leadership and innovation. The Resource Centers of Excellence blend new Web-only content, material from the magazine’s archives, and additional tools and services -- including online discussions and polls.. In the future, the magazine plans to roll out additional resource centers.
For innovation resources, go to: www.fastcompany.com/resources/innovation.
For leadership resources, go to: www.fastcompany.com/resources/leadership.
Publication of the Week -- The Five Most Important Questions Self Assessment Tool: Participant Workbook, 3rd Edition by Peter F. Drucker, Leader to Leader Institute
From the publisher: The new edition of this transformational tool offers leaders a critical resource for better understanding their organizations and themselves, honing their skills to become accomplished long-range planners and strategic thinkers. By working through the Participant Workbook, leaders will gain the insight needed to plan for results, learn from customers and clients, and ascertain how to achieve extraordinary levels of performance. The Participant Workbook draws on Peter F. Drucker's The Five Most Important Questions and is grounded in his management philosophies that address the critical aspects that make organizations viable and valuable entities. When leaders answer these questions thoughtfully and address them with purpose, these questions take one down a path to organizational transformation and enlightenment. By leveraging these essential questions, the Participant Workbook challenges leaders to take a close look at the very heart of their organization and what drives it, giving them a means to assess: how to be and how to develop quality, character, mind-set, values, and courage. Drucker's The Five Most Important Questions lead to spirited discussions and action, inspiring positive change and renewed focus. Designed for today's busy professionals, this concise, clear, and accessible workbook for social sector, nonprofit, and socially minded business and government leaders can be used as preparation for a workshop, organizational self-assessment, or as a stand-alone leadership development tool for individuals looking to develop themselves and their organizations. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Technology Trends Among People of Color
Here is a summary of recent research highlights by Pew Internet Project Senior Research Specialist Aaron Smith:
• Trend #1: The internet and broadband populations have become more diverse over the last decade, although key disparities do remain. Over the last decade the internet population has come to much more closely resemble the racial composition of the population as a whole. Between 2000 and 2010 the proportion of internet users who are black or Latino has nearly doubled—from 11% to 21%. At the same time, African-Americans remain somewhat less likely than whites to go online.
• Trend #2: Access to the digital world is increasingly being untethered from the desktop, and this is especially true for people of color. Both blacks and English-speaking Latinos are more likely to own a mobile phone than whites. Foreign-born Latinos trail their Native-born counterparts in cell phone ownership, but this gap is significantly smaller than the gap in internet use between these groups. Moreover, minority adults use a much wider range of their cell phones’ capabilities.
• Trend #3: Minority internet users don’t just use the social web at higher rates, their attitudes towards these tools differ as well. Minority adults also outpace whites in their use of social technologies. Among internet users, seven in ten blacks and English-speaking Latinos use social networking sites—significantly higher than the six in ten whites who do so. Indeed, nearly half of black internet users go to a social networking site on a typical day. Just one third of white internet users do so on a daily basis.
For more information including links to relevant research, go to: http://www.pewinternet.org.
Resource of the Week – Overview of Friend-to-Friend Fundraising Tools
Mashable has compiled a useful look at ten different tools you can use to ask people to fundraise for your nonprofit online. Go to: http://mashable.com.
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!
Fast Company Magazine has launched two new online resource centers focusing on leadership and innovation. The Resource Centers of Excellence blend new Web-only content, material from the magazine’s archives, and additional tools and services -- including online discussions and polls.. In the future, the magazine plans to roll out additional resource centers.
For innovation resources, go to: www.fastcompany.com/resources/innovation.
For leadership resources, go to: www.fastcompany.com/resources/leadership.
Publication of the Week -- The Five Most Important Questions Self Assessment Tool: Participant Workbook, 3rd Edition by Peter F. Drucker, Leader to Leader Institute
From the publisher: The new edition of this transformational tool offers leaders a critical resource for better understanding their organizations and themselves, honing their skills to become accomplished long-range planners and strategic thinkers. By working through the Participant Workbook, leaders will gain the insight needed to plan for results, learn from customers and clients, and ascertain how to achieve extraordinary levels of performance. The Participant Workbook draws on Peter F. Drucker's The Five Most Important Questions and is grounded in his management philosophies that address the critical aspects that make organizations viable and valuable entities. When leaders answer these questions thoughtfully and address them with purpose, these questions take one down a path to organizational transformation and enlightenment. By leveraging these essential questions, the Participant Workbook challenges leaders to take a close look at the very heart of their organization and what drives it, giving them a means to assess: how to be and how to develop quality, character, mind-set, values, and courage. Drucker's The Five Most Important Questions lead to spirited discussions and action, inspiring positive change and renewed focus. Designed for today's busy professionals, this concise, clear, and accessible workbook for social sector, nonprofit, and socially minded business and government leaders can be used as preparation for a workshop, organizational self-assessment, or as a stand-alone leadership development tool for individuals looking to develop themselves and their organizations. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Technology Trends Among People of Color
Here is a summary of recent research highlights by Pew Internet Project Senior Research Specialist Aaron Smith:
• Trend #1: The internet and broadband populations have become more diverse over the last decade, although key disparities do remain. Over the last decade the internet population has come to much more closely resemble the racial composition of the population as a whole. Between 2000 and 2010 the proportion of internet users who are black or Latino has nearly doubled—from 11% to 21%. At the same time, African-Americans remain somewhat less likely than whites to go online.
• Trend #2: Access to the digital world is increasingly being untethered from the desktop, and this is especially true for people of color. Both blacks and English-speaking Latinos are more likely to own a mobile phone than whites. Foreign-born Latinos trail their Native-born counterparts in cell phone ownership, but this gap is significantly smaller than the gap in internet use between these groups. Moreover, minority adults use a much wider range of their cell phones’ capabilities.
• Trend #3: Minority internet users don’t just use the social web at higher rates, their attitudes towards these tools differ as well. Minority adults also outpace whites in their use of social technologies. Among internet users, seven in ten blacks and English-speaking Latinos use social networking sites—significantly higher than the six in ten whites who do so. Indeed, nearly half of black internet users go to a social networking site on a typical day. Just one third of white internet users do so on a daily basis.
For more information including links to relevant research, go to: http://www.pewinternet.org.
Resource of the Week – Overview of Friend-to-Friend Fundraising Tools
Mashable has compiled a useful look at ten different tools you can use to ask people to fundraise for your nonprofit online. Go to: http://mashable.com.
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, October 11, 2010
Picks of the Week: October 10 - 16, 2010
Website of the Week – International Association for Volunteer Effort
The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) was founded in 1970 by a group of volunteers from around the world who saw in volunteering a means of making connections across countries and cultures. It has grown into a global network of volunteers, volunteer organizations, national representatives and volunteer centers, with members in over 70 countries, and in all world regions. The majority of IAVE members are in developing countries. IAVE is registered as a charity in the USA, in California, with By-Laws which set out the governing principles and procedures. IAVE has special consultative status with the UN ECOSOC Committee, and associate status with the UN Department of Public Information. It is a member of the UN Confederation of NGO’s, and has a strong working relationship with UN Volunteers, underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding. Go to: http://www.iave.org.
Publication of the Week -- Women and Philanthropy: Boldly Shaping a Better World
by Sondra Shaw-Hardy, Martha A. Taylor, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz and Debra Mesch
From the publisher: Women's philanthropy has led the way in virtually reinventing the world of fundraising and ways of giving. When women make a gift, are in a leadership position, or volunteer their time to a nonprofit or charitable organization, they tend to base their efforts on solid principles such as compassion, values, vision, and responsibility. Women are increasingly engaged in giving circles, global giving, transformative gifts, entrepreneurial giving, faith-based giving, family and couple giving, and social change gifts. Based on extensive interviews and the authors' combined half century of experience, Women and Philanthropy shares new ways to better engage women in giving, as well as insights into developing women leaders in the nonprofit arena, and advises women seeking to develop as philanthropic leaders and shape the future for the better. Women and Philanthropy explores women's philanthropic endeavors, offering a wealth of information on key topics such as how and why women give, what it takes to develop a gender-sensitive fundraising program, how to develop a strategic plan to involve women as leaders and donors, and suggestions for working with women of wealth. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Millennials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change.
According to a new report from the Pew Research Center, Millennials -- the American teens and twenty-somethings who are making the passage into adulthood at the start of a new millennium -- have begun to forge theirs: confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change. They are more ethnically and racially diverse than older adults. They're less religious, less likely to have served in the military, and are on track to become the most educated generation in American history. Their entry into careers and first jobs has been badly set back by the Great Recession, but they are more upbeat than their elders about their own economic futures as well as about the overall state of the nation. 21% of Millennials say that helping people who are in need is one of the most important things in their life. This publication is part of a Pew Research Center report series that looks at the values, attitudes and experiences of the Millennial generation. For free access to the reports, go to: http://pewsocialtrends.org.
Resource of the Week – Free E-Book on Strategic Volunteer Engagement
What do nonprofit and public sector leaders need to know to work effectively with volunteers? What systems and strategies need to be in place to effectively engage volunteers? What misconceptions stand in the way of more effective volunteer involvement? These are just a few of the questions answered in the e-book Strategic Volunteer Engagement: A Guide for Nonprofit and Public Sector Leaders. This e-book captures the outcomes of a collaborative research project funded by The Volunteer Impact Fund with support from The OneStar Foundation. This 40-page booklet is available as a free PDF download for a limited time. For your free copy of the Guide, go to: http://www.utexas.edu. (registration required):
Tech Tip of the Week -- Change Slide Background in PowerPoint 2007
Regardless of which design theme you have chosen, you can also change the background to a variety of options which work with your design. To change the background:
• Click the Design tab on the Ribbon
• In the Background group, click the arrow next to Background Styles
• Click a new background style
The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) was founded in 1970 by a group of volunteers from around the world who saw in volunteering a means of making connections across countries and cultures. It has grown into a global network of volunteers, volunteer organizations, national representatives and volunteer centers, with members in over 70 countries, and in all world regions. The majority of IAVE members are in developing countries. IAVE is registered as a charity in the USA, in California, with By-Laws which set out the governing principles and procedures. IAVE has special consultative status with the UN ECOSOC Committee, and associate status with the UN Department of Public Information. It is a member of the UN Confederation of NGO’s, and has a strong working relationship with UN Volunteers, underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding. Go to: http://www.iave.org.
Publication of the Week -- Women and Philanthropy: Boldly Shaping a Better World
by Sondra Shaw-Hardy, Martha A. Taylor, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz and Debra Mesch
From the publisher: Women's philanthropy has led the way in virtually reinventing the world of fundraising and ways of giving. When women make a gift, are in a leadership position, or volunteer their time to a nonprofit or charitable organization, they tend to base their efforts on solid principles such as compassion, values, vision, and responsibility. Women are increasingly engaged in giving circles, global giving, transformative gifts, entrepreneurial giving, faith-based giving, family and couple giving, and social change gifts. Based on extensive interviews and the authors' combined half century of experience, Women and Philanthropy shares new ways to better engage women in giving, as well as insights into developing women leaders in the nonprofit arena, and advises women seeking to develop as philanthropic leaders and shape the future for the better. Women and Philanthropy explores women's philanthropic endeavors, offering a wealth of information on key topics such as how and why women give, what it takes to develop a gender-sensitive fundraising program, how to develop a strategic plan to involve women as leaders and donors, and suggestions for working with women of wealth. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Millennials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change.
According to a new report from the Pew Research Center, Millennials -- the American teens and twenty-somethings who are making the passage into adulthood at the start of a new millennium -- have begun to forge theirs: confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change. They are more ethnically and racially diverse than older adults. They're less religious, less likely to have served in the military, and are on track to become the most educated generation in American history. Their entry into careers and first jobs has been badly set back by the Great Recession, but they are more upbeat than their elders about their own economic futures as well as about the overall state of the nation. 21% of Millennials say that helping people who are in need is one of the most important things in their life. This publication is part of a Pew Research Center report series that looks at the values, attitudes and experiences of the Millennial generation. For free access to the reports, go to: http://pewsocialtrends.org.
Resource of the Week – Free E-Book on Strategic Volunteer Engagement
What do nonprofit and public sector leaders need to know to work effectively with volunteers? What systems and strategies need to be in place to effectively engage volunteers? What misconceptions stand in the way of more effective volunteer involvement? These are just a few of the questions answered in the e-book Strategic Volunteer Engagement: A Guide for Nonprofit and Public Sector Leaders. This e-book captures the outcomes of a collaborative research project funded by The Volunteer Impact Fund with support from The OneStar Foundation. This 40-page booklet is available as a free PDF download for a limited time. For your free copy of the Guide, go to: http://www.utexas.edu. (registration required):
Tech Tip of the Week -- Change Slide Background in PowerPoint 2007
Regardless of which design theme you have chosen, you can also change the background to a variety of options which work with your design. To change the background:
• Click the Design tab on the Ribbon
• In the Background group, click the arrow next to Background Styles
• Click a new background style
Monday, October 4, 2010
Picks of the Week: October 3 - 9, 2010
Website of the Week – Serviceleader.org
Serviceleader.org offers specialized resources for volunteers, leaders and managers of volunteers, and instructors and thought leaders. Serviceleader.org is operated by the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Site content is developed by Center faculty, guest authors, and students engaged in the study of volunteerism. Go to: http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/rgk/serviceleader.
Publication of the Week -- Leading the Way to Successful Volunteer Involvement: Practical Tools for Busy Executives by Betty B. Stallings and Susan J. Ellis
From the publisher: Lay the foundation for achieving impact with volunteer engagement! Move forward from thinking "volunteers are nice to have" to initiating strategic plans for engaging community members as key ingredients in accomplishing your organization's mission. Hit the ground running with step-by-step worksheets, checklists, idea stimulators, reallife examples, self-inquiry assessments, and other practical how-to tools to:
• Develop a philosophy statement about volunteers and make it a mantra for everyone in the organization
• Create a budget for volunteer involvement
• Secure funding for volunteer engagement
• Write a position description (and pick the right title, salary, and placement) for a director of volunteer involvement
• Integrate support for volunteers into every unit and department of your organization
• Assess staff training needs for working with volunteers, and much more!
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Social Good
According to Mashable, social media has had a profound effect on the way social good organizations approach global problems. From the Red Cross, which used text messages to raise $5 million in relief funds for Haiti, to organizations like micro-lender Kiva, which wouldn’t even exist without the concept of social networking, altruistic organizations and individuals are finding new ways to embrace social media. Mashable asked social good experts about trends that will shape the way we use social media for positive change in the future. The five trends identified were:
• Crowdsourcing
• Location, Mobile Apps and Other Experiments
• Mobilizing Actions
• Benefiting From Cause Marketing
• Cooperation Between Non-profits and Individuals
For more information and lots of great examples of each trend, go to:
http://mashable.com.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Webinars for October 2010
Wild Apricot, a Canadian based software development company has compiled a list of webinars on a number of nonprofit management topics being offered this month at no charge – useful for fundraisers, board members, administrators, active volunteers and volunteer coordinators. Go to: http://www.wildapricot.com.
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 all caps, lower case, and initial cap styles.
Be sure to hold down the Shift WHILE you press F3. You can also try this in PowerPoint.
Serviceleader.org offers specialized resources for volunteers, leaders and managers of volunteers, and instructors and thought leaders. Serviceleader.org is operated by the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Site content is developed by Center faculty, guest authors, and students engaged in the study of volunteerism. Go to: http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/rgk/serviceleader.
Publication of the Week -- Leading the Way to Successful Volunteer Involvement: Practical Tools for Busy Executives by Betty B. Stallings and Susan J. Ellis
From the publisher: Lay the foundation for achieving impact with volunteer engagement! Move forward from thinking "volunteers are nice to have" to initiating strategic plans for engaging community members as key ingredients in accomplishing your organization's mission. Hit the ground running with step-by-step worksheets, checklists, idea stimulators, reallife examples, self-inquiry assessments, and other practical how-to tools to:
• Develop a philosophy statement about volunteers and make it a mantra for everyone in the organization
• Create a budget for volunteer involvement
• Secure funding for volunteer engagement
• Write a position description (and pick the right title, salary, and placement) for a director of volunteer involvement
• Integrate support for volunteers into every unit and department of your organization
• Assess staff training needs for working with volunteers, and much more!
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Social Good
According to Mashable, social media has had a profound effect on the way social good organizations approach global problems. From the Red Cross, which used text messages to raise $5 million in relief funds for Haiti, to organizations like micro-lender Kiva, which wouldn’t even exist without the concept of social networking, altruistic organizations and individuals are finding new ways to embrace social media. Mashable asked social good experts about trends that will shape the way we use social media for positive change in the future. The five trends identified were:
• Crowdsourcing
• Location, Mobile Apps and Other Experiments
• Mobilizing Actions
• Benefiting From Cause Marketing
• Cooperation Between Non-profits and Individuals
For more information and lots of great examples of each trend, go to:
http://mashable.com.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Webinars for October 2010
Wild Apricot, a Canadian based software development company has compiled a list of webinars on a number of nonprofit management topics being offered this month at no charge – useful for fundraisers, board members, administrators, active volunteers and volunteer coordinators. Go to: http://www.wildapricot.com.
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 all caps, lower case, and initial cap styles.
Be sure to hold down the Shift WHILE you press F3. You can also try this in PowerPoint.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Picks of the Week: September 26 - October 2, 2010
Website of the Week – National Center for Youth Law
The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) focuses particularly on children living in poverty, advocating for their protection from abuse, for their access to housing, healthcare, public benefits, and for improved methods of collecting child support. It also seeks to address the tendency to deal with youth behavior punitively. NCYL works towards these goals by publishing articles, manuals, books, and its bimonthly journal, Youth Law News; providing technical assistance and training; assisting legal advocates who represent poor children; and conducting administrative and legislative advocacy. The Web site includes pertinent news, an overview of the organization, online articles, analyses, publications, and links to related resources. Go to: http://www.youthlaw.org.
Publication of the Week -- Advanced Facilitation Strategies: Tools & Techniques to Master Difficult Situations by Ingrid Bens
From the publisher: From Ingrid Bens, the author of the best-selling book Facilitating with Ease!, comes the next-step resource for project leaders, managers, community leaders, teachers, and other facilitators who want to hone their skills in order to deal with complex situations. Advanced Facilitation Strategies is a field guide that offers practical strategies and techniques for working with challenging everyday situations. These proven strategies and techniques are based on experience gleaned from hundreds of facilitated activities in organizations of all sizes and in all sectors. Both novice and seasoned facilitators who have had firsthand experience designing and leading meetings will benefit from this reality-based playbook. Advanced Facilitation Strategies is filled with the information facilitators need to:
• Become better at diagnosing facilitation assignments and creating effective process designs
• Broaden their repertoire of tools to make impromptu design changes whenever they are needed
• Learn to be more resilient and confident when dealing with dysfunctional situations and difficult people.
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nonprofits Bright Spot in National Jobs Picture
Nonprofit employers are providing one of the few bright spots in the country's dismal employment picture this Labor Day, according to new data released today by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Civil Society Studies. Initial analysis of data on 21 states spread broadly across the country reveals that nonprofit employment actually grew by an average of 2.5 percent per year between the second quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2009, the worst part of the recent recession. By contrast, for-profit employment in these states fell during this same period by an average of 3.3 percent per year. And this pattern held for every single state examined. However, nonprofits in some fields and some states did worse than others. For more information, including charts and tables with data listed by state and by field of activity, go to: http://ccss.jhu.edu.
Resource of the Week – Free Management Library
Developed by Carter McNamara and hosted by The Management Assistance Program for Nonprofits, the Free Management Library offers an extensive listing of resources of interest to nonprofit organizations. The Library provides easy-to-access, clutter-free, comprehensive resources regarding the leadership and management of yourself, other individuals, groups and organizations. Content is relevant to the vast majority of people, whether they are in large or small for-profit or nonprofit organizations. Over the past 15 years, the Library has grown to be one of the world's largest well-organized collections of these types of resources. The Library has been averaging well over 1,000,000 visitors per month.. Many of its topics consistently rank in the top ten results from Google searches. Go to: http://www.managementhelp.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Tracking Revisions in Excel 2007
Excel 2007 tracks worksheet revisions so you can see what has changed on each sheet. To use this feature, do the following:
• Click the sheet to make it active
• Click the Review tab on the Ribbon
• Click Track Changes in the Changes group
• Choose Highlight Changes
• Click in the "Track changes while editing" box and then set the types of changes you want to highlight.
You can choose to have the changes highlighted on screen or listed on a new sheet.
The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) focuses particularly on children living in poverty, advocating for their protection from abuse, for their access to housing, healthcare, public benefits, and for improved methods of collecting child support. It also seeks to address the tendency to deal with youth behavior punitively. NCYL works towards these goals by publishing articles, manuals, books, and its bimonthly journal, Youth Law News; providing technical assistance and training; assisting legal advocates who represent poor children; and conducting administrative and legislative advocacy. The Web site includes pertinent news, an overview of the organization, online articles, analyses, publications, and links to related resources. Go to: http://www.youthlaw.org.
Publication of the Week -- Advanced Facilitation Strategies: Tools & Techniques to Master Difficult Situations by Ingrid Bens
From the publisher: From Ingrid Bens, the author of the best-selling book Facilitating with Ease!, comes the next-step resource for project leaders, managers, community leaders, teachers, and other facilitators who want to hone their skills in order to deal with complex situations. Advanced Facilitation Strategies is a field guide that offers practical strategies and techniques for working with challenging everyday situations. These proven strategies and techniques are based on experience gleaned from hundreds of facilitated activities in organizations of all sizes and in all sectors. Both novice and seasoned facilitators who have had firsthand experience designing and leading meetings will benefit from this reality-based playbook. Advanced Facilitation Strategies is filled with the information facilitators need to:
• Become better at diagnosing facilitation assignments and creating effective process designs
• Broaden their repertoire of tools to make impromptu design changes whenever they are needed
• Learn to be more resilient and confident when dealing with dysfunctional situations and difficult people.
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nonprofits Bright Spot in National Jobs Picture
Nonprofit employers are providing one of the few bright spots in the country's dismal employment picture this Labor Day, according to new data released today by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Civil Society Studies. Initial analysis of data on 21 states spread broadly across the country reveals that nonprofit employment actually grew by an average of 2.5 percent per year between the second quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2009, the worst part of the recent recession. By contrast, for-profit employment in these states fell during this same period by an average of 3.3 percent per year. And this pattern held for every single state examined. However, nonprofits in some fields and some states did worse than others. For more information, including charts and tables with data listed by state and by field of activity, go to: http://ccss.jhu.edu.
Resource of the Week – Free Management Library
Developed by Carter McNamara and hosted by The Management Assistance Program for Nonprofits, the Free Management Library offers an extensive listing of resources of interest to nonprofit organizations. The Library provides easy-to-access, clutter-free, comprehensive resources regarding the leadership and management of yourself, other individuals, groups and organizations. Content is relevant to the vast majority of people, whether they are in large or small for-profit or nonprofit organizations. Over the past 15 years, the Library has grown to be one of the world's largest well-organized collections of these types of resources. The Library has been averaging well over 1,000,000 visitors per month.. Many of its topics consistently rank in the top ten results from Google searches. Go to: http://www.managementhelp.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Tracking Revisions in Excel 2007
Excel 2007 tracks worksheet revisions so you can see what has changed on each sheet. To use this feature, do the following:
• Click the sheet to make it active
• Click the Review tab on the Ribbon
• Click Track Changes in the Changes group
• Choose Highlight Changes
• Click in the "Track changes while editing" box and then set the types of changes you want to highlight.
You can choose to have the changes highlighted on screen or listed on a new sheet.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Picks of the Week: September 19 - 25, 2010
Website of the Week – Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law
The Shriver Center on Poverty Law develops its advocacy agenda in accordance with the needs of the low-income communities that it serves. Through policy, advocacy, and legal resources, the organization "identifies, develops, and supports creative and collaborative approaches to help achieve social and economic justice." The major clearinghouse on poverty law, the center's Web site provides access to an enormous collection of publications and case studies. The site also has information about advocacy, news, and an advanced search function. Go to: http://www.povertylaw.org.
Publication of the Week -- ROI For Nonprofits: The New Key to Sustainability by Tom Ralser
From the publisher: Nonprofits face the same challenges as for-profits when it comes to raising money and keeping investors happy. When investors in nonprofits are shown that their money is making a difference-that their investment is paying off-they are more likely to keep investing. Written by Tom Ralser-a CFA uniquely qualified to apply ROI methodologies to the nonprofit sector-ROI For Nonprofits: The Key to Nonprofit Sustainability details the methods and processes your nonprofit can effectively use to demonstrate the value of your organization's efforts. Filled with an abundance of case studies as well as pragmatic tips, tools, and methods used successfully by hundreds of nonprofits, this practical book covers topics including
• Defining ROI
• The Leverage of Investors
• Learning from the For-Profit World
• Moving to an Investment-based Mindset
• Treating Investors as Investors
Your nonprofit's prospective investors want to know "What are you accomplishing with my money?" ROI For Nonprofits: The Key to Nonprofit Sustainability offers you immediately useful concepts that accentuate, enhance, and augment solid fundraising and represents a major change in how to capitalize on the motivations of those who are likely to invest in your organization. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Influence of Family on Giving Decisions
According to a new study of donor attitudes and giving behavior released this week by Russ Reid, parental involvement in nonprofits increases the odds of a child becoming a donor by more than 80 percent; with parents who don’t, there’s only a 25-percent chance the child will grow up to be a donor, the study found. Nonprofits can build their donor pools of tomorrow by encouraging adults to volunteer their time at an organization, to talk to their kids about nonprofits they support, or to give money to their church. Key findings include:
• The dollar breakdown of estimated yearly giving among age groups: People ages 18 to 24 donated $350, those 25 to 39 gave $544, people ages 55 to 69 gave $805, and those 70 and older donated $1,200. “The older you get, the more generous you are. Fund-raising expenditures should be “invested accordingly” toward segments that are more likely to give, with a higher gift value.
• On average, individuals gave in three ways—55 percent gave online as well as via mail; 20 percent who gave online also gave through a telemarketing call. Sending a check through mail still was the most popular method at 61 percent.
• Don’t bet on social media yet. While 57 percent of all donors use social media, only 6 percent actually gave money that way. There’s a big difference between following and giving.
To reserve a free copy of the full study, go to: https://www.2dialog.com.
Resource of the Week – Leadership and Race: How to Develop and Support Leadership that Contributes to Racial Justice
A new report released by the Leadership Learning Community and other thought leaders in the leadership development and racial equity fields, discuss how current approaches to leadership development actually maintain and promote racial inequalities. This is the first report to analyze the link between major philanthropy investments in the racial equity and leadership development fields. The report, How to Develop and Support Leadership that Contributes to Racial Justice, suggests that a large number of leadership programs associate leadership with equal opportunity and individualism. This thinking does not recognize that current systems (i.e. policy, culture and institutional practices) can cause racial identity to limit one’s access to life opportunities. It also focuses too narrowly on changing the behavior of individual leaders. Instead, leadership programs should:
• make their programs more accessible for people of color;
• help participants understand how race limits access to opportunities – in other words, the impact of structural racism; and
• promote collective leadership. This approach will help participants work together to tackle the systems that maintain racial inequalities.
This report is the first in a series of publications, the Leadership for a New Era Series, launched by the Leadership Learning Community in 2009 to promote inclusive, networked and collective leadership approaches. To download this free report, go to: http://leadershiplearning.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Recording Narrations in PowerPoint 2007
Did you know you could easily record narrations for your PowerPoint slides? Here’s how:
• Click the Slide show tab on the Ribbon
• In the Set Up group click the Record Narration icon
• In the Record Narration dialog box you can set microphone level and change recording quality
• Click OK and choose to start from the current slide or from the first slide
• When you are finished you will be asked if you want to save the timings for each slide
For more information on recording narration for your PowerPoint slides, go to office.microsoft.com.
The Shriver Center on Poverty Law develops its advocacy agenda in accordance with the needs of the low-income communities that it serves. Through policy, advocacy, and legal resources, the organization "identifies, develops, and supports creative and collaborative approaches to help achieve social and economic justice." The major clearinghouse on poverty law, the center's Web site provides access to an enormous collection of publications and case studies. The site also has information about advocacy, news, and an advanced search function. Go to: http://www.povertylaw.org.
Publication of the Week -- ROI For Nonprofits: The New Key to Sustainability by Tom Ralser
From the publisher: Nonprofits face the same challenges as for-profits when it comes to raising money and keeping investors happy. When investors in nonprofits are shown that their money is making a difference-that their investment is paying off-they are more likely to keep investing. Written by Tom Ralser-a CFA uniquely qualified to apply ROI methodologies to the nonprofit sector-ROI For Nonprofits: The Key to Nonprofit Sustainability details the methods and processes your nonprofit can effectively use to demonstrate the value of your organization's efforts. Filled with an abundance of case studies as well as pragmatic tips, tools, and methods used successfully by hundreds of nonprofits, this practical book covers topics including
• Defining ROI
• The Leverage of Investors
• Learning from the For-Profit World
• Moving to an Investment-based Mindset
• Treating Investors as Investors
Your nonprofit's prospective investors want to know "What are you accomplishing with my money?" ROI For Nonprofits: The Key to Nonprofit Sustainability offers you immediately useful concepts that accentuate, enhance, and augment solid fundraising and represents a major change in how to capitalize on the motivations of those who are likely to invest in your organization. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Influence of Family on Giving Decisions
According to a new study of donor attitudes and giving behavior released this week by Russ Reid, parental involvement in nonprofits increases the odds of a child becoming a donor by more than 80 percent; with parents who don’t, there’s only a 25-percent chance the child will grow up to be a donor, the study found. Nonprofits can build their donor pools of tomorrow by encouraging adults to volunteer their time at an organization, to talk to their kids about nonprofits they support, or to give money to their church. Key findings include:
• The dollar breakdown of estimated yearly giving among age groups: People ages 18 to 24 donated $350, those 25 to 39 gave $544, people ages 55 to 69 gave $805, and those 70 and older donated $1,200. “The older you get, the more generous you are. Fund-raising expenditures should be “invested accordingly” toward segments that are more likely to give, with a higher gift value.
• On average, individuals gave in three ways—55 percent gave online as well as via mail; 20 percent who gave online also gave through a telemarketing call. Sending a check through mail still was the most popular method at 61 percent.
• Don’t bet on social media yet. While 57 percent of all donors use social media, only 6 percent actually gave money that way. There’s a big difference between following and giving.
To reserve a free copy of the full study, go to: https://www.2dialog.com.
Resource of the Week – Leadership and Race: How to Develop and Support Leadership that Contributes to Racial Justice
A new report released by the Leadership Learning Community and other thought leaders in the leadership development and racial equity fields, discuss how current approaches to leadership development actually maintain and promote racial inequalities. This is the first report to analyze the link between major philanthropy investments in the racial equity and leadership development fields. The report, How to Develop and Support Leadership that Contributes to Racial Justice, suggests that a large number of leadership programs associate leadership with equal opportunity and individualism. This thinking does not recognize that current systems (i.e. policy, culture and institutional practices) can cause racial identity to limit one’s access to life opportunities. It also focuses too narrowly on changing the behavior of individual leaders. Instead, leadership programs should:
• make their programs more accessible for people of color;
• help participants understand how race limits access to opportunities – in other words, the impact of structural racism; and
• promote collective leadership. This approach will help participants work together to tackle the systems that maintain racial inequalities.
This report is the first in a series of publications, the Leadership for a New Era Series, launched by the Leadership Learning Community in 2009 to promote inclusive, networked and collective leadership approaches. To download this free report, go to: http://leadershiplearning.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Recording Narrations in PowerPoint 2007
Did you know you could easily record narrations for your PowerPoint slides? Here’s how:
• Click the Slide show tab on the Ribbon
• In the Set Up group click the Record Narration icon
• In the Record Narration dialog box you can set microphone level and change recording quality
• Click OK and choose to start from the current slide or from the first slide
• When you are finished you will be asked if you want to save the timings for each slide
For more information on recording narration for your PowerPoint slides, go to office.microsoft.com.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Picks of the Week: September 12 - 18, 2010
Website of the Week – National Issues Forums
The National Issues Forums, a voluntary, nonpartisan, nationwide network of forums and study circles, is rooted in the notion that citizens need to come together to deliberate about common problems in order to act on them. The Web site has NIF Reports, a schedule of workshops where citizens come together to learn more about convening and moderating forums, and a message board. Go to: http://www.nifi.org.
Publication of the Week -- Supporting the Decision to Join: What Association Boards Should Know and Do About Membership and Affiliation by James Dalton
From the Publisher: Third in the blockbuster companion series that includes The Decision to Join and The Decision to Volunteer, this brand new, leader-friendly title provides the intelligence your board needs to drive member loyalty, and engage in strategic deliberation and intelligence-based decision making. It's grounded in sound research mined from the 2007 ASAE & The Center study. Author James Dalton studied the responses for board-level implications then added his authoritative insights. As a result you get the know-how to inspire value proposition dialogue and membership strategy in your board members. Clearly this is a resource containing intelligence-based research--buy it for your board members today. No board member should fulfill his or her role without it. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nonprofits Find Value in Time-Off Programs
Even as a very slow and modest upturn in the U.S. economy is becoming evident, not-for-profit organizations across the country continue to search for ways to reward employees, despite the shrinking pay increase budgets and pay freezes seen throughout the industry. The newly released 2010 Compensation Data Not-For-Profit survey results show that exempt employees with less than one year of service earn an average of 7.7 vacation days, while non-exempt employees earn 6.7 days. More than half of the not-for-profit organizations offering paid vacation to employees use years of service to determine the number of days an employee can accrue. Exempt employees with 5 years of service average 15.8 days of vacation, compared to those with 10 years of service, 19 days. For more information, go to: http://www.talentmanagementtech.com.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Collaboration Database
The Foundation Center hosts a nonprofit collaboration resource page that includes a database containing information about the ways that nonprofits can collaborate to achieve their missions — through mergers, joint programming, and other forms of collaboration. This database is a resource for everyone seeking real-life examples of how nonprofits are working together. Find information from more than 250 nonprofit collaborations drawn from the 2009 Collaboration Prize, created by the Lodestar Foundation. Go to: http://foundationcenter.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Flipping Data in an Excel 2007 Worksheet
Ever create an Excel 2007 table and then wish the columns were rows and the rows were columns? Here's a solution:
• Select the table
• Press Ctrl + c to copy (Or click the copy button on the Home tab of the Ribbon)
• Select the cell where you want the new table to begin (this cell CAN be in the old table)
• Right click to display the shortcut menu and select Paste Special (Or on the Home tab of the Ribbon, click the Paste arrow to display the Paste Special option)
• In the Paste Special dialog box, select Transpose and click OK
The National Issues Forums, a voluntary, nonpartisan, nationwide network of forums and study circles, is rooted in the notion that citizens need to come together to deliberate about common problems in order to act on them. The Web site has NIF Reports, a schedule of workshops where citizens come together to learn more about convening and moderating forums, and a message board. Go to: http://www.nifi.org.
Publication of the Week -- Supporting the Decision to Join: What Association Boards Should Know and Do About Membership and Affiliation by James Dalton
From the Publisher: Third in the blockbuster companion series that includes The Decision to Join and The Decision to Volunteer, this brand new, leader-friendly title provides the intelligence your board needs to drive member loyalty, and engage in strategic deliberation and intelligence-based decision making. It's grounded in sound research mined from the 2007 ASAE & The Center study. Author James Dalton studied the responses for board-level implications then added his authoritative insights. As a result you get the know-how to inspire value proposition dialogue and membership strategy in your board members. Clearly this is a resource containing intelligence-based research--buy it for your board members today. No board member should fulfill his or her role without it. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nonprofits Find Value in Time-Off Programs
Even as a very slow and modest upturn in the U.S. economy is becoming evident, not-for-profit organizations across the country continue to search for ways to reward employees, despite the shrinking pay increase budgets and pay freezes seen throughout the industry. The newly released 2010 Compensation Data Not-For-Profit survey results show that exempt employees with less than one year of service earn an average of 7.7 vacation days, while non-exempt employees earn 6.7 days. More than half of the not-for-profit organizations offering paid vacation to employees use years of service to determine the number of days an employee can accrue. Exempt employees with 5 years of service average 15.8 days of vacation, compared to those with 10 years of service, 19 days. For more information, go to: http://www.talentmanagementtech.com.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Collaboration Database
The Foundation Center hosts a nonprofit collaboration resource page that includes a database containing information about the ways that nonprofits can collaborate to achieve their missions — through mergers, joint programming, and other forms of collaboration. This database is a resource for everyone seeking real-life examples of how nonprofits are working together. Find information from more than 250 nonprofit collaborations drawn from the 2009 Collaboration Prize, created by the Lodestar Foundation. Go to: http://foundationcenter.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Flipping Data in an Excel 2007 Worksheet
Ever create an Excel 2007 table and then wish the columns were rows and the rows were columns? Here's a solution:
• Select the table
• Press Ctrl + c to copy (Or click the copy button on the Home tab of the Ribbon)
• Select the cell where you want the new table to begin (this cell CAN be in the old table)
• Right click to display the shortcut menu and select Paste Special (Or on the Home tab of the Ribbon, click the Paste arrow to display the Paste Special option)
• In the Paste Special dialog box, select Transpose and click OK
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Picks of the Week: September 5 - 11, 2010
Website of the Week – Nonprofit Tech 2.0
Nonprofit Tech 2.0 was created and is managed by Heather Mansfield (Bio) (LinkedIn) of DIOSA Communications. She also created and maintains the Nonprofit Organizations Twitter profile, the Nonprofit Organizations Facebook Page, the Nonprofit Organizations YouTube Channel, the Nonprofit Organizations MySpace, and the Web 2.0 for Nonprofit Organizations LinkedIn Group. Fueled by a strong passion for the Internet, Heather spends her days [and some nights] helping nonprofit organizations utilize the Internet as a tool for social change. Go to: http://nonprofitorgs.wordpress.com.
Publication of the Week -- Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions & Answers by Bruce R. Hopkins and David Middlebrook
From the publisher: Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions & Answers is a hands-on guide to the most pertinent and critical legal issues facing those who lead and manage religious tax-exempt organizations with an emphasis on tax, employment, property and constitutional law. This timely book is a response to the need for guidance, direction, and clarification of legal and tax laws affecting churches and other religious organizations. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Volunteer Trends in the US
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its report, "Volunteering in the US - 2009." These trends are important because they not only have implications for getting work done, but also because there are major giving implications presented by volunteerism according to Independent Sector (volunteers are more likely to give in dollars too). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most frequent activity performed by volunteers is fundraising. Amongst the ages 20-34, tutoring, teaching, or mentoring is the biggest activity. Men are slightly more likely to volunteer than women. Religious organizations are the largest beneficiaries of volunteerism, followed by youth or educational services volunteering. Interestingly, the higher the level of educational attainment, the less time volunteered for religious organizations - more time was given to sport, hobby, or cultural organizations, but they were also more likely to volunteer than those with lower levels of education. Volunteerism increased among people with full time jobs, but decreased significantly amongst people ages 20-24. Overall volunteerism increased with age, and the largest segment of volunteers was ages 65 or older. However, younger people were less likely to volunteer for religious organizations than those over 65. The largest segment of volunteers does so because someone asked them (44%), while 40% do so because they sought out the opportunity. This study surveyed 60,000 households and tracked civilian volunteerism. for more information, go to: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/volun.pdf.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Webinars for September 2010
Wild Apricot, a Canadian based software development company has compiled a list of webinars on a number of nonprofit management topics being offered this month at no charge – useful for fundraisers, board members, administrators, active volunteers and volunteer coordinators. Go to: http://www.wildapricot.com.
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.
Nonprofit Tech 2.0 was created and is managed by Heather Mansfield (Bio) (LinkedIn) of DIOSA Communications. She also created and maintains the Nonprofit Organizations Twitter profile, the Nonprofit Organizations Facebook Page, the Nonprofit Organizations YouTube Channel, the Nonprofit Organizations MySpace, and the Web 2.0 for Nonprofit Organizations LinkedIn Group. Fueled by a strong passion for the Internet, Heather spends her days [and some nights] helping nonprofit organizations utilize the Internet as a tool for social change. Go to: http://nonprofitorgs.wordpress.com.
Publication of the Week -- Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions & Answers by Bruce R. Hopkins and David Middlebrook
From the publisher: Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions & Answers is a hands-on guide to the most pertinent and critical legal issues facing those who lead and manage religious tax-exempt organizations with an emphasis on tax, employment, property and constitutional law. This timely book is a response to the need for guidance, direction, and clarification of legal and tax laws affecting churches and other religious organizations. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Volunteer Trends in the US
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its report, "Volunteering in the US - 2009." These trends are important because they not only have implications for getting work done, but also because there are major giving implications presented by volunteerism according to Independent Sector (volunteers are more likely to give in dollars too). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most frequent activity performed by volunteers is fundraising. Amongst the ages 20-34, tutoring, teaching, or mentoring is the biggest activity. Men are slightly more likely to volunteer than women. Religious organizations are the largest beneficiaries of volunteerism, followed by youth or educational services volunteering. Interestingly, the higher the level of educational attainment, the less time volunteered for religious organizations - more time was given to sport, hobby, or cultural organizations, but they were also more likely to volunteer than those with lower levels of education. Volunteerism increased among people with full time jobs, but decreased significantly amongst people ages 20-24. Overall volunteerism increased with age, and the largest segment of volunteers was ages 65 or older. However, younger people were less likely to volunteer for religious organizations than those over 65. The largest segment of volunteers does so because someone asked them (44%), while 40% do so because they sought out the opportunity. This study surveyed 60,000 households and tracked civilian volunteerism. for more information, go to: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/volun.pdf.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Webinars for September 2010
Wild Apricot, a Canadian based software development company has compiled a list of webinars on a number of nonprofit management topics being offered this month at no charge – useful for fundraisers, board members, administrators, active volunteers and volunteer coordinators. Go to: http://www.wildapricot.com.
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, August 23, 2010
Picks of the Week: August 22 - 28, 2010
Website of the Week – Virtual Arts Incubator Project
Arts Services, a division of the Fine Arts Fund, developed the Virtual Arts Incubator Project as a way to offer start-up nonprofit organizations advice, as well as links and access to some of the materials, forms and services they need along the way.. From "arts insights" to organization charts and financial models, the Virtual Arts Incubator is a resource for a wide variety of audiences including small arts organizations, board members and Fine Arts Fund volunteers to organizations of all sizes. A panel of volunteers in the nonprofit, legal and for-profit business fields collaborated to offer this resource guide along with access to many other sources of information. Go to: http://www.artsincubator.org.
Publication of the Week -- How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
From the publisher: Why is it so hard to make lasting changes in our companies, in our communities, and in our own lives? The primary obstacle is a conflict that’s built into our brains, say Chip and Dan Heath, authors of the critically acclaimed bestseller Made to Stick. Psychologists have discovered that our minds are ruled by two different systems—the rational mind and the emotional mind—that compete for control. The rational mind wants a great beach body; the emotional mind wants that Oreo cookie. The rational mind wants to change something at work; the emotional mind loves the comfort of the existing routine. This tension can doom a change effort—but if it is overcome, change can come quickly. In Switch, the Heaths show how everyday people—employees and managers, parents and nurses—have united both minds and, as a result, achieved dramatic results. In a compelling, story-driven narrative, the Heaths bring together decades of counterintuitive research in psychology, sociology, and other fields to shed new light on how we can effect transformative change. Switch shows that successful changes follow a pattern, a pattern you can use to make the changes that matter to you, whether your interest is in changing the world or changing your waistline. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Continuing Impact of the Economy on Public Charities And Private Foundations
Some 40 percent of participants in GuideStar's first nonprofit economic survey for 2010 reported that contributions to their organizations dropped between January 1 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year earlier. Another 28 percent said that contributions had stayed about the same, and 30 percent stated contributions had increased. "The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector: A June 2010 Survey" presents these results and more. Among the other findings:
• Eight percent of respondents indicated that their organizations was were in imminent danger of closing.
• In order to balance budgets, 17 percent of respondents reduced program services, and 11 percent laid off employees.
• More than 60 percent of participants reporting decreased contributions attributed the drop to a decline in both the number of individual donors and the size of their donations.
• Among organizations that use volunteers, 17 percent used one or more in what had formerly been paid positions.
• About a third (32 percent) of organizations increased their reliance on volunteers, whereas 9 percent experienced a decline.
To download a free copy of the report, go to: http://www2.guidestar.org.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Risk Management Center
The Nonprofit Risk Management Center was established in 1990 to provide assistance and resources for community-serving nonprofit organizations. As a nonprofit, the Center is uniquely positioned to both understand and respond to questions with practical, affordable suggestions for controlling risks that threaten a nonprofit’s ability to accomplish its mission. The Center's mission is to help nonprofits cope with uncertainty by offering a wide range of services (from technical assistance to software to training and consulting help) on a vast array of risk management topics (from employment practices, to insurance purchasing to internal controls and preventing child abuse). The Center does not sell insurance or endorse organizations that do. Go to: http://www.nonprofitrisk.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Using the Excel 2007 Camera Tool
The Excel 2007 Camera tool lets you take a picture of a range of cells on a worksheet. Before you can use this tool you must first add it to the Quick Access Toolbar on the Ribbon.
To add the Camera tool to the Quick Access Toolbar:
• Click the Office button in the upper-left corner of the Ribbon Click the Excel Options button
• Click Customize
• In the Choose Commands From drop-down list, select Commands Not in the Ribbon
• Select Camera and double-click to add it to the Quick Access Toolbar
• Click OK to close the Excel Options dialog box
To use this tool:
• Select a range on your worksheet
• Click the Camera tool on the Ribbon
• Click where you want the picture to appear (In this workbook or even in another workbook)
A graphic is created of the range you selected. If you change the original data the picture also changes. You can even copy or move this picture to the clipboard and paste it into Word or PowerPoint if you need to. However, if you copy it into another program it will no longer update when the original is changed.
Arts Services, a division of the Fine Arts Fund, developed the Virtual Arts Incubator Project as a way to offer start-up nonprofit organizations advice, as well as links and access to some of the materials, forms and services they need along the way.. From "arts insights" to organization charts and financial models, the Virtual Arts Incubator is a resource for a wide variety of audiences including small arts organizations, board members and Fine Arts Fund volunteers to organizations of all sizes. A panel of volunteers in the nonprofit, legal and for-profit business fields collaborated to offer this resource guide along with access to many other sources of information. Go to: http://www.artsincubator.org.
Publication of the Week -- How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
From the publisher: Why is it so hard to make lasting changes in our companies, in our communities, and in our own lives? The primary obstacle is a conflict that’s built into our brains, say Chip and Dan Heath, authors of the critically acclaimed bestseller Made to Stick. Psychologists have discovered that our minds are ruled by two different systems—the rational mind and the emotional mind—that compete for control. The rational mind wants a great beach body; the emotional mind wants that Oreo cookie. The rational mind wants to change something at work; the emotional mind loves the comfort of the existing routine. This tension can doom a change effort—but if it is overcome, change can come quickly. In Switch, the Heaths show how everyday people—employees and managers, parents and nurses—have united both minds and, as a result, achieved dramatic results. In a compelling, story-driven narrative, the Heaths bring together decades of counterintuitive research in psychology, sociology, and other fields to shed new light on how we can effect transformative change. Switch shows that successful changes follow a pattern, a pattern you can use to make the changes that matter to you, whether your interest is in changing the world or changing your waistline. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Continuing Impact of the Economy on Public Charities And Private Foundations
Some 40 percent of participants in GuideStar's first nonprofit economic survey for 2010 reported that contributions to their organizations dropped between January 1 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year earlier. Another 28 percent said that contributions had stayed about the same, and 30 percent stated contributions had increased. "The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector: A June 2010 Survey" presents these results and more. Among the other findings:
• Eight percent of respondents indicated that their organizations was were in imminent danger of closing.
• In order to balance budgets, 17 percent of respondents reduced program services, and 11 percent laid off employees.
• More than 60 percent of participants reporting decreased contributions attributed the drop to a decline in both the number of individual donors and the size of their donations.
• Among organizations that use volunteers, 17 percent used one or more in what had formerly been paid positions.
• About a third (32 percent) of organizations increased their reliance on volunteers, whereas 9 percent experienced a decline.
To download a free copy of the report, go to: http://www2.guidestar.org.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Risk Management Center
The Nonprofit Risk Management Center was established in 1990 to provide assistance and resources for community-serving nonprofit organizations. As a nonprofit, the Center is uniquely positioned to both understand and respond to questions with practical, affordable suggestions for controlling risks that threaten a nonprofit’s ability to accomplish its mission. The Center's mission is to help nonprofits cope with uncertainty by offering a wide range of services (from technical assistance to software to training and consulting help) on a vast array of risk management topics (from employment practices, to insurance purchasing to internal controls and preventing child abuse). The Center does not sell insurance or endorse organizations that do. Go to: http://www.nonprofitrisk.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Using the Excel 2007 Camera Tool
The Excel 2007 Camera tool lets you take a picture of a range of cells on a worksheet. Before you can use this tool you must first add it to the Quick Access Toolbar on the Ribbon.
To add the Camera tool to the Quick Access Toolbar:
• Click the Office button in the upper-left corner of the Ribbon Click the Excel Options button
• Click Customize
• In the Choose Commands From drop-down list, select Commands Not in the Ribbon
• Select Camera and double-click to add it to the Quick Access Toolbar
• Click OK to close the Excel Options dialog box
To use this tool:
• Select a range on your worksheet
• Click the Camera tool on the Ribbon
• Click where you want the picture to appear (In this workbook or even in another workbook)
A graphic is created of the range you selected. If you change the original data the picture also changes. You can even copy or move this picture to the clipboard and paste it into Word or PowerPoint if you need to. However, if you copy it into another program it will no longer update when the original is changed.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Picks of the Week: August 15 - 21, 2010
Website of the Week – Volunteer Canada
Volunteer Canada is the national voice for volunteerism in Canada. Since 1977, Volunteer Canada has been committed to supporting volunteerism and civic participation through ongoing programs and special projects. National in scope, Volunteer Canada's board members, partners and members represent hundreds of different communities across Canada., Volunteer Canada actively engages in research, training and promotional campaigns to increase community participation and provide leadership on issues and trends in the Canadian volunteer movement. Go to: http://volunteer.ca/home.
Publication of the Week -- Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur
From the publisher: Business Model Generation is a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers striving to defy outmoded business models and design tomorrow's enterprises. If your organization needs to adapt to harsh new realities, but you don't yet have a strategy that will get you out in front of your competitors, you need Business Model Generation. Co-created by 470 "Business Model Canvas" practitioners from 45 countries, the book features a beautiful, highly visual, 4-color design that takes powerful strategic ideas and tools, and makes them easy to implement in your organization. It explains the most common Business Model patterns, based on concepts from leading business thinkers, and helps you reinterpret them for your own context. You will learn how to systematically understand, design, and implement a game-changing business model--or analyze and renovate an old one. Along the way, you'll understand at a much deeper level your customers, distribution channels, partners, revenue streams, costs, and your core value proposition. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nonprofit salaries in 2010
Terrie Temkin, founding partner of CoreStrategies for Nonprofits Inc, has compiled an excellent summary of recent trend reports on nonprofit salaries. She states: " In April of 2009, the reported salary picture was bleak. According to a study by the Nonprofit Finance Fund released at that time, 41 percent of nonprofit organizations had reduced or were considering reducing staff or salaries and 22 percent had reduced or were considering reducing staff hours. As many as 43 percent of the nonprofits surveyed were dipping into their reserves to stay afloat. ... However, by April of 2010, things appear to have changed. The AFP study referenced above found that the average salaries of its U.S.-based survey participants increased by 7.4 percent." For more information, go to: http://philanthropyjournal.org.
Resource of the Week – HR CheckUp
The HR Council for the Nonprofit Sector takes action on nonprofit labor force issues for Canadian nonprofits. The Council has developed a 10 minute online HR CheckUp. This self-diagnostic allows you to rate your organization's current performance in a number of functional HR areas. Based on your results, a custom HR Prescription will recommend tools, tips and strategies to improve and maintain your organizational HR Health. To access the Checkup and a number of other HR tools and resources, go to: http://www.hrcouncil.ca/resource-centre/home.cfm.
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:
This trick works in Word 2007 as well as earlier versions.
• Select Text
• Ctrl + ] to increase by 1 point
• Ctrl + [ to decrease by 1 point
Volunteer Canada is the national voice for volunteerism in Canada. Since 1977, Volunteer Canada has been committed to supporting volunteerism and civic participation through ongoing programs and special projects. National in scope, Volunteer Canada's board members, partners and members represent hundreds of different communities across Canada., Volunteer Canada actively engages in research, training and promotional campaigns to increase community participation and provide leadership on issues and trends in the Canadian volunteer movement. Go to: http://volunteer.ca/home.
Publication of the Week -- Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur
From the publisher: Business Model Generation is a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers striving to defy outmoded business models and design tomorrow's enterprises. If your organization needs to adapt to harsh new realities, but you don't yet have a strategy that will get you out in front of your competitors, you need Business Model Generation. Co-created by 470 "Business Model Canvas" practitioners from 45 countries, the book features a beautiful, highly visual, 4-color design that takes powerful strategic ideas and tools, and makes them easy to implement in your organization. It explains the most common Business Model patterns, based on concepts from leading business thinkers, and helps you reinterpret them for your own context. You will learn how to systematically understand, design, and implement a game-changing business model--or analyze and renovate an old one. Along the way, you'll understand at a much deeper level your customers, distribution channels, partners, revenue streams, costs, and your core value proposition. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nonprofit salaries in 2010
Terrie Temkin, founding partner of CoreStrategies for Nonprofits Inc, has compiled an excellent summary of recent trend reports on nonprofit salaries. She states: " In April of 2009, the reported salary picture was bleak. According to a study by the Nonprofit Finance Fund released at that time, 41 percent of nonprofit organizations had reduced or were considering reducing staff or salaries and 22 percent had reduced or were considering reducing staff hours. As many as 43 percent of the nonprofits surveyed were dipping into their reserves to stay afloat. ... However, by April of 2010, things appear to have changed. The AFP study referenced above found that the average salaries of its U.S.-based survey participants increased by 7.4 percent." For more information, go to: http://philanthropyjournal.org.
Resource of the Week – HR CheckUp
The HR Council for the Nonprofit Sector takes action on nonprofit labor force issues for Canadian nonprofits. The Council has developed a 10 minute online HR CheckUp. This self-diagnostic allows you to rate your organization's current performance in a number of functional HR areas. Based on your results, a custom HR Prescription will recommend tools, tips and strategies to improve and maintain your organizational HR Health. To access the Checkup and a number of other HR tools and resources, go to: http://www.hrcouncil.ca/resource-centre/home.cfm.
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:
This trick works in Word 2007 as well as earlier versions.
• Select Text
• Ctrl + ] to increase by 1 point
• Ctrl + [ to decrease by 1 point
Monday, August 9, 2010
Picks of the Week: August 8 - 15, 2010
Website of the Week – Ontario Nonprofit Network
The Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) is a network of networks that helps to build communication and coordination among nonprofit organizations working for the public benefit in Ontario. ONN supports nonprofits by providing the information that they need to make their voices heard and their issues addressed. ONN brings together people and groups that want to work together to strengthen the nonprofit sector. ONN’s work is action focused, creating opportunities for the emergence of new ideas, flexibly responding to opportunities and needs as they arise. This is based on their theory of change is that when the sector is better connected (the network), leaders will start to discover the needs and opportunities for collaboration (in constellations or communities of practice) that will lead to the sector being able to take action to affect changes that will benefit nonprofits in Ontario. Go to: http://ontariononprofitnetwork.ca.
Publication of the Week -- The Social Media Marketing Book by Dan Zarrella
From the publisher: The Social Media Marketing Book guides you through the maze of communities, platforms, and social media tools so you can decide which ones to use, and how to use them most effectively. With an objective approach and clear, straightforward language, Dan Zarrella shows you how to plan and implement campaigns intelligently, and then measure results and track return on investment. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the social web, this book will take you beyond the jargon to social media marketing mastery.
• Make sense of this complicated environment with the help of screenshots, graphs, and visual explanations
• Understand the history and culture of each social media type, including features, functionality, and protocols
• Get clear-cut explanations of the methods you need to trigger viral marketing successes
• Choose the technologies and marketing tactics most relevant to your campaign goals
• Learn how to set specific goals for your campaigns and evaluate them according to key performance indicators
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Donor Trends in 2010
A new report, The Cygnus Donor Survey…Where Philanthropy is Headed in 2010 by Penelope Burk of Cygnus Applied Research, Inc., has found a split between typical donors—those whose smallest gift was $81—and more affluent donors, whose smallest gift was $135. Only 8 percent of typical donors said they plan to give less to charity in 2010, down from 17.5 percent in a similar survey last year. But among the affluent donors, 11 percent said that they would give less to charity this year than in 2009. That percentage grew to 17 percent among the top 10 percent of donors who gave the most money to charity. Other trends in giving were noted by respondents, all of which have significant implications for fundraisers as they reflect donors' growing irritation with certain fundraising practices. They are: a preference for giving to charities that provide donors with measurable results (69%); eliminating or reducing support to nonprofits that over-solicit (67%); a greater tendency to take cost per dollar raised into account when making giving decisions (65%); shifting more support to charities working locally (43%); and supporting fewer causes (41%). Additionally, 59% of respondents said they now do more research prior to supporting a charity for the first time, which speaks to donors' growing independence in managing their philanthropy. For an Executive Summary of the report, go to http://www.cygresearch.com/files. To order the full report, go to: http://www.cygresearch.com.
Resource of the Week – Free e-Book - How to Raise A Lot More Money Now
Network for Good has just published a free e-book How to Raise A Lot More Money Now* - 50 Great Ideas from 11 Top Experts. According to the organization, some of the best minds in the fundraising world came up with 50 creative ideas that you can start using today to raise more money for your cause. You'll find great ideas from Jeff Brooks, Jocelyn Harmon, Mark Rovner, Kivi Leroux Miller, Beth Kanter, Allison Fine, Nancy Schwartz, Sarah Durham, Chris Forbes, Alia McKee Scott, and Katya Andresen. To download the free e-book, go to:
http://web.networkforgood.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Data Validation in Excel 2007
Data Validation lets you restrict what goes into a cell. For example, if dates being entered must be between a certain range, do this:
• Select the range of cells that you want to apply data validation to
• Click the Data tab on the Ribbon
• In the Data Tools group click the Data Validation button
• Under Validation criteria choose Date from the Allow drop-down menu
• Enter the acceptable date range
• Click OK
If someone tries to enter a date outside this range a warning is displayed that says, "The value you entered is not valid.”
The Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) is a network of networks that helps to build communication and coordination among nonprofit organizations working for the public benefit in Ontario. ONN supports nonprofits by providing the information that they need to make their voices heard and their issues addressed. ONN brings together people and groups that want to work together to strengthen the nonprofit sector. ONN’s work is action focused, creating opportunities for the emergence of new ideas, flexibly responding to opportunities and needs as they arise. This is based on their theory of change is that when the sector is better connected (the network), leaders will start to discover the needs and opportunities for collaboration (in constellations or communities of practice) that will lead to the sector being able to take action to affect changes that will benefit nonprofits in Ontario. Go to: http://ontariononprofitnetwork.ca.
Publication of the Week -- The Social Media Marketing Book by Dan Zarrella
From the publisher: The Social Media Marketing Book guides you through the maze of communities, platforms, and social media tools so you can decide which ones to use, and how to use them most effectively. With an objective approach and clear, straightforward language, Dan Zarrella shows you how to plan and implement campaigns intelligently, and then measure results and track return on investment. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the social web, this book will take you beyond the jargon to social media marketing mastery.
• Make sense of this complicated environment with the help of screenshots, graphs, and visual explanations
• Understand the history and culture of each social media type, including features, functionality, and protocols
• Get clear-cut explanations of the methods you need to trigger viral marketing successes
• Choose the technologies and marketing tactics most relevant to your campaign goals
• Learn how to set specific goals for your campaigns and evaluate them according to key performance indicators
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Donor Trends in 2010
A new report, The Cygnus Donor Survey…Where Philanthropy is Headed in 2010 by Penelope Burk of Cygnus Applied Research, Inc., has found a split between typical donors—those whose smallest gift was $81—and more affluent donors, whose smallest gift was $135. Only 8 percent of typical donors said they plan to give less to charity in 2010, down from 17.5 percent in a similar survey last year. But among the affluent donors, 11 percent said that they would give less to charity this year than in 2009. That percentage grew to 17 percent among the top 10 percent of donors who gave the most money to charity. Other trends in giving were noted by respondents, all of which have significant implications for fundraisers as they reflect donors' growing irritation with certain fundraising practices. They are: a preference for giving to charities that provide donors with measurable results (69%); eliminating or reducing support to nonprofits that over-solicit (67%); a greater tendency to take cost per dollar raised into account when making giving decisions (65%); shifting more support to charities working locally (43%); and supporting fewer causes (41%). Additionally, 59% of respondents said they now do more research prior to supporting a charity for the first time, which speaks to donors' growing independence in managing their philanthropy. For an Executive Summary of the report, go to http://www.cygresearch.com/files. To order the full report, go to: http://www.cygresearch.com.
Resource of the Week – Free e-Book - How to Raise A Lot More Money Now
Network for Good has just published a free e-book How to Raise A Lot More Money Now* - 50 Great Ideas from 11 Top Experts. According to the organization, some of the best minds in the fundraising world came up with 50 creative ideas that you can start using today to raise more money for your cause. You'll find great ideas from Jeff Brooks, Jocelyn Harmon, Mark Rovner, Kivi Leroux Miller, Beth Kanter, Allison Fine, Nancy Schwartz, Sarah Durham, Chris Forbes, Alia McKee Scott, and Katya Andresen. To download the free e-book, go to:
http://web.networkforgood.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Data Validation in Excel 2007
Data Validation lets you restrict what goes into a cell. For example, if dates being entered must be between a certain range, do this:
• Select the range of cells that you want to apply data validation to
• Click the Data tab on the Ribbon
• In the Data Tools group click the Data Validation button
• Under Validation criteria choose Date from the Allow drop-down menu
• Enter the acceptable date range
• Click OK
If someone tries to enter a date outside this range a warning is displayed that says, "The value you entered is not valid.”
Monday, August 2, 2010
Picks of the Week: August 1 - 7, 2010
Website of the Week – Pillar Nonprofit Network
Pillar Nonprofit Network supports nonprofit organizations in fulfilling their missions in the communities they serve. The organization strives to provide leadership, advocacy and support to the nonprofit sector through the promotion of volunteerism, professional development, networking, and information. The site includes an extensive collection of resources on all aspects of nonprofit management and leadership. Go to: http://www.pillarnonprofit.ca.
Publication of the Week -- Streetsmart Financial Basics for Nonprofit Managers, 3rd Edition by Thomas A. McLaughlin
From the publisher: Tom McLaughlin is a proven master at making the daunting concepts of nonprofit financial management clear and engaging. This book is a superb introduction for new nonprofit executives, board members, and students. It is also an excellent refresher and reference for those who have been around the nonprofit sector for a while. It is well written, concise, and thought provoking. As nonprofits strive for greater accountability, Tom McLaughlin's real-world examples and accessible style make this book indispensable for nonprofit executives, managers, and board members at organizations of any size. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Millennials and Online Sharing In Networks
A new study from the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project reveals Millennials attitudes about online sharing in social netwroks. In a survey about the future impact of the internet, a solid majority of technology experts and stakeholders said the Millennial generation will lead society into a new world of personal disclosure and information-sharing using new media. These experts said the communications patterns “digital natives” have already embraced through their use of social networking technology and other social technology tools will carry forward even as Millennials age, form families, and move up the economic ladder. Experts surveyed say that the advantages Millennials see in personal disclosure will outweigh their concerns about their privacy. For more information, go to: http://www.pewinternet.org.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Webinars for August 2010
Wild Apricot, a Canadian based software development company has compiled a list of webinars on a number of nonprofit management topics being offered this month at no charge – useful for fundraisers, board members, administrators, active volunteers and volunteer coordinators. Go to: http://www.wildapricot.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Creating Access 2007 Tables from Excel
Here's a simple way to create an Access 2007 table from an Excel worksheet:
• Open the Excel worksheet
• Select the data you want in your Access table
• Copy the data to the clipboard and paste it into Access or you can even drag and drop it into Access
Pillar Nonprofit Network supports nonprofit organizations in fulfilling their missions in the communities they serve. The organization strives to provide leadership, advocacy and support to the nonprofit sector through the promotion of volunteerism, professional development, networking, and information. The site includes an extensive collection of resources on all aspects of nonprofit management and leadership. Go to: http://www.pillarnonprofit.ca.
Publication of the Week -- Streetsmart Financial Basics for Nonprofit Managers, 3rd Edition by Thomas A. McLaughlin
From the publisher: Tom McLaughlin is a proven master at making the daunting concepts of nonprofit financial management clear and engaging. This book is a superb introduction for new nonprofit executives, board members, and students. It is also an excellent refresher and reference for those who have been around the nonprofit sector for a while. It is well written, concise, and thought provoking. As nonprofits strive for greater accountability, Tom McLaughlin's real-world examples and accessible style make this book indispensable for nonprofit executives, managers, and board members at organizations of any size. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Millennials and Online Sharing In Networks
A new study from the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project reveals Millennials attitudes about online sharing in social netwroks. In a survey about the future impact of the internet, a solid majority of technology experts and stakeholders said the Millennial generation will lead society into a new world of personal disclosure and information-sharing using new media. These experts said the communications patterns “digital natives” have already embraced through their use of social networking technology and other social technology tools will carry forward even as Millennials age, form families, and move up the economic ladder. Experts surveyed say that the advantages Millennials see in personal disclosure will outweigh their concerns about their privacy. For more information, go to: http://www.pewinternet.org.
Resource of the Week – Nonprofit Webinars for August 2010
Wild Apricot, a Canadian based software development company has compiled a list of webinars on a number of nonprofit management topics being offered this month at no charge – useful for fundraisers, board members, administrators, active volunteers and volunteer coordinators. Go to: http://www.wildapricot.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Creating Access 2007 Tables from Excel
Here's a simple way to create an Access 2007 table from an Excel worksheet:
• Open the Excel worksheet
• Select the data you want in your Access table
• Copy the data to the clipboard and paste it into Access or you can even drag and drop it into Access
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