Website of the Week -- Root Cause
Root Cause is a nonprofit organization that accelerates enduring solutions to social and economic problems by supporting social innovators and educating social impact investors. Root Cause accomplishes this through business planning and implementation, leadership development, research, and the creation of professional and funding networks that unite the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Founded in 2004 by Andrew Wolk, Root Cause has raised more than $22 million in investment and produced seven publications in its pursuit of advancing social innovation. Clients address issues like youth development, seniors and aging, and economic development. Over the last several years, Root Cause has developed a network of over 4,500 nonprofit, business, foundation, academic, and government leaders and engaged almost 250 professionally skilled volunteers. Go to: http://www.rootcause.org.
Publication of the Week -- Nonprofit Risk Management & Contingency Planning: Done in a Day Strategies by Peggy M. Jackson
From the publisher: Could your nonprofit stand up to risk assessment from outside authorities? Would it be ready should a key staff member leave? Risk management and business continuity planning have the potential for growing and strengthening the internal structure of your nonprofit, yet, these crucial practices are often deferred--or avoided--because many nonprofits fear the planning process will take forever, step on toes, or gather dust on a shelf once it is completed. With valuable templates, checklists, and worksheets to facilitate planning and preparation, Nonprofit Risk Management & Contingency Planning: Done in a Day Strategies is an uncomplicated way for your nonprofit to get risk management planning done. With some basic preparation--and dedication of a single day--this easy-to-read and easy-to-use tool introduces you to the nuts and bolts of strategic planning and equips you with the structure to engage successfully in a contingency planning process. Preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Growing Impact of Nonprofits in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin nonprofit sector has grown by 70 percent over the past ten years. In 2005, there were over 31,000 Wisconsin nonprofits that employed 8.9 percent of the state’s total workforce, marking a 5.2 percent employment growth rate over 2004 and pushing Wisconsin well above the national trend of nonprofits employing 7 percent of the workforce, according to the Wisconsin Nonprofit Sector Report – More Than Charity, a new report by the Wisconsin Nonprofits Association (WNA). To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.wisconsinnonprofits.org.
Resource of the Week -- Audio Screencast: Effective Organizations Achieve Superior Results
A few years ago, Bridgespan began surveying clients' senior leadership teams about their organizations' strengths and weaknesses. There are now 30 nonprofits of varying sizes in the Bridgespan database, as well as a comparison set of data for more than 500 for-profits, which was developed at Bain & Company. Analysis of these databases demonstrates that high performing nonprofits think about organizational leadership, they identify the decisions that really matter, they develop the people necessary for success, they pay attention to work processes, and they create a high-performance culture. This presentation summarizes findings, and discusses barriers that commonly prevent many nonprofits from building effective organizations. It also outlines approaches that nonprofits can use to increase the effectiveness of their organizations. To view the audio screencast, go to: http://www.bridgespangroup.org/kno_media_effectiveorgs.html.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Using Paste Link in Excel 2007
Most people know how to Cut, Copy and Paste in Excel 2007 but many don’t use Paste Link, which creates a link between the data or formula in the original cell and the destination cell where it’s pasted. Here’s how:
• Click on a cell to make it the active cell
• Click on the Copy button on the Home tab (or press Ctrl + c)
• Click on the destination cell where you want the results to be displayed
• Click the small arrow at the bottom of the Paste button to open the drop down list
• Click Paste Link
The contents of the original cell now also appear in the destination cell.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Picks of the Week: July 20 - 26, 2008
Website of the Week -- Commonfund
Commonfund's mission is to enhance the financial resources of nonprofit institutions and to help them improve investment management practices. Commonfund, founded with assistance from the Ford Foundation, offers a wide range of investment funds and high quality programs and services to nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions, foundations, health care organizations, and other mission-based and public benefit nonprofits and their pension plans. Visit the website listed above for more information on Commonfund's programs and services. Go to: http://www.commonfund.org.
Publication of the Week - Business Planning for Enduring Social Impact: A Social-Entrepreneurial Approach to Solving Social Problems by Andrew Wolk and Kelley Kreitz
From the publisher: Business Planning for Enduring Social Impact applies the strategic rigor and financial savvy of traditional private-sector business planning to social problem solving. This practical guide provides an introduction to business planning for enduring social impact and leads readers through a four-step process for creating an actionable business plan. The guide is an essential tool for organizations seeking to:
• Define organizational focus and strategy and establish a clear road map
• Build a financially sustainable model by creating a plan to establish reliable streams of philanthropic support, earned income, and/or in-kind resource
• Establish rigorous methods of measuring impact for the organization and its stakeholders
• Make data-driven decisions that lead to improvements to the organization and its activities
• Build partnerships with stakeholders in all three sectors public, private, and nonprofit
Key features include a glossary of business planning terms, plus an outline, sample workplan, and sample business plan for enduring social impact. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- U.S. Charitable Giving Up in 2007
Charitable giving in the United States is estimated to be $306.39 billion in 2007, exceeding $300 billion for the first time in history, according to Giving USA 2008, the yearbook on philanthropy released today by Giving USA Foundation. Every type of public charity receiving donations saw gains in 2007. The estimates for 2007 indicate that giving rose in 2007 by 3.9 percent (1 percent adjusted for inflation), says the report, which is researched and written by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. This year’s report also includes results from a survey of 366 charities about their fundraising practices and the impact they believe national events had on giving in 2007 and will have in 2008. The survey concentrated on charities in the public-society benefit subsector. These include combined purpose funds that reallocate received gifts to other charitable recipients, community and economic development organizations, research institutes, and organizations registering voters or working on civil rights issues. Combined-purpose funds include such entities as United Ways, religious campaigns and the Combined Federal Campaign. The increase in 2007 is attributable largely to stock market performance in the first half of the year, overall growth in the economy measured by gross domestic product, and increases in corporate and personal income as reported at the end of the year. Charitable giving was 2.2 percent of gross domestic product for 2007. Go to: http://www.givingusa.org/press_releases/releases/20080622.html.
Resource of the Week -- Root Cause Solutions E-Newsletter
Root Cause Solutions is a bi-monthly e-newsletter covering key issues and topics facing problem solvers working in nonprofits, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. It includes leading-edge strategies for building enduring solutions to our most pressing social problems, drawn from our work with our consulting clients and our social enterprises. In addition, each issue provides our recommendations of other important articles and tools on the featured topic. Root Cause is a nonprofit organization that accelerates enduring solutions to social and economic problems by supporting social innovators and educating social impact investors. To subscribe to the newsletter, go to: http://www.rootcause.org/knowledge_sharing/solutions/subscribe.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Remove Duplicate Records in Excel 2007 Database
• Click in the database
• Click the Design tab
• In the Tools group click Remove Duplicates
Commonfund's mission is to enhance the financial resources of nonprofit institutions and to help them improve investment management practices. Commonfund, founded with assistance from the Ford Foundation, offers a wide range of investment funds and high quality programs and services to nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions, foundations, health care organizations, and other mission-based and public benefit nonprofits and their pension plans. Visit the website listed above for more information on Commonfund's programs and services. Go to: http://www.commonfund.org.
Publication of the Week - Business Planning for Enduring Social Impact: A Social-Entrepreneurial Approach to Solving Social Problems by Andrew Wolk and Kelley Kreitz
From the publisher: Business Planning for Enduring Social Impact applies the strategic rigor and financial savvy of traditional private-sector business planning to social problem solving. This practical guide provides an introduction to business planning for enduring social impact and leads readers through a four-step process for creating an actionable business plan. The guide is an essential tool for organizations seeking to:
• Define organizational focus and strategy and establish a clear road map
• Build a financially sustainable model by creating a plan to establish reliable streams of philanthropic support, earned income, and/or in-kind resource
• Establish rigorous methods of measuring impact for the organization and its stakeholders
• Make data-driven decisions that lead to improvements to the organization and its activities
• Build partnerships with stakeholders in all three sectors public, private, and nonprofit
Key features include a glossary of business planning terms, plus an outline, sample workplan, and sample business plan for enduring social impact. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- U.S. Charitable Giving Up in 2007
Charitable giving in the United States is estimated to be $306.39 billion in 2007, exceeding $300 billion for the first time in history, according to Giving USA 2008, the yearbook on philanthropy released today by Giving USA Foundation. Every type of public charity receiving donations saw gains in 2007. The estimates for 2007 indicate that giving rose in 2007 by 3.9 percent (1 percent adjusted for inflation), says the report, which is researched and written by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. This year’s report also includes results from a survey of 366 charities about their fundraising practices and the impact they believe national events had on giving in 2007 and will have in 2008. The survey concentrated on charities in the public-society benefit subsector. These include combined purpose funds that reallocate received gifts to other charitable recipients, community and economic development organizations, research institutes, and organizations registering voters or working on civil rights issues. Combined-purpose funds include such entities as United Ways, religious campaigns and the Combined Federal Campaign. The increase in 2007 is attributable largely to stock market performance in the first half of the year, overall growth in the economy measured by gross domestic product, and increases in corporate and personal income as reported at the end of the year. Charitable giving was 2.2 percent of gross domestic product for 2007. Go to: http://www.givingusa.org/press_releases/releases/20080622.html.
Resource of the Week -- Root Cause Solutions E-Newsletter
Root Cause Solutions is a bi-monthly e-newsletter covering key issues and topics facing problem solvers working in nonprofits, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. It includes leading-edge strategies for building enduring solutions to our most pressing social problems, drawn from our work with our consulting clients and our social enterprises. In addition, each issue provides our recommendations of other important articles and tools on the featured topic. Root Cause is a nonprofit organization that accelerates enduring solutions to social and economic problems by supporting social innovators and educating social impact investors. To subscribe to the newsletter, go to: http://www.rootcause.org/knowledge_sharing/solutions/subscribe.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Remove Duplicate Records in Excel 2007 Database
• Click in the database
• Click the Design tab
• In the Tools group click Remove Duplicates
Monday, July 14, 2008
Picks of the Week: July 13 - July 19, 2008
VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch is a leader in the nonprofit world dedicated to helping everyone find a great place to volunteer. The organization offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. This popular service welcomes millions of visitors a year and has become the preferred internet recruiting tool for more than 50,000 nonprofit organizations. Go to: http://www.volunteermatch.org/about. For some excellent volunteer recruitment resources targeting 55+ volunteers, go to: http://www.volunteermatch.org/nonprofits/resources/research.jsp.
Publication of the Week -- Boards That Deliver: Advancing Corporate Governance From Compliance to Competitive Advantage by Ram Charan
From the publisher: Finally, a book that brings the vision of truly good governance down to earth. Ram Charan, expert in corporate governance and best-selling author, packs this book with useful tools and techniques to take boards and their companies to a higher level of performance. Charan puts his finger on a growing problem for boards: the disconnect between directors' efforts and their results. The added time and attention boards invest is not translating into better governance, that is, governance that adds value to the business. Boards That Deliver gets beyond the rhetoric of corporate governance reform. It captures the tried-and-true practices used by high-performance boards. In contrast to experts who base prescriptions on number-crunching exercises, Charan identifies the real problems that drain directors' time and suppress their best judgments and explains clearly and succinctly how boards can solve those problems. These battle-tested solutions help boards achieve what rules and regulations alone cannot to get succession right, refine a winning strategy, and design a rational CEO compensation package. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- U.S. Population Projections: 2005-2050
If current trends continue, immigrants arriving from 2005 to 2050 and their descendants will account for 82% of the population growth in the United States during this period, according to new projections from the Pew Research Center. The nation's racial and ethnic mix will change markedly by mid-century, the projections show, with the Hispanic share rising to 29%. Among non-Hispanic race groups, the Asian share will rise to 9%, the non-Hispanic black share will hold steady at 13% and the non-Hispanic white share will fall to 47%. The nation's elderly population (ages 65 and above) will more than double in size from 2005 to 2050 and by mid-century will make up 19% of the total population. The Center’s report includes an analysis of the nation’s future “dependency ratio”—the number of children and elderly compared with the number of working-age Americans. There were 59 children and elderly people per 100 adults of working age in 2005. That will rise to 72 dependents per 100 adults of working age in 2050. The report also offers two alternative population projections, one based on lower immigration assumptions and one based on higher immigration assumptions. To download a copy of the complete report, go to: http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/85.pdf.
Resource of the Week -- SmorgasBoard Newsletter
The SmorgasBoard newsletter is published by BoardWalk Consultants. A sampling of bits and bytes on boards and leadership in nonprofits, foundations and the institutions that champion them, SmorgasBoard offers essays, practical tools, client developments, publications and other items of interest for trustees, executive directors, and those who care about the causes they serve. For subscription information and copies of past editions, go to: http://www.boardwalkconsulting.com/Enewsletter.aspx.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Entering the Current Date in Word 2007
• Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon
• In the Text group, click Date and Time
• Choose the desired date format
• If you want the date to be updated every time you open the document, turn on the “update automatically” check box
• Click on OK
VolunteerMatch is a leader in the nonprofit world dedicated to helping everyone find a great place to volunteer. The organization offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. This popular service welcomes millions of visitors a year and has become the preferred internet recruiting tool for more than 50,000 nonprofit organizations. Go to: http://www.volunteermatch.org/about. For some excellent volunteer recruitment resources targeting 55+ volunteers, go to: http://www.volunteermatch.org/nonprofits/resources/research.jsp.
Publication of the Week -- Boards That Deliver: Advancing Corporate Governance From Compliance to Competitive Advantage by Ram Charan
From the publisher: Finally, a book that brings the vision of truly good governance down to earth. Ram Charan, expert in corporate governance and best-selling author, packs this book with useful tools and techniques to take boards and their companies to a higher level of performance. Charan puts his finger on a growing problem for boards: the disconnect between directors' efforts and their results. The added time and attention boards invest is not translating into better governance, that is, governance that adds value to the business. Boards That Deliver gets beyond the rhetoric of corporate governance reform. It captures the tried-and-true practices used by high-performance boards. In contrast to experts who base prescriptions on number-crunching exercises, Charan identifies the real problems that drain directors' time and suppress their best judgments and explains clearly and succinctly how boards can solve those problems. These battle-tested solutions help boards achieve what rules and regulations alone cannot to get succession right, refine a winning strategy, and design a rational CEO compensation package. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- U.S. Population Projections: 2005-2050
If current trends continue, immigrants arriving from 2005 to 2050 and their descendants will account for 82% of the population growth in the United States during this period, according to new projections from the Pew Research Center. The nation's racial and ethnic mix will change markedly by mid-century, the projections show, with the Hispanic share rising to 29%. Among non-Hispanic race groups, the Asian share will rise to 9%, the non-Hispanic black share will hold steady at 13% and the non-Hispanic white share will fall to 47%. The nation's elderly population (ages 65 and above) will more than double in size from 2005 to 2050 and by mid-century will make up 19% of the total population. The Center’s report includes an analysis of the nation’s future “dependency ratio”—the number of children and elderly compared with the number of working-age Americans. There were 59 children and elderly people per 100 adults of working age in 2005. That will rise to 72 dependents per 100 adults of working age in 2050. The report also offers two alternative population projections, one based on lower immigration assumptions and one based on higher immigration assumptions. To download a copy of the complete report, go to: http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/85.pdf.
Resource of the Week -- SmorgasBoard Newsletter
The SmorgasBoard newsletter is published by BoardWalk Consultants. A sampling of bits and bytes on boards and leadership in nonprofits, foundations and the institutions that champion them, SmorgasBoard offers essays, practical tools, client developments, publications and other items of interest for trustees, executive directors, and those who care about the causes they serve. For subscription information and copies of past editions, go to: http://www.boardwalkconsulting.com/Enewsletter.aspx.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Entering the Current Date in Word 2007
• Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon
• In the Text group, click Date and Time
• Choose the desired date format
• If you want the date to be updated every time you open the document, turn on the “update automatically” check box
• Click on OK
Monday, July 7, 2008
Picks of the Week: July 6 - July 12, 2008
Website of the Week -- Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers is a national philanthropic leader and a network of 32 regional associations of grantmakers. It supports philanthropy by strengthening the ability of all regional associations to fulfill their missions; these associations promote the growth and effectiveness of philanthropy in order to improve life in their communities. The Forum organizes its activities and applies its resources against six priorities:
• Strengthen effective and efficient geographic associations and provide support and services to them.
• Leverage the assets of the network of associations.
• Promote greater participation in geographic associations.
• Share knowledge and informed practice.
• Clearly communicate philanthropy’s impact and interests; and
• Develop partnerships based on beneficial exchange.
Go to: http://www.givingforum.org/s_forum/index.asp
Publication of the Week -- Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow
From the publisher: Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow is everything nonprofits need to engage skilled Boomer volunteers. This innovative book provides a step-by-step guide for engaging Boomers as volunteers to build organizational capacity. The authors offer a new framework through which nonprofits can capitalize on the vast skills and resources of the 78.2 million Baby Boomers. The guidebook includes a comprehensive, easy-to-understand synthesis of the body of research on the Baby Boomer generation, featuring information that is current and relevant to volunteer engagement. The book also includes 14 downloadable interactive PDF worksheets that focus effort on measurable results. With this inspiring and practical guide for reengineering volunteer programs, nonprofits will not only survive in a changing world, but also thrive in the future. Through collaborative volunteer engagement with the Baby Boomer generation, organizations will have the capacity to fulfill their missions and achieve their dreams. Preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Home Broadband Adoption Stalls for Low-Income Americans
A new study from the Pew Research Center will be of special interest to nonprofits. Some 55% of adult Americans now have broadband internet connections at home, up from 47% who had high-speed access at home last year at this time. From the March 2006 to March 2007 timeframe, home broadband adoption grew from 42% of Americans to 47%. The rate from March 2007 to April 2008 was 17%; this compares with the 12% growth rate from March 2006 to March 2007. It is also worth noting that the April 2008 number for broadband adoption at home is little changed from the 54% figure from the Pew Internet Project's December 2007 survey. With growth in broadband at home, just 10% of Americans now have dial-up internet connections at home. Growth in broadband adoption was flat among the poor and African Americans. 25% of low-income Americans - those whose household incomes are $20,000 annually or less - reported having broadband at home in April 2008. This compares to the 28% figure reported in March 2007 among those living in households whose annual incomes are $20,000 or less.
African Americans showed slow growth as well, with 43% saying they had broadband at home in April 2008 versus 40% who said this in March 2007. For more information, go to: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/888/home-broadband-adoption-2008.
Resource of the Week -- Everyone Ready Professional Development Program in Volunteer Management
Everyone Ready® is a professional development program in volunteer management delivered via Online Seminars, electronic Self-Instruction Guides, interactive discussion boards, and other online resources. It's designed to engage you in a year-long learning community, with all resources available 24/7 at your convenience. You get 12 new topics a year, alternating in presentation through 6 online seminars and 6 self-instruction guides. An expert trainer is available to respond to e-mailed questions at all times, so you can get attention and the clarification you need. The online seminars are provided in Flash® format, giving you a professional-quality program that you can access over and over. And there are always handouts, links to additional resources, and discussion questions. To learn more about this innovative approach to training, go to: www.energizeinc.com/everyoneready.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Selecting a Range in Excel
In Excel, a range is a group of connected cells. When working in Excel you often need to select a range. A simple trick for quickly selecting a range is to:
• Click anywhere within the range
• Press Ctrl + Shift + *
The range is selected! This tip works in all versions of Excel.
The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers is a national philanthropic leader and a network of 32 regional associations of grantmakers. It supports philanthropy by strengthening the ability of all regional associations to fulfill their missions; these associations promote the growth and effectiveness of philanthropy in order to improve life in their communities. The Forum organizes its activities and applies its resources against six priorities:
• Strengthen effective and efficient geographic associations and provide support and services to them.
• Leverage the assets of the network of associations.
• Promote greater participation in geographic associations.
• Share knowledge and informed practice.
• Clearly communicate philanthropy’s impact and interests; and
• Develop partnerships based on beneficial exchange.
Go to: http://www.givingforum.org/s_forum/index.asp
Publication of the Week -- Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow
From the publisher: Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow is everything nonprofits need to engage skilled Boomer volunteers. This innovative book provides a step-by-step guide for engaging Boomers as volunteers to build organizational capacity. The authors offer a new framework through which nonprofits can capitalize on the vast skills and resources of the 78.2 million Baby Boomers. The guidebook includes a comprehensive, easy-to-understand synthesis of the body of research on the Baby Boomer generation, featuring information that is current and relevant to volunteer engagement. The book also includes 14 downloadable interactive PDF worksheets that focus effort on measurable results. With this inspiring and practical guide for reengineering volunteer programs, nonprofits will not only survive in a changing world, but also thrive in the future. Through collaborative volunteer engagement with the Baby Boomer generation, organizations will have the capacity to fulfill their missions and achieve their dreams. Preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Home Broadband Adoption Stalls for Low-Income Americans
A new study from the Pew Research Center will be of special interest to nonprofits. Some 55% of adult Americans now have broadband internet connections at home, up from 47% who had high-speed access at home last year at this time. From the March 2006 to March 2007 timeframe, home broadband adoption grew from 42% of Americans to 47%. The rate from March 2007 to April 2008 was 17%; this compares with the 12% growth rate from March 2006 to March 2007. It is also worth noting that the April 2008 number for broadband adoption at home is little changed from the 54% figure from the Pew Internet Project's December 2007 survey. With growth in broadband at home, just 10% of Americans now have dial-up internet connections at home. Growth in broadband adoption was flat among the poor and African Americans. 25% of low-income Americans - those whose household incomes are $20,000 annually or less - reported having broadband at home in April 2008. This compares to the 28% figure reported in March 2007 among those living in households whose annual incomes are $20,000 or less.
African Americans showed slow growth as well, with 43% saying they had broadband at home in April 2008 versus 40% who said this in March 2007. For more information, go to: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/888/home-broadband-adoption-2008.
Resource of the Week -- Everyone Ready Professional Development Program in Volunteer Management
Everyone Ready® is a professional development program in volunteer management delivered via Online Seminars, electronic Self-Instruction Guides, interactive discussion boards, and other online resources. It's designed to engage you in a year-long learning community, with all resources available 24/7 at your convenience. You get 12 new topics a year, alternating in presentation through 6 online seminars and 6 self-instruction guides. An expert trainer is available to respond to e-mailed questions at all times, so you can get attention and the clarification you need. The online seminars are provided in Flash® format, giving you a professional-quality program that you can access over and over. And there are always handouts, links to additional resources, and discussion questions. To learn more about this innovative approach to training, go to: www.energizeinc.com/everyoneready.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Selecting a Range in Excel
In Excel, a range is a group of connected cells. When working in Excel you often need to select a range. A simple trick for quickly selecting a range is to:
• Click anywhere within the range
• Press Ctrl + Shift + *
The range is selected! This tip works in all versions of Excel.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Picks of the Week: June 29 - July 5, 2008
Website of the Week -- Women's Funding Network
The Women's Funding Network is a network of funds specifically supportive of nonprofit groups and initiatives working to improve the lives of women and girls. Some 125 such funds across the US and in 17 other countries are members or affiliates of the network; the site includes a search engine to find one near you. Go to: http://www.wfnet.org/about.
Publication of the Week -- Exposing the Elephants: Creating Exceptional Nonprofits by Pamela J. Wilcox
From the publisher: Providing an insider's look into the need for change, Exposing the Elephants: Creating Exceptional Nonprofits gives an eye-opening assessment of the state of the nonprofit sector today, as well as practical and useful recommendations for real change from within. Written by nonprofit authority Pamela Wilcox, Exposing the Elephants is straightforward in tone and brims with optimism for the future of the nonprofit industry. This stirring guide confronts the brutal facts of daily existence in the nonprofit setting, and equips you with a new and pragmatic framework to propel your organization to embrace innovation, new venture risk, and lasting mission achievements. Divided into three parts, Part I of Exposing the Elephants introduces the nonprofit industry and explores the public perception of nonprofits. Part II tackles the "what" and "why" of the five nonprofit "elephants," with each elephant representing an uncomfortable truth that volunteer and staff leaders recognize, but refuse to acknowledge. Finally, Part III explores the revolutionary ideas and practices—elephant solutions—that can tame and transform unruly pachyderms into well-behaved friends. Successful tools and techniques are sprinkled throughout the chapters. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Trends in Black America
According to one of the largest-ever studies of Black America, 70 percent of African Americans already have a plan for their future. The survey was released today by Radio One Inc., the study’s sponsor, and Yankelovich, the Chapel Hill-based research firm. The survey of 3,400 African Americans between 13 and 74 years of age, the only study to include Black teens and seniors, found also that 54 percent were optimistic about their future and 60 percent believe “things are getting better for me.” The study provides the most detailed snap shot of African American life in the United States today, and finds strong group identity across age and income brackets. It also discloses a comprehensive look at how African Americans feel about many aspects of life in America, and cautions against a simplistic reading of Black America as a monolithic group. In fact, it shows that Blacks are divided evenly on how they liked to be described, with 42 percent (who are more likely to be affluent) preferring to be called “Black” and 44 percent preferring “African American.” The survey, representing nearly 30 million Black Americans, identified eleven specific segments within Black America today, ranging from Connected Black Teens, Digital Networkers and Black Onliners at the younger end, to Faith Fulfills, Broadcast Blacks and Boomer Blacks at the older end. To download a copy of the report as well as several facts sheets, go to: http://www.blackamericastudy.com.
Resource of the Week -- Handbook on Citizen Engagement
The Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN) has released a Handbook on Citizen Engagement, a resource useful for those working in community development. The report, written by Amanda Sheedy and released in March 2008 describes citizen engagement as the belief that people should have and want to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. The handbook is “intended to whet the appetite for citizen engagement for those new to citizen engagement, and for those with experience to deepen the analysis behind citizen engagement projects and provide a synthesis of the field and a concise reference tool. The long term vision is to contribute to the closing of the gap between governments and citizens, to allow public servants and politicians to reconnect with citizens’ needs, priorities and values.” To download the Handbook on Citizen Engagement from the CPRN website go to: http://www.cprn.org/documents/49583_EN.pdf.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Remove Formatting in Word 2007
To remove formatting in Word 2007:
• Select text
• Click the Home button on the Ribbon
• In the Font group, click the clear formatting button
The Women's Funding Network is a network of funds specifically supportive of nonprofit groups and initiatives working to improve the lives of women and girls. Some 125 such funds across the US and in 17 other countries are members or affiliates of the network; the site includes a search engine to find one near you. Go to: http://www.wfnet.org/about.
Publication of the Week -- Exposing the Elephants: Creating Exceptional Nonprofits by Pamela J. Wilcox
From the publisher: Providing an insider's look into the need for change, Exposing the Elephants: Creating Exceptional Nonprofits gives an eye-opening assessment of the state of the nonprofit sector today, as well as practical and useful recommendations for real change from within. Written by nonprofit authority Pamela Wilcox, Exposing the Elephants is straightforward in tone and brims with optimism for the future of the nonprofit industry. This stirring guide confronts the brutal facts of daily existence in the nonprofit setting, and equips you with a new and pragmatic framework to propel your organization to embrace innovation, new venture risk, and lasting mission achievements. Divided into three parts, Part I of Exposing the Elephants introduces the nonprofit industry and explores the public perception of nonprofits. Part II tackles the "what" and "why" of the five nonprofit "elephants," with each elephant representing an uncomfortable truth that volunteer and staff leaders recognize, but refuse to acknowledge. Finally, Part III explores the revolutionary ideas and practices—elephant solutions—that can tame and transform unruly pachyderms into well-behaved friends. Successful tools and techniques are sprinkled throughout the chapters. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Trends in Black America
According to one of the largest-ever studies of Black America, 70 percent of African Americans already have a plan for their future. The survey was released today by Radio One Inc., the study’s sponsor, and Yankelovich, the Chapel Hill-based research firm. The survey of 3,400 African Americans between 13 and 74 years of age, the only study to include Black teens and seniors, found also that 54 percent were optimistic about their future and 60 percent believe “things are getting better for me.” The study provides the most detailed snap shot of African American life in the United States today, and finds strong group identity across age and income brackets. It also discloses a comprehensive look at how African Americans feel about many aspects of life in America, and cautions against a simplistic reading of Black America as a monolithic group. In fact, it shows that Blacks are divided evenly on how they liked to be described, with 42 percent (who are more likely to be affluent) preferring to be called “Black” and 44 percent preferring “African American.” The survey, representing nearly 30 million Black Americans, identified eleven specific segments within Black America today, ranging from Connected Black Teens, Digital Networkers and Black Onliners at the younger end, to Faith Fulfills, Broadcast Blacks and Boomer Blacks at the older end. To download a copy of the report as well as several facts sheets, go to: http://www.blackamericastudy.com.
Resource of the Week -- Handbook on Citizen Engagement
The Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN) has released a Handbook on Citizen Engagement, a resource useful for those working in community development. The report, written by Amanda Sheedy and released in March 2008 describes citizen engagement as the belief that people should have and want to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. The handbook is “intended to whet the appetite for citizen engagement for those new to citizen engagement, and for those with experience to deepen the analysis behind citizen engagement projects and provide a synthesis of the field and a concise reference tool. The long term vision is to contribute to the closing of the gap between governments and citizens, to allow public servants and politicians to reconnect with citizens’ needs, priorities and values.” To download the Handbook on Citizen Engagement from the CPRN website go to: http://www.cprn.org/documents/49583_EN.pdf.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Remove Formatting in Word 2007
To remove formatting in Word 2007:
• Select text
• Click the Home button on the Ribbon
• In the Font group, click the clear formatting button
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Picks of the Week: June 22 - 28, 2008
Website of the Week -- Civic Practices Network
Civic Practices Network (CPN) is a collaborative and nonpartisan project bringing together a diverse array of organizations and perspectives within the civic renewal movement. CPN shares a commitment to bring practical methods for public problem solving into every community and institutional setting in America. The site includes manual and resource guides, sample course syllabi and much more. Go to: www.cpn.org.
Publication of the Week -- Power in Policy: A Funder's Guide to Advocacy and Civic Participation by Hodding, III Carter and David F. Arons
From the Publisher: Why should funders try to shape public policy? Simply put, because public policy has impact on mission. And, it’s the only way to affect the laws that determine how people will be treated, what services will be provided, and what behaviors are acceptable. But what role should foundations play? Power in Policy, written primarily by foundation practitioners for foundations, is the first book that:
• Makes a strong case for why advocacy and civic participation are fundamental roles for foundations
• Shares insights, lessons, and perspectives from foundation leaders and legal and philanthropic experts on how to engage in, talk about, and incorporate advocacy into philanthropy—and the nature of their role in the policymaking arena
• Answers frequently asked questions including, “How does my foundation assess various risks?” “How do we organizationally prepare for public policy work, and develop partnerships and advocacy strategies?”
• Gives rich case stories of how private and community foundations—including large and small foundations—are meeting their missions through public policy and civic activity
• Presents clearly and concisely key policy principles, legal rules, and evaluation methods
• Provides a toolkit for foundations to develop the capacity to engage in advocacy at their own speed and resource level
Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Using Employee Volunteering Benefits HR Departments
In a recent survey of executives of large Canadian and US companies, more than two thirds of responding companies reported that volunteerism will grow in importance as a management priority (The Conference Board, 2006). One reason is the growing belief that employee volunteering benefits business. The last few decades have produced claims regarding the HR value of company-supported employee volunteer programs. According to recent research about the practices of pioneering companies, it is increasingly clear that the HR areas that employee volunteering best supports are employee professional development, recruitment, morale and retention, and teamwork. For a description of trends and best practices in each of these areas, download a copy of the report at: www.pointsoflight.org.
Resource of the Week -- KIDS COUNT Data Center
A service of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT Data Center is an online database that features more than 100 indicators of child well-being for the 50 largest U.S. cities. You can select a state or city to find a range of major indicators of child well being such as child poverty rates, health insurance coverage, etc. You can also compare specific data across states or cities. Results can be viewed as a ranking, map, or trend line. Go to: http://www.kidscount.org/datacenter.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Find Your Excel 2007 Serial Number
When you first installed Excel 2007 you had to enter a product key number which was probably located on the CD. This ID is your serial number. You will need to have this number If you ever try to get technical support from Microsoft. Here’s how you can find it:
• Click the Office button on the Ribbon
• Click the Excel Options button
• Click Resources
• Click the About button to display the About Microsoft Excel dialog box
• Your product ID code is displayed on this dialog box
Civic Practices Network (CPN) is a collaborative and nonpartisan project bringing together a diverse array of organizations and perspectives within the civic renewal movement. CPN shares a commitment to bring practical methods for public problem solving into every community and institutional setting in America. The site includes manual and resource guides, sample course syllabi and much more. Go to: www.cpn.org.
Publication of the Week -- Power in Policy: A Funder's Guide to Advocacy and Civic Participation by Hodding, III Carter and David F. Arons
From the Publisher: Why should funders try to shape public policy? Simply put, because public policy has impact on mission. And, it’s the only way to affect the laws that determine how people will be treated, what services will be provided, and what behaviors are acceptable. But what role should foundations play? Power in Policy, written primarily by foundation practitioners for foundations, is the first book that:
• Makes a strong case for why advocacy and civic participation are fundamental roles for foundations
• Shares insights, lessons, and perspectives from foundation leaders and legal and philanthropic experts on how to engage in, talk about, and incorporate advocacy into philanthropy—and the nature of their role in the policymaking arena
• Answers frequently asked questions including, “How does my foundation assess various risks?” “How do we organizationally prepare for public policy work, and develop partnerships and advocacy strategies?”
• Gives rich case stories of how private and community foundations—including large and small foundations—are meeting their missions through public policy and civic activity
• Presents clearly and concisely key policy principles, legal rules, and evaluation methods
• Provides a toolkit for foundations to develop the capacity to engage in advocacy at their own speed and resource level
Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Using Employee Volunteering Benefits HR Departments
In a recent survey of executives of large Canadian and US companies, more than two thirds of responding companies reported that volunteerism will grow in importance as a management priority (The Conference Board, 2006). One reason is the growing belief that employee volunteering benefits business. The last few decades have produced claims regarding the HR value of company-supported employee volunteer programs. According to recent research about the practices of pioneering companies, it is increasingly clear that the HR areas that employee volunteering best supports are employee professional development, recruitment, morale and retention, and teamwork. For a description of trends and best practices in each of these areas, download a copy of the report at: www.pointsoflight.org.
Resource of the Week -- KIDS COUNT Data Center
A service of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT Data Center is an online database that features more than 100 indicators of child well-being for the 50 largest U.S. cities. You can select a state or city to find a range of major indicators of child well being such as child poverty rates, health insurance coverage, etc. You can also compare specific data across states or cities. Results can be viewed as a ranking, map, or trend line. Go to: http://www.kidscount.org/datacenter.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Find Your Excel 2007 Serial Number
When you first installed Excel 2007 you had to enter a product key number which was probably located on the CD. This ID is your serial number. You will need to have this number If you ever try to get technical support from Microsoft. Here’s how you can find it:
• Click the Office button on the Ribbon
• Click the Excel Options button
• Click Resources
• Click the About button to display the About Microsoft Excel dialog box
• Your product ID code is displayed on this dialog box
Monday, June 16, 2008
Picks of the Week: June 15 - 21, 2008
Website of the Week -- CADCA's National Coalition Institute
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s National Coalition Institute, created by an Act of Congress, helps build more effective community anti-drug coalitions through training, technical assistance and educational materials. The Institute serves as both a vehicle for coalition-specific substance abuse prevention policy development and a center for coalition training, technical assistance, evaluation, research and capacity building. While the focus is anti-drug coalition building, this comprehensive website will be of great value to other nonprofits. Go to: http://www.coalitioninstitute.org. Also be sure to check out the Strengthening Partnerships Toolkit.
Publication of the Week -- Wired for Good: Strategic Technology Planning for Nonprofits by Joni Podolsky
Wired for Good is a nuts-and-bolts guide to strategic technology planning for nonprofit organizations—no matter how large or small. This book leads nonprofits through a planning process that will help them align their technology use with their mission and strategic goals, determine what the appropriate technology tools are to meet those goals, and how the technology will be implemented and supported over time. This essential guide also shows how to win support for a strategic technology plan within an organization, evaluate a plan's effectiveness, and help staff and other stakeholders adapt to the changes new technology will bring about. Wired for Good shows nonprofit professionals how to:
• Get their organization ready for the strategic technology planning process
• Dispel the myths surrounding technology planning
• Understand the benefits of strategic technology planning
• Overcome organizational resistance to strategic technology planning
• Define the roles and responsibilities of staff and other key stakeholders in creating a successful plan
• Make the best use of volunteers and consultants
• Find the funds to support technology implementation
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- High Net Worth Business Owner Giving Trends
For business owners, personal passion -- not personal reward -- drives philanthropic involvement, according to a survey released today by SunTrust Bank Private Wealth Management. The national study surveyed over 200 high net worth business owners, whose companies have at least $10 million in annual revenue, about their philanthropic involvement and motivation. Business owners cite "helps make a positive change" as the top reason for charitable giving. Nearly three-fourths of respondents say satisfying their personal moral beliefs drives their philanthropic impulses. And fewer than half say they give to receive tax credits; to bring positive attention to their business; to network; to establish a legacy; or to gain recognition. Virtually all the business owners surveyed have made a charitable donation personally (96%) and through their business (79%). On average, in 2007 they report having donated over a quarter of a million dollars to charitable causes through their businesses and $78,000 personally or as families.
Seven in 10 agree that "even if there is an economic downturn that moderately affects my business, I plan to keep my current level of nonprofit or charitable giving in the coming year." They are "charity multipliers," in that more than half encourage employees to donate time and/or money to company charities. And one in three say they will match donations made by employees. Their generosity extends beyond simply giving money. Business owners are a critical component of the nonprofit world as members of nonprofit boards. About half (47%) of respondents sit on the board of a philanthropic organization, particularly those that focus on religious concerns (21%), arts/culture (18%), children's needs (18%), and healthcare issues (17%). Click here for more study details.
Resource of the Week -- CharityChannel Re-launched
CharityChannel, one of the oldest and most comprehensive resources for nonprofits has re-launched. CharityChannel was founded in 1992 by Stephen Nill who saw a need for colleagues to connect, share and discuss pertinent challenges and issues. It was started as one email-based discussion forum – CHARITYTALK – which is still one of the more active discussions communities of CharityChannel. As the professional community grew, so did CharityChannel. With well over 100,000 participants, CharityChannel rolled out its new web site in March, 2008. The new site, built atop the CharityChannel framework™, is designed to enable nearly instant creation of features and content sections according to the rapidly expanding needs of the CharityChannel professional community. The site includes articles, book reviews, newsletters, training resources and much more. Go to: http://charitychannel.com/Home/About/tabid/4058/Default.aspx.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Inserting Line Numbers in Word 2007
• Click the Page Layout tab on the Ribbon
• In the Page Setup group, click Line Numbers
• Select options from the menu
You can have line numbers run continuously through your document. You can also have the line numbering restart on each page or following section breaks.
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s National Coalition Institute, created by an Act of Congress, helps build more effective community anti-drug coalitions through training, technical assistance and educational materials. The Institute serves as both a vehicle for coalition-specific substance abuse prevention policy development and a center for coalition training, technical assistance, evaluation, research and capacity building. While the focus is anti-drug coalition building, this comprehensive website will be of great value to other nonprofits. Go to: http://www.coalitioninstitute.org. Also be sure to check out the Strengthening Partnerships Toolkit.
Publication of the Week -- Wired for Good: Strategic Technology Planning for Nonprofits by Joni Podolsky
Wired for Good is a nuts-and-bolts guide to strategic technology planning for nonprofit organizations—no matter how large or small. This book leads nonprofits through a planning process that will help them align their technology use with their mission and strategic goals, determine what the appropriate technology tools are to meet those goals, and how the technology will be implemented and supported over time. This essential guide also shows how to win support for a strategic technology plan within an organization, evaluate a plan's effectiveness, and help staff and other stakeholders adapt to the changes new technology will bring about. Wired for Good shows nonprofit professionals how to:
• Get their organization ready for the strategic technology planning process
• Dispel the myths surrounding technology planning
• Understand the benefits of strategic technology planning
• Overcome organizational resistance to strategic technology planning
• Define the roles and responsibilities of staff and other key stakeholders in creating a successful plan
• Make the best use of volunteers and consultants
• Find the funds to support technology implementation
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- High Net Worth Business Owner Giving Trends
For business owners, personal passion -- not personal reward -- drives philanthropic involvement, according to a survey released today by SunTrust Bank Private Wealth Management. The national study surveyed over 200 high net worth business owners, whose companies have at least $10 million in annual revenue, about their philanthropic involvement and motivation. Business owners cite "helps make a positive change" as the top reason for charitable giving. Nearly three-fourths of respondents say satisfying their personal moral beliefs drives their philanthropic impulses. And fewer than half say they give to receive tax credits; to bring positive attention to their business; to network; to establish a legacy; or to gain recognition. Virtually all the business owners surveyed have made a charitable donation personally (96%) and through their business (79%). On average, in 2007 they report having donated over a quarter of a million dollars to charitable causes through their businesses and $78,000 personally or as families.
Seven in 10 agree that "even if there is an economic downturn that moderately affects my business, I plan to keep my current level of nonprofit or charitable giving in the coming year." They are "charity multipliers," in that more than half encourage employees to donate time and/or money to company charities. And one in three say they will match donations made by employees. Their generosity extends beyond simply giving money. Business owners are a critical component of the nonprofit world as members of nonprofit boards. About half (47%) of respondents sit on the board of a philanthropic organization, particularly those that focus on religious concerns (21%), arts/culture (18%), children's needs (18%), and healthcare issues (17%). Click here for more study details.
Resource of the Week -- CharityChannel Re-launched
CharityChannel, one of the oldest and most comprehensive resources for nonprofits has re-launched. CharityChannel was founded in 1992 by Stephen Nill who saw a need for colleagues to connect, share and discuss pertinent challenges and issues. It was started as one email-based discussion forum – CHARITYTALK – which is still one of the more active discussions communities of CharityChannel. As the professional community grew, so did CharityChannel. With well over 100,000 participants, CharityChannel rolled out its new web site in March, 2008. The new site, built atop the CharityChannel framework™, is designed to enable nearly instant creation of features and content sections according to the rapidly expanding needs of the CharityChannel professional community. The site includes articles, book reviews, newsletters, training resources and much more. Go to: http://charitychannel.com/Home/About/tabid/4058/Default.aspx.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Inserting Line Numbers in Word 2007
• Click the Page Layout tab on the Ribbon
• In the Page Setup group, click Line Numbers
• Select options from the menu
You can have line numbers run continuously through your document. You can also have the line numbering restart on each page or following section breaks.
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