Website of the Week – Centre for Social Innovation
The Centre co-locates a diverse set of organizations and individuals who work for social innovation. Founded in 2004, the Centre provides physical desk space, virtual resources, and social opportunities to nurture collaboration, community, and innovation. Shared services include: office space, meeting rooms, internet and phone services, reception services, cross organizational marketing and electronic newsletter, office equipment, optional health and dental insurance, collaborative programs, and even shared bicycles. The Centre sets pricing for shared spaces and services to cover the operating expenses. This matches the Centre’s mission to be financially self-sustaining. Members of the Centre also sign a Cooperation Policy, pledging to actively support the community and maintain a culture of collaboration. This commitment is evidenced by numerous inter-organizational programs and a highly diverse calendar of public events that take place at the Centre each month. According to the Nonprofit Centers, Inc. key lessons learned from the experience of the Centre for Social Innovation include:
• Create multiple shared spaces offerings to suit participants’ needs.
• Create cost structures that are equitable and also strengthen the community of participating organizations.
• Encourage a general commitment of participating organizations, beyond a rental agreement, that supports the mission of the shared service and its community.
Go to: http://socialinnovation.ca.
Publication of the Week -- The Power of Social Innovation: How Civic Entrepreneurs Ignite Community Networks for Good by Stephen Goldsmith, Gigi Georges and Tim Glynn Burke
From the publisher: Civic leaders across the U.S. and throughout the world are discovering creative ways to overcome the obstacles that seal the doors of opportunity for too many. These inspiring individuals believe that within our communities lie the entrepreneurial spirit, compassion, and resources to make progress in such critical areas as education, housing, and economic self-reliance. The Power of Social Innovation offers public officials, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and individual citizens the insights and skills to create healthier communities and promote innovative solutions to public and social problems. This seminal work is based on Stephen Goldsmith's decades of experience, extensive ongoing research, and interviews with 100+ top leaders from a wide variety of sectors. Goldsmith shows that everyday citizens can themselves produce extraordinary social change. The Power of Social Innovation features illustrative case studies of change-oriented philanthropists, public officials, and civic leaders. While all collaborate across sectors, they run both start-ups and established organizations such as the New York City public schools, United Way of America, the United Negro College Fund, and Teach For America. The book shows the catalyzing role each plays in transforming a community's social service delivery systems. To complement the book's myriad tools and case studies, The Power of Social Innovation web site (www.powerofsocialinnovation.com) provides links to relevant Harvard research as well as additional helpful resources. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Gender Mix in the Nonprofit Sector
Conducted from January 2007 to June 2009, the Labor Force Study provides an evidence-based understanding of the nonprofit sector and its HR needs. According to the study, the nonprofit sector’s labor force is predominantly female: three-quarters (75%) of those working in the sector are women. In most areas of the sector, however, men occupy a disproportionate number of senior management positions, while women are overrepresented in administrative and support-staff positions. A notable exception to this trend is the Health and Social Services sector, where women are better represented in senior positions. The study also found that there are notable age discrepancies between men and women working in the nonprofit sector. Women who work for nonprofit organizations are on average nearly five years younger than men working in the sector (42.3 is the average age for women, 46.9 for men). Women outnumber men in all the 44-and-under age cohorts while men outnumber women in all the 45-and-over cohorts. For more information, go to: http://www.hrcouncil.ca.
Resource of the Week – Diversity Planning Best Practices
According to California Diversity Magazine, diversity and inclusion strategies can readily produce dynamic results, yet they are often rendered ineffective for two key reasons: they rank low among organizational priorities and they fail to align with the organization’s operations. It’s critical to build upon each of these determinants for success when designing a diversity and inclusion strategy. There are six best practices that need to be incorporated into your organization’s diversity plans. Go to: http://www.californiadiversitymagazine.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Excel AutoFill with Week Days
Hopefully you are already familiar with the Excel AutoFill feature for filling ranges with the months or days of the week. But what if you need to fill an Excel range with just weekdays? Here’s how:
• Enter the starting day into a cell
• Place the pointer over the lower right corner of the cell until you see the copy/fill handle (a thin black plus)
• Right click the handle and drag to select the range you want to fill with weekdays
• When you let up on the mouse button a menu will appear
• Select Fill Weekdays
This tip works in Excel 2007 as well as earlier versions.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Picks of the Week: February 14 - 20, 2010
Website of the Week – BEST Project
BEST (Building Excellence, Sustainability and Trust) is a comprehensive, capacity building program in Flint and Genesee County Michigan. The BEST Project is an initiative of the Flint Funders Collaborative (FFC). FFC members include the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the Ruth Mott Foundation and the United Way of Genesee County. BEST brings together regional funders, consultants, technical assistance providers, and nonprofit agencies to achieve a more viable, sustainable and effective nonprofit community. The Case Studies and Resource links will be of interest to many nonprofits. Go to: http://www.bestprojectonline.org.
Publication of the Week -- The Power of Collaborative Solutions: Six Principles and Effective Tools for Building Healthy Communities
From the publisher: In this groundbreaking book, Tom Wolff spells out six proven principles for creating collaborative solutions for healthy communities. The Power of Collaborative Solutions addresses contemporary social problems by helping people of diverse circumstances and backgrounds work together to solve community challenges. Filled with clear principles, illustrative stories, and practical tools, this book shows how to make lasting change really happen. Tom Wolff, Ph.D., is a community psychologist and expert committed to issues of social justice and building healthy communities through collaborative solutions. He is the founder of Tom Wolff & Associates and a fellow of the American Psychological Association. Wolff is a nationally recognized consultant on coalition building and community development, and he has a lifetime of experience training and consulting with individuals, organizations, and communities across North America and internationally. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nine of Ten Small Business Owners Say They Give to Local Non-Profits
Small business owners are active in their communities and generous with charitable contributions, according to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index. Almost nine of every ten small business owners responding to the recent national survey say they give money to non-profits in their communities and almost six of every ten say they contribute their time. The survey also found that four of every ten small business owners say they’re more likely to become even more involved in their communities in the coming year. More than half say a crisis or natural disaster would increase their level of community involvement. Eight of every ten small business owners surveyed say they believe their community efforts, whether money or time, benefit the communities they serve more than their own business. More than half say they participate in community outreach because they personally enjoy the activity and another 43 percent because “it’s the right thing to do.” Only six percent do so because of potential business benefits. Go to: https://www.wellsfargo.com/press/20051115_nineoften.
Resource of the Week -- HBR IdeaCast™
The HBR IdeaCast™ is a free weekly podcast featuring breakthrough management ideas and commentary from the editors and authors of Harvard Business School Publishing. To access this free service, go to: http://blogs.hbr.org/ideacast.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Long Text Entries in Excel 2007
To break a long text entry into separate lines, position the insertion point in the cell entry or on the Formula bar where you want the new line to start and press Alt + Enter. Excel expands the row containing the cell when it starts a new line. Excel automatically wraps the text in the cell when you press Enter to complete the entry, according to the cell's column width and the position of the line break.
Here is another method for dealing with long text entries in Excel 2007:
• Select the cell containing the long text entry
• Click the Home tab on the Ribbon
• In the Alignment group, click the Wrap Text button
Or you can right click the text entry and:
• Select Format Cells from the shortcut menu
• Click the Alignment tab
• Click to select the Wrap text option
BEST (Building Excellence, Sustainability and Trust) is a comprehensive, capacity building program in Flint and Genesee County Michigan. The BEST Project is an initiative of the Flint Funders Collaborative (FFC). FFC members include the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the Ruth Mott Foundation and the United Way of Genesee County. BEST brings together regional funders, consultants, technical assistance providers, and nonprofit agencies to achieve a more viable, sustainable and effective nonprofit community. The Case Studies and Resource links will be of interest to many nonprofits. Go to: http://www.bestprojectonline.org.
Publication of the Week -- The Power of Collaborative Solutions: Six Principles and Effective Tools for Building Healthy Communities
From the publisher: In this groundbreaking book, Tom Wolff spells out six proven principles for creating collaborative solutions for healthy communities. The Power of Collaborative Solutions addresses contemporary social problems by helping people of diverse circumstances and backgrounds work together to solve community challenges. Filled with clear principles, illustrative stories, and practical tools, this book shows how to make lasting change really happen. Tom Wolff, Ph.D., is a community psychologist and expert committed to issues of social justice and building healthy communities through collaborative solutions. He is the founder of Tom Wolff & Associates and a fellow of the American Psychological Association. Wolff is a nationally recognized consultant on coalition building and community development, and he has a lifetime of experience training and consulting with individuals, organizations, and communities across North America and internationally. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Nine of Ten Small Business Owners Say They Give to Local Non-Profits
Small business owners are active in their communities and generous with charitable contributions, according to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index. Almost nine of every ten small business owners responding to the recent national survey say they give money to non-profits in their communities and almost six of every ten say they contribute their time. The survey also found that four of every ten small business owners say they’re more likely to become even more involved in their communities in the coming year. More than half say a crisis or natural disaster would increase their level of community involvement. Eight of every ten small business owners surveyed say they believe their community efforts, whether money or time, benefit the communities they serve more than their own business. More than half say they participate in community outreach because they personally enjoy the activity and another 43 percent because “it’s the right thing to do.” Only six percent do so because of potential business benefits. Go to: https://www.wellsfargo.com/press/20051115_nineoften.
Resource of the Week -- HBR IdeaCast™
The HBR IdeaCast™ is a free weekly podcast featuring breakthrough management ideas and commentary from the editors and authors of Harvard Business School Publishing. To access this free service, go to: http://blogs.hbr.org/ideacast.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Long Text Entries in Excel 2007
To break a long text entry into separate lines, position the insertion point in the cell entry or on the Formula bar where you want the new line to start and press Alt + Enter. Excel expands the row containing the cell when it starts a new line. Excel automatically wraps the text in the cell when you press Enter to complete the entry, according to the cell's column width and the position of the line break.
Here is another method for dealing with long text entries in Excel 2007:
• Select the cell containing the long text entry
• Click the Home tab on the Ribbon
• In the Alignment group, click the Wrap Text button
Or you can right click the text entry and:
• Select Format Cells from the shortcut menu
• Click the Alignment tab
• Click to select the Wrap text option
Monday, February 8, 2010
Picks of the Week: February 7 - 13, 2010
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 -- Coaching Skills for Nonprofit Managers and Leaders: Developing People to Achieve Your Mission by Judith Wilson and Michelle Gislason
From the publisher: The only nonprofit orientation to coaching skills available, Coaching Skills for Nonprofit Leaders will provide nonprofit managers with an understanding of why and how to coach, how to initiate coaching in specific situations, how to make coaching really work, and how to refine coaching for long-term success. Coaching Skills for Nonprofit Leaders offers practical steps for coaching leaders to greatness and complements the academic and theoretical work in nonprofit leadership theory. The book can be used by the coaching novice as a thorough topical overview or by those more experienced with coaching as a quick reference or refresher. Based on the Inquiry Based Coaching? approach, Coaching Skills will strengthen and expand the reader?s ability to drive organization mission, while retaining the intrinsic values of the nonprofit culture and working towards outcomes that create a culture of discipline and accountability and empower others to be even more responsible, accountable, and self-motivated. This book uses accessible language, examples, case studies, key questions, and exercises to help:
• Promote better relationships
• Know when to delegate, direct and coach.
• Balance directive and supportive styles of leadership for productive partnerships
• Overcome fears and deal head-on with difficult situations and conflict.
• Use coaching for performance improvement and on-the-job development.
• Support independent thinking and personal reflection
• Gain commitment and accountability from others and build teams
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Teen Use of Social Media
Everybody goes online, everybody has a cell phone, and kids hate blogging and Twitter, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project. The findings show that the Internet isn't just prevalent in our lives, it is our lives. Ninety-three percent of teens ages 12 to 17 go online, 75% of them own a cell phone, and 66% say they text. In fact, 58% of 12-year-olds now have mobiles, compared to 18% just five years ago. Sixty-two percent use the Internet to access information on news and politics, and some teens are even using the Internet as a guardian: 17% say they go online to research information about drug use, sexual health, and other topics that are awkward to talk about with real people. For more findings from the study, go to: http://www.fastcompany.com/blog.
Resource of the Week -- Virtual CAP
Virtual CAP provides an in-depth look at innovative programs and projects developed by Community Action Agencies around the United States. Programs can be researched by state, category or keyword. Each contains a summary description, as well as useful links to download materials and to related websites. Go to: http://www.virtualcap.org/viewprogram.cfm?pid=209.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Add a Watermark to a Word 2007 Document
Watermarks are text or pictures that appear behind the text. They can add interest or identify the document's status, marking a document as a draft, for example. You can use graphics or text as watermarks.
• Open a new, blank document, or open an existing document.
• Click the Page Layout tab on the Ribbon
• In the Page Background group, click Watermark
• Click a design in the gallery or create a custom watermark
• Select the Picture, if you are creating a Picture watermark
• Enter the Text, if you are creating a Text watermark
• Use Print Layout view to view a watermark as it will print
The watermark displays on the background of each page.
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 -- Coaching Skills for Nonprofit Managers and Leaders: Developing People to Achieve Your Mission by Judith Wilson and Michelle Gislason
From the publisher: The only nonprofit orientation to coaching skills available, Coaching Skills for Nonprofit Leaders will provide nonprofit managers with an understanding of why and how to coach, how to initiate coaching in specific situations, how to make coaching really work, and how to refine coaching for long-term success. Coaching Skills for Nonprofit Leaders offers practical steps for coaching leaders to greatness and complements the academic and theoretical work in nonprofit leadership theory. The book can be used by the coaching novice as a thorough topical overview or by those more experienced with coaching as a quick reference or refresher. Based on the Inquiry Based Coaching? approach, Coaching Skills will strengthen and expand the reader?s ability to drive organization mission, while retaining the intrinsic values of the nonprofit culture and working towards outcomes that create a culture of discipline and accountability and empower others to be even more responsible, accountable, and self-motivated. This book uses accessible language, examples, case studies, key questions, and exercises to help:
• Promote better relationships
• Know when to delegate, direct and coach.
• Balance directive and supportive styles of leadership for productive partnerships
• Overcome fears and deal head-on with difficult situations and conflict.
• Use coaching for performance improvement and on-the-job development.
• Support independent thinking and personal reflection
• Gain commitment and accountability from others and build teams
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Teen Use of Social Media
Everybody goes online, everybody has a cell phone, and kids hate blogging and Twitter, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project. The findings show that the Internet isn't just prevalent in our lives, it is our lives. Ninety-three percent of teens ages 12 to 17 go online, 75% of them own a cell phone, and 66% say they text. In fact, 58% of 12-year-olds now have mobiles, compared to 18% just five years ago. Sixty-two percent use the Internet to access information on news and politics, and some teens are even using the Internet as a guardian: 17% say they go online to research information about drug use, sexual health, and other topics that are awkward to talk about with real people. For more findings from the study, go to: http://www.fastcompany.com/blog.
Resource of the Week -- Virtual CAP
Virtual CAP provides an in-depth look at innovative programs and projects developed by Community Action Agencies around the United States. Programs can be researched by state, category or keyword. Each contains a summary description, as well as useful links to download materials and to related websites. Go to: http://www.virtualcap.org/viewprogram.cfm?pid=209.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Add a Watermark to a Word 2007 Document
Watermarks are text or pictures that appear behind the text. They can add interest or identify the document's status, marking a document as a draft, for example. You can use graphics or text as watermarks.
• Open a new, blank document, or open an existing document.
• Click the Page Layout tab on the Ribbon
• In the Page Background group, click Watermark
• Click a design in the gallery or create a custom watermark
• Select the Picture, if you are creating a Picture watermark
• Enter the Text, if you are creating a Text watermark
• Use Print Layout view to view a watermark as it will print
The watermark displays on the background of each page.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Picks of the Week: January 31 - February 6, 2010
Website of the Week -- Center for Nonprofit Management
As one of the nation's leading management support organizations, the Center for Nonprofit Management brings the most current tools for best practices in nonprofit management to thousands of nonprofit boards, staff and volunteers each year. The mission of the Center for Nonprofit Management is to build stronger communities by increasing the performance and impact of nonprofit organizations. In the late 1970's, the Meadows Foundation in Dallas recognized a significant need for staff development and management assistance to charitable organizations. In 1980, with the support of other local funders, Meadows provided the seed funding to establish the Center for Nonprofit Management. Today, the Center receives support from donations, grants, fees for services and annual membership dues at a minimal cost and is a United Way affiliate. Go to: http://www.cnmdallas.org.
Publication of the Week – Consensus Through Conversation: How to Achieve High-Commitment Decisions by Larry Dressler
From the publisher: Consensus is fast becoming one of business' most popular-but most widely mis-understood decision-making models. By involving people in the decisions that impact their work, companies develop a passionate team of workers, one that is committed to a future they've helped shape. This useful guide leads managers, consultants, and facilitators through the consensus-building process. It shows how to avoid common pitfalls like false agreement and the "illusion of inclusion." For anyone charged with getting groups to fruitful resolution on important issues, Consensus Through Conversation offers an invaluable reference. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Donors Give More When Asked Personally
Donors to charitable organizations give more when they are asked in person and when someone they know makes the request, a new study commissioned by Chicago-based consulting firm Campbell & Company and conducted by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University finds. The study, Significant Gifts: Where Donors Direct Their Largest Gifts and Why, which is based on a national sample of more than 8,300 donors, confirms what nonprofit organization fundraisers have often observed: people give to people, and especially to people they know. The study examined characteristics of and factors influencing a donor household’s single largest gift. Donors who were asked to give in person by someone they knew donated 19 percent more ($987) to secular (non-religious) charities, when compared with telephone, mail or email requests from someone they knew ($799). For religious organizations, when the donor was asked in person by someone he or she knew, the average donation was 42 percent higher ($2,904) than when someone the donor knew made the request using a different tactic ($1,698). To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.campbellcompany.com.
Resource of the Week -- Independent Fundraising Event Guide
Blackbaud and Event 360 have released a new white paper based on a joint research project to better understand the common denominators of a successful programmatic approach to third-party fundraising. Independent fundraising events (IFE) are activities designed and run by volunteers to raise money on behalf of a specific nonprofit organization. You can download a copy of "Raising More Money Online with Independent Fundraising Events" at http://www.blackbaud.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Cleaning your Data in Excel
If you have copied or imported data into your Excel workbook, you may need to clean it up. An article from Microsoft entitled Top ten ways to clean your data covers features that will help you accomplish this. The basics of cleaning your data include:
• Removing duplicate rows
• Finding and replacing text
• Changing the case of text
• Removing spaces and nonprinting characters from text
• Fixing numbers and number signs
• Fixing dates and times
• Merging and splitting columns
• Transforming and rearranging columns and rows
• Reconciling table data by joining or matching
As one of the nation's leading management support organizations, the Center for Nonprofit Management brings the most current tools for best practices in nonprofit management to thousands of nonprofit boards, staff and volunteers each year. The mission of the Center for Nonprofit Management is to build stronger communities by increasing the performance and impact of nonprofit organizations. In the late 1970's, the Meadows Foundation in Dallas recognized a significant need for staff development and management assistance to charitable organizations. In 1980, with the support of other local funders, Meadows provided the seed funding to establish the Center for Nonprofit Management. Today, the Center receives support from donations, grants, fees for services and annual membership dues at a minimal cost and is a United Way affiliate. Go to: http://www.cnmdallas.org.
Publication of the Week – Consensus Through Conversation: How to Achieve High-Commitment Decisions by Larry Dressler
From the publisher: Consensus is fast becoming one of business' most popular-but most widely mis-understood decision-making models. By involving people in the decisions that impact their work, companies develop a passionate team of workers, one that is committed to a future they've helped shape. This useful guide leads managers, consultants, and facilitators through the consensus-building process. It shows how to avoid common pitfalls like false agreement and the "illusion of inclusion." For anyone charged with getting groups to fruitful resolution on important issues, Consensus Through Conversation offers an invaluable reference. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – Donors Give More When Asked Personally
Donors to charitable organizations give more when they are asked in person and when someone they know makes the request, a new study commissioned by Chicago-based consulting firm Campbell & Company and conducted by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University finds. The study, Significant Gifts: Where Donors Direct Their Largest Gifts and Why, which is based on a national sample of more than 8,300 donors, confirms what nonprofit organization fundraisers have often observed: people give to people, and especially to people they know. The study examined characteristics of and factors influencing a donor household’s single largest gift. Donors who were asked to give in person by someone they knew donated 19 percent more ($987) to secular (non-religious) charities, when compared with telephone, mail or email requests from someone they knew ($799). For religious organizations, when the donor was asked in person by someone he or she knew, the average donation was 42 percent higher ($2,904) than when someone the donor knew made the request using a different tactic ($1,698). To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.campbellcompany.com.
Resource of the Week -- Independent Fundraising Event Guide
Blackbaud and Event 360 have released a new white paper based on a joint research project to better understand the common denominators of a successful programmatic approach to third-party fundraising. Independent fundraising events (IFE) are activities designed and run by volunteers to raise money on behalf of a specific nonprofit organization. You can download a copy of "Raising More Money Online with Independent Fundraising Events" at http://www.blackbaud.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Cleaning your Data in Excel
If you have copied or imported data into your Excel workbook, you may need to clean it up. An article from Microsoft entitled Top ten ways to clean your data covers features that will help you accomplish this. The basics of cleaning your data include:
• Removing duplicate rows
• Finding and replacing text
• Changing the case of text
• Removing spaces and nonprinting characters from text
• Fixing numbers and number signs
• Fixing dates and times
• Merging and splitting columns
• Transforming and rearranging columns and rows
• Reconciling table data by joining or matching
Monday, January 25, 2010
Picks of the Week: January 24 - 30, 2010
Website of the Week -- Conflict Resolution Information Source
Conflict Resolution Information Source (CRInfo) is a free, online clearinghouse, indexing more than 25,000 peace- and conflict resolution-related Web pages, books, articles, audiovisual materials, organizational profiles, events, and current news articles. In addition to its easy-to-use search engine, CRInfo (along with its partner project, Beyond Intractability) provides easy browsing of information on 600 peace- and conflict resolution-related topics. Also available are recommended readings from a panel of editors on 425 topics, along with 225 "executive summary"-type overview essays on key topics. The education section includes a "build your own" virtual textbook system, an Internet-based conflict research training program, and extensive links to resources on elementary, secondary, and higher education, as well as professional training. An extensive Networking section helps users connect with the network of people working in conflict resolution-related fields. Finally, a set of Conflict Resolution FAQs provides easy access to many of the most common questions asked by CRInfo users. Go to: http://v4.crinfo.org/index.jsp.
Publication of the Week -- The Ask: How to Ask for Support for Your Nonprofit Cause, Creative Project, or Business Venture by Laura Fredricks
From the publisher: A completely revised edition of the must-have resource for increasing your nonprofit's bottom line. This thoroughly revised and updated edition of the best-selling book The Ask is filled with suggestions, guidelines, and down-to-earth advice that will give you the confidence to ask anyone for any size gift, for any purpose. Written in winning language, filled with sample dialogues, and offering a wealth of tips and tools, this book addresses common mistakes made when asking and shows how to correct each mistake, providing guidance and direction on how to make a great ask.
• Offers step-by-step guidance for learning personal solicitation skills
• Filled with real-world tools and techniques for raising money or support
• Contains advice for overcoming situations such as hesitating to ask for money and following through on the ask
• Written for fundraisers from any size organization
• Includes information on how to apply asking skills to a fundraiser's personal and professional pursuits.
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – The Suburbanization of Poverty: Trends in Metropolitan America, 2000 to 2008
A new study by the Brookings Institute has analyzed of the location of poverty in America, particularly in the nation’s 95 largest metro areas in 2000, 2007, and 2008. Key findings include:
• By 2008, suburbs were home to the largest and fastest-growing poor population in the country. Between 2000 and 2008, suburbs in the country’s largest metro areas saw their poor population grow by 25 percent—almost five times faster than primary cities and well ahead of the growth seen in smaller metro areas and non-metropolitan communities. As a result, by 2008 large suburbs were home to 1.5 million more poor than their primary cities and housed almost one-third of the nation’s poor overall.
• Midwestern cities and suburbs experienced by far the largest poverty rate increases over the decade. Led by increasing poverty in auto manufacturing metro areas—like Grand Rapids and Youngstown—Midwestern city and suburban poverty rates climbed 3.0 and 2.2 percentage points, respectively.
• In 2008, 91.6 million people—more than 30 percent of the nation’s population—fell below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Between 2000 and 2008, large suburbs saw the fastest growing low-income populations across community types and the greatest uptick in the share of the population living under 200 percent of poverty.
• Western cities and Florida suburbs were among the first to see the effects of the “Great Recession” translate into significant increases in poverty between 2007 and 2008. Based on increases in unemployment over the past year, Sun Belt metro areas are also likely to experience the largest increases in poverty in 2009.
To download the report, go to: http://www.brookings.edu.
Resource of the Week -- The Ultimate Non-Profit Job Guide
Guide To Online Schools, an online education directory that specializes in online degrees, online schools, and distance learning, has compiled a list of the top 97 job boards for non-profit positions. Openings range from entry-level to executive nonprofit management positions. The guide includes a selection of the 10 best with explanations for the selection. Go to: http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Add a Drop Cap in Word 2007
A drop cap is when the first letter of the first word of a paragraph is displayed in a large font. To add a drop cap to a Word 2007 document:
• Click in the paragraph that will contain the drop cap
• Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon
• In the Text group, click Drop Cap
• Select either Dropped or In margin
To remove the drop cap, repeat the steps above and select None.
Conflict Resolution Information Source (CRInfo) is a free, online clearinghouse, indexing more than 25,000 peace- and conflict resolution-related Web pages, books, articles, audiovisual materials, organizational profiles, events, and current news articles. In addition to its easy-to-use search engine, CRInfo (along with its partner project, Beyond Intractability) provides easy browsing of information on 600 peace- and conflict resolution-related topics. Also available are recommended readings from a panel of editors on 425 topics, along with 225 "executive summary"-type overview essays on key topics. The education section includes a "build your own" virtual textbook system, an Internet-based conflict research training program, and extensive links to resources on elementary, secondary, and higher education, as well as professional training. An extensive Networking section helps users connect with the network of people working in conflict resolution-related fields. Finally, a set of Conflict Resolution FAQs provides easy access to many of the most common questions asked by CRInfo users. Go to: http://v4.crinfo.org/index.jsp.
Publication of the Week -- The Ask: How to Ask for Support for Your Nonprofit Cause, Creative Project, or Business Venture by Laura Fredricks
From the publisher: A completely revised edition of the must-have resource for increasing your nonprofit's bottom line. This thoroughly revised and updated edition of the best-selling book The Ask is filled with suggestions, guidelines, and down-to-earth advice that will give you the confidence to ask anyone for any size gift, for any purpose. Written in winning language, filled with sample dialogues, and offering a wealth of tips and tools, this book addresses common mistakes made when asking and shows how to correct each mistake, providing guidance and direction on how to make a great ask.
• Offers step-by-step guidance for learning personal solicitation skills
• Filled with real-world tools and techniques for raising money or support
• Contains advice for overcoming situations such as hesitating to ask for money and following through on the ask
• Written for fundraisers from any size organization
• Includes information on how to apply asking skills to a fundraiser's personal and professional pursuits.
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week – The Suburbanization of Poverty: Trends in Metropolitan America, 2000 to 2008
A new study by the Brookings Institute has analyzed of the location of poverty in America, particularly in the nation’s 95 largest metro areas in 2000, 2007, and 2008. Key findings include:
• By 2008, suburbs were home to the largest and fastest-growing poor population in the country. Between 2000 and 2008, suburbs in the country’s largest metro areas saw their poor population grow by 25 percent—almost five times faster than primary cities and well ahead of the growth seen in smaller metro areas and non-metropolitan communities. As a result, by 2008 large suburbs were home to 1.5 million more poor than their primary cities and housed almost one-third of the nation’s poor overall.
• Midwestern cities and suburbs experienced by far the largest poverty rate increases over the decade. Led by increasing poverty in auto manufacturing metro areas—like Grand Rapids and Youngstown—Midwestern city and suburban poverty rates climbed 3.0 and 2.2 percentage points, respectively.
• In 2008, 91.6 million people—more than 30 percent of the nation’s population—fell below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Between 2000 and 2008, large suburbs saw the fastest growing low-income populations across community types and the greatest uptick in the share of the population living under 200 percent of poverty.
• Western cities and Florida suburbs were among the first to see the effects of the “Great Recession” translate into significant increases in poverty between 2007 and 2008. Based on increases in unemployment over the past year, Sun Belt metro areas are also likely to experience the largest increases in poverty in 2009.
To download the report, go to: http://www.brookings.edu.
Resource of the Week -- The Ultimate Non-Profit Job Guide
Guide To Online Schools, an online education directory that specializes in online degrees, online schools, and distance learning, has compiled a list of the top 97 job boards for non-profit positions. Openings range from entry-level to executive nonprofit management positions. The guide includes a selection of the 10 best with explanations for the selection. Go to: http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Add a Drop Cap in Word 2007
A drop cap is when the first letter of the first word of a paragraph is displayed in a large font. To add a drop cap to a Word 2007 document:
• Click in the paragraph that will contain the drop cap
• Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon
• In the Text group, click Drop Cap
• Select either Dropped or In margin
To remove the drop cap, repeat the steps above and select None.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Picks of the Week: January 17 - 23, 2010
Website of the Week -- Standards for Excellence Institute
The first program of its kind in the United States, the Standards for Excellence Institute is a national initiative that promotes the highest standards of ethics and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, and operations, and facilitates adherence to those standards by all nonprofits. The Institute, an operating division of Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations (Maryland Nonprofits), uses the Standards for Excellence program, a comprehensive system of nonprofit sector self-regulation as its vehicle for effective change. The Standards for Excellence program works to strengthen the ability of nonprofit organizations to act ethically and accountably in their management and governance, while enhancing the public's trust in the nonprofit sector. For more information, go to: www.standardsforexcellenceinstitute.org.
Publication of the Week -- Change Philanthropy: Candid Stories of Foundations Maximizing Results through Social Justice edited by Alicia Epstein Korten and Kim Klein
From the publisher: This groundbreaking book shows how to increase funding for social justice philanthropy. Social justice philanthropy provides direct services to alleviate suffering and works to transform the systems and institutions that cause that suffering. Written in an engaging, easy-to-read style, Change Philanthropy offers an insider's view what works and what doesn't work when developing grantmaking strategies in support of social change. It gives clear guidance showcases foundations of all types and sizes including Liberty Hill Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Needmor Fund, Jacobs Family Foundation, Discount Foundation, Global Fund for Women, Schott Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the Open Society Institute. The book also includes a wealth of illustrative examples and contains practical suggestions and tips that can be applied immediately to support any social justice agenda.
• Offers a guide for increasing funds for social justice programs and suggestions for foundations on which programs to fund
• Gives step-by-step advice for developing a successful grantmaking strategy
• Includes a wealth of examples from leading foundations
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- GuideStar's Eighth Annual Nonprofit Economic Survey
A survey of public charity and private foundation employees was conducted online from October 1, 2009, until October 15, 2009, the eighth annual nonprofit economic survey conducted by GuideStar, and the third of three such surveys conducted by GuideStar in 2009. The purposes of the survey were to compare how charitable organizations fared during the first nine months of 2009 to previous years and to try to gauge the effect of the downturn in the economy on the American nonprofit sector. Key findings include:
• 51 percent of respondents who accept contributions saw a decline in contributions over the first nine months of 2009 versus the same period in 2008. The major factors cited for a decline in contributions were fewer individuals giving (69 percent) and smaller gifts (69 percent).
• 62 percent of respondents had experienced an increase in demand for their organization's services in 2009.
• 36 percent of grantmakers decreased total monetary payouts; 27 percent gave more.
• Despite the tough year, most organizations were hopeful about 2010. Some 36 percent planned budget increases, and 29 percent expected to be able to maintain their current level of expenditures.
• For those organizations that expected to reduce their 2010 budgets, reduction in program services (59 percent) and salary freezes (54 percent) were the most frequently used techniques for making ends meet.
For more information, go to: http://www2.guidestar.org.
Resource of the Week -- Resource Guide On Corporate-Nonprofit Collaboration
Weber Shandwick and the Gill Foundation have released "Business of Change," a resource guide focused on corporate-nonprofit collaboration to promote equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The 104-page guide, available free to download, is a first-of-its-kind collection of best practices with actionable and practical ideas to help nonprofits and corporations advance LGBT equality.
• The Business of Change guide includes:
• Overview of the changing landscape of corporate philanthropy
• 2009 Business of Change survey results
• Glossary of terms
• Information on organizations that provide indices rating LGBT equality
• 110 questions nonprofits should consider prior to partnering
• Case studies of innovative collaborations between LGBT nonprofits and corporations
To download a copy of the guide, go to: http://www.webershandwick.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Adding Paste Values to the Quick Access Toolbar in Excel 2007
Using the Paste Values option in Excel lets you strip formulas from your data and paste only the resulting values. In Excel 2007 the Quick Access Toolbar is a great way to simplify using this feature. Here's how:
• Click the Office button in the upper left corner of the Excel 2007 Screen
• Click the Excel Options button at the bottom of the Office window to display the Excel Options dialog box
• Click Customize in the left pane
• Under Choose commands select All Commands
• Select Paste Values
• Click Add and then OK
The first program of its kind in the United States, the Standards for Excellence Institute is a national initiative that promotes the highest standards of ethics and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, and operations, and facilitates adherence to those standards by all nonprofits. The Institute, an operating division of Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations (Maryland Nonprofits), uses the Standards for Excellence program, a comprehensive system of nonprofit sector self-regulation as its vehicle for effective change. The Standards for Excellence program works to strengthen the ability of nonprofit organizations to act ethically and accountably in their management and governance, while enhancing the public's trust in the nonprofit sector. For more information, go to: www.standardsforexcellenceinstitute.org.
Publication of the Week -- Change Philanthropy: Candid Stories of Foundations Maximizing Results through Social Justice edited by Alicia Epstein Korten and Kim Klein
From the publisher: This groundbreaking book shows how to increase funding for social justice philanthropy. Social justice philanthropy provides direct services to alleviate suffering and works to transform the systems and institutions that cause that suffering. Written in an engaging, easy-to-read style, Change Philanthropy offers an insider's view what works and what doesn't work when developing grantmaking strategies in support of social change. It gives clear guidance showcases foundations of all types and sizes including Liberty Hill Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Needmor Fund, Jacobs Family Foundation, Discount Foundation, Global Fund for Women, Schott Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the Open Society Institute. The book also includes a wealth of illustrative examples and contains practical suggestions and tips that can be applied immediately to support any social justice agenda.
• Offers a guide for increasing funds for social justice programs and suggestions for foundations on which programs to fund
• Gives step-by-step advice for developing a successful grantmaking strategy
• Includes a wealth of examples from leading foundations
Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- GuideStar's Eighth Annual Nonprofit Economic Survey
A survey of public charity and private foundation employees was conducted online from October 1, 2009, until October 15, 2009, the eighth annual nonprofit economic survey conducted by GuideStar, and the third of three such surveys conducted by GuideStar in 2009. The purposes of the survey were to compare how charitable organizations fared during the first nine months of 2009 to previous years and to try to gauge the effect of the downturn in the economy on the American nonprofit sector. Key findings include:
• 51 percent of respondents who accept contributions saw a decline in contributions over the first nine months of 2009 versus the same period in 2008. The major factors cited for a decline in contributions were fewer individuals giving (69 percent) and smaller gifts (69 percent).
• 62 percent of respondents had experienced an increase in demand for their organization's services in 2009.
• 36 percent of grantmakers decreased total monetary payouts; 27 percent gave more.
• Despite the tough year, most organizations were hopeful about 2010. Some 36 percent planned budget increases, and 29 percent expected to be able to maintain their current level of expenditures.
• For those organizations that expected to reduce their 2010 budgets, reduction in program services (59 percent) and salary freezes (54 percent) were the most frequently used techniques for making ends meet.
For more information, go to: http://www2.guidestar.org.
Resource of the Week -- Resource Guide On Corporate-Nonprofit Collaboration
Weber Shandwick and the Gill Foundation have released "Business of Change," a resource guide focused on corporate-nonprofit collaboration to promote equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The 104-page guide, available free to download, is a first-of-its-kind collection of best practices with actionable and practical ideas to help nonprofits and corporations advance LGBT equality.
• The Business of Change guide includes:
• Overview of the changing landscape of corporate philanthropy
• 2009 Business of Change survey results
• Glossary of terms
• Information on organizations that provide indices rating LGBT equality
• 110 questions nonprofits should consider prior to partnering
• Case studies of innovative collaborations between LGBT nonprofits and corporations
To download a copy of the guide, go to: http://www.webershandwick.com.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Adding Paste Values to the Quick Access Toolbar in Excel 2007
Using the Paste Values option in Excel lets you strip formulas from your data and paste only the resulting values. In Excel 2007 the Quick Access Toolbar is a great way to simplify using this feature. Here's how:
• Click the Office button in the upper left corner of the Excel 2007 Screen
• Click the Excel Options button at the bottom of the Office window to display the Excel Options dialog box
• Click Customize in the left pane
• Under Choose commands select All Commands
• Select Paste Values
• Click Add and then OK
Monday, January 11, 2010
Picks of the Week: January 10 - 17, 2010
Website of the Week -- Everyday Democracy
Everyday Democracy helps local communities explore ways for all kinds of people to think, talk and work together to solve problems. Using groundbreaking tools and methods for organizing large-scale dialogue and collaborative problem solving, Everyday Democracy works with neighborhoods, cities and towns, regions, and states, helping them pay particular attention to how racism and ethnic differences affect the problems they address. The organization partners with local, regional and national innovators to explore ways to connect public dialogue to community change and governance, and to place racial inclusion at the forefront of practices to strengthen democracy. Building on the real-life challenges and successes of communities, Everyday Democracy creates flexible tools and processes that are widely used and adapted in the United States and beyond. For more information, go to: http://www.everyday-democracy.org/en/Index.aspx.
Publication of the Week -- Transformational Philanthropy: Entrepreneurs and Nonprofits by Lisa Dietlin
From the publisher: Transformational Philanthropy: Entrepreneurs and Nonprofits is a practical guide on attracting entrepreneurs to nonprofit organizations as an investor, donor and true philanthropist. It provides insight into the decision making patterns, expectations, and philanthropic behaviors of entrepreneurs. The primary use of this book will be for those in the philanthropic world to understand how to approach entrepreneurs for donations and contributions. The book includes real world examples, industry statistics, case studies, interviews, and important "how-to" tips related to entrepreneurs. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- 5 Trends that Will Affect Online Fundraising in 2010
Network for Good has identified five trends that will have impact on nonprofit online fundraising in 2010:
1. Nonprofits may see a greater number of donations with a smaller average gift size.
2. As much as the media talks of a possible economic rebound, prospective supporters will still be wary of donating to new causes.
3. Email outreach will continue its upward trend, meaning more email in subscribers' inboxes.
3. Recurring gifts will be a huge portion of online giving.
4. As in the past, year-end gifts will account for a substantial percentage of total annual contributions.
For more information including implications for nonprofits, go to: http://www.fundraising123.org.
Resource of the Week -- eBay Giving Works
eBay Giving Works is the program that helps sellers list items on eBay to benefit nonprofits. Any eBay seller who has an account in good standing can create an eBay Giving Works listing. The program is administered by MissionFish, a licensed nonprofit organization. Because charitable fundraising is a highly regulated area subject to numerous state and federal laws, eBay has created very specific guidelines for allowing charitable solicitations. eBay Giving Works listings stand out with a nonprofit icon. The nonprofit is also described in the listing. Plus, nonprofit listings receive additional visibility through specialized search functionality. eBay Giving Works listings on average tend to sell more often with more bids and at higher final prices. For more information, go to: http://givingworks.ebay.com. To view a short video describing eBay Giving Works, go to: http://www.archive.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Align Controls in Access 2007 Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts allow you to quickly access frequently used commands or operations. In the past we have published numerous tips for using keyboard shortcuts in Word and Excel. Here are a few for Access 2007 users:
• Display a form or report in Design View or Layout view
• Select a control or controls
• Press Ctrl + L to align the text to the left
• Press Ctrl + R to align the to the right
• Press Ctrl + E to center the text
When using keyboard shortcuts remember to hold the Ctrl key down while pressing the letter. Microsoft provides a complete listing of Access 2007 keyboard shortcuts at office.microsoft.com.
Everyday Democracy helps local communities explore ways for all kinds of people to think, talk and work together to solve problems. Using groundbreaking tools and methods for organizing large-scale dialogue and collaborative problem solving, Everyday Democracy works with neighborhoods, cities and towns, regions, and states, helping them pay particular attention to how racism and ethnic differences affect the problems they address. The organization partners with local, regional and national innovators to explore ways to connect public dialogue to community change and governance, and to place racial inclusion at the forefront of practices to strengthen democracy. Building on the real-life challenges and successes of communities, Everyday Democracy creates flexible tools and processes that are widely used and adapted in the United States and beyond. For more information, go to: http://www.everyday-democracy.org/en/Index.aspx.
Publication of the Week -- Transformational Philanthropy: Entrepreneurs and Nonprofits by Lisa Dietlin
From the publisher: Transformational Philanthropy: Entrepreneurs and Nonprofits is a practical guide on attracting entrepreneurs to nonprofit organizations as an investor, donor and true philanthropist. It provides insight into the decision making patterns, expectations, and philanthropic behaviors of entrepreneurs. The primary use of this book will be for those in the philanthropic world to understand how to approach entrepreneurs for donations and contributions. The book includes real world examples, industry statistics, case studies, interviews, and important "how-to" tips related to entrepreneurs. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- 5 Trends that Will Affect Online Fundraising in 2010
Network for Good has identified five trends that will have impact on nonprofit online fundraising in 2010:
1. Nonprofits may see a greater number of donations with a smaller average gift size.
2. As much as the media talks of a possible economic rebound, prospective supporters will still be wary of donating to new causes.
3. Email outreach will continue its upward trend, meaning more email in subscribers' inboxes.
3. Recurring gifts will be a huge portion of online giving.
4. As in the past, year-end gifts will account for a substantial percentage of total annual contributions.
For more information including implications for nonprofits, go to: http://www.fundraising123.org.
Resource of the Week -- eBay Giving Works
eBay Giving Works is the program that helps sellers list items on eBay to benefit nonprofits. Any eBay seller who has an account in good standing can create an eBay Giving Works listing. The program is administered by MissionFish, a licensed nonprofit organization. Because charitable fundraising is a highly regulated area subject to numerous state and federal laws, eBay has created very specific guidelines for allowing charitable solicitations. eBay Giving Works listings stand out with a nonprofit icon. The nonprofit is also described in the listing. Plus, nonprofit listings receive additional visibility through specialized search functionality. eBay Giving Works listings on average tend to sell more often with more bids and at higher final prices. For more information, go to: http://givingworks.ebay.com. To view a short video describing eBay Giving Works, go to: http://www.archive.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Align Controls in Access 2007 Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts allow you to quickly access frequently used commands or operations. In the past we have published numerous tips for using keyboard shortcuts in Word and Excel. Here are a few for Access 2007 users:
• Display a form or report in Design View or Layout view
• Select a control or controls
• Press Ctrl + L to align the text to the left
• Press Ctrl + R to align the to the right
• Press Ctrl + E to center the text
When using keyboard shortcuts remember to hold the Ctrl key down while pressing the letter. Microsoft provides a complete listing of Access 2007 keyboard shortcuts at office.microsoft.com.
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