Many books on nonprofit management and capacity building have been published. Following are brief descriptions of a few suggested by VNR (with no assumption that these are the best or most relevant for readers—there are many others):
Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow
is a book written by Jill Friedman Fixler with Sandie Eichberg and Gail Lorenz, and published by Fieldstone Alliance. Nonprofits face increased demand for services despite decreased budgets. Meanwhile, more than 78 million baby boomers have work experience and talent to spare. Furthermore, newly retired boomers are interested in leaving a social legacy through volunteerism. More also are flocking to nonprofits because they are unemployed due to the recession. They want to share their skills and make meaningful contributions during unemployment or retirement. This convergence is an opportunity for organizational capacity-building through the utilization of baby boomers' skills, talents, and circles of influence. To learn more:
Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow
Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow
The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Management. Author: Smith, Bucklin & Associates, Inc., 2000.
Addresses the unique concerns of nonprofit organizations. Cutting through the morass of mere theory, Smith, Bucklin & Associates, Inc., a leading nonprofit management firm, gets right to actual practice with dozens of real-world examples and case studies, and up-to-date, vital, "combat-tested" strategies and techniques for dealing with virtually every nonprofit business management issue. Available from AmazonL The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Management.
Addresses the unique concerns of nonprofit organizations. Cutting through the morass of mere theory, Smith, Bucklin & Associates, Inc., a leading nonprofit management firm, gets right to actual practice with dozens of real-world examples and case studies, and up-to-date, vital, "combat-tested" strategies and techniques for dealing with virtually every nonprofit business management issue. Available from AmazonL The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Management.
The Expanding Universe: New Directions in Nonprofit Capacity Building. Authors: Thomas E. Backer, Jane
Ellen Bleeg & Kathryn Groves, 2004.
This research study looks into the leading edge of capacity-building work, highlighting new strategies in strengthening nonprofit organizations via intermediaries, grantmakers, community-based nonprofits and individual philanthropists. This publication is available from the Alliance for Nonprofit Management at a cost of $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. To order a copy, go to Alliance for Nonprofit Management.
This research study looks into the leading edge of capacity-building work, highlighting new strategies in strengthening nonprofit organizations via intermediaries, grantmakers, community-based nonprofits and individual philanthropists. This publication is available from the Alliance for Nonprofit Management at a cost of $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. To order a copy, go to Alliance for Nonprofit Management.
Forces For Good: The Six Practices of High Impact Nonprofits. Authors: Leslie R. Crutchfield & Heather McLeod Grant, 2007.
This book describes how great nonprofits achieve extraordinary social impact. What makes great nonprofits great? Authors Crutchfield and McLeod Grant searched for the answer over several years, employing a research methodology which derived from books on for-profits like Built to Last. They studied 12 nonprofits that have achieved extraordinary levels of impact-from Habitat for Humanity to the Heritage Foundation-and distilled six counterintuitive practices that these organizations use to change the world. This book has lessons for all readers interested in creating significant social change, including nonprofit managers, donors and volunteers. Price is $29.95. To order go to: Wiley: Forces for Good: The Six Practices for High-Impact Nonprofits.
This book describes how great nonprofits achieve extraordinary social impact. What makes great nonprofits great? Authors Crutchfield and McLeod Grant searched for the answer over several years, employing a research methodology which derived from books on for-profits like Built to Last. They studied 12 nonprofits that have achieved extraordinary levels of impact-from Habitat for Humanity to the Heritage Foundation-and distilled six counterintuitive practices that these organizations use to change the world. This book has lessons for all readers interested in creating significant social change, including nonprofit managers, donors and volunteers. Price is $29.95. To order go to: Wiley: Forces for Good: The Six Practices for High-Impact Nonprofits.
Generations: The Challenge of a Lifetime for Your Nonprofit. Author: Peter C. Brinckerhoff, 2007.
This book deals with what happens when the management team of a nonprofit of baby boomers leaves within a five-year period. The book identifies what generational changes to expect and how to plan for them. There is information for each area of an organization - staff, board, volunteers, clients, marketing, technology, and finances. To order a copy: www.fieldstonealliance.org.
This book deals with what happens when the management team of a nonprofit of baby boomers leaves within a five-year period. The book identifies what generational changes to expect and how to plan for them. There is information for each area of an organization - staff, board, volunteers, clients, marketing, technology, and finances. To order a copy: www.fieldstonealliance.org.
Good to Great and the Social Sectors. Author: James Collins, 2005.
Best-selling management writer Jim Collins, author of the well-known Good to Great, has adapted the principles of that business book to the social sector. It is based on interviews and workshops with over 100 social sector leaders, and is intended to accompany Good to Great, which outlines how great companies grow, how they attain superior performance, and how good companies can become great companies. Available from www.amazon.com.
Best-selling management writer Jim Collins, author of the well-known Good to Great, has adapted the principles of that business book to the social sector. It is based on interviews and workshops with over 100 social sector leaders, and is intended to accompany Good to Great, which outlines how great companies grow, how they attain superior performance, and how good companies can become great companies. Available from www.amazon.com.
Information Gold Mine: Innovative Uses of Evaluation. Authors: Paul W. Mattessich, Shelly Hendricks & Ross VeLure Roholt, 2007.
This book highlights how 14 nonprofits have used program evaluation in creative ways. There are five examples of using evaluation for improving services, five examples of influencing policy, and four examples of marketing a program. Written for non-technicians, service delivery practitioners, program designers, and managers, the book provides real examples and contains the ideas, suggestions, and actual words of nonprofit colleagues. To order a copy: www.fieldstonealliance.org.
This book highlights how 14 nonprofits have used program evaluation in creative ways. There are five examples of using evaluation for improving services, five examples of influencing policy, and four examples of marketing a program. Written for non-technicians, service delivery practitioners, program designers, and managers, the book provides real examples and contains the ideas, suggestions, and actual words of nonprofit colleagues. To order a copy: www.fieldstonealliance.org.
Insiders Guide to Outside Advice. Author: Grand Victoria Foundation, 2006.
This short book can help nonprofits make better use of consultants, using a simple four-step process. It includes tools to help with screening and interviewing consultants. To download a copy: www.grandvictoriafdn.org.
This short book can help nonprofits make better use of consultants, using a simple four-step process. It includes tools to help with screening and interviewing consultants. To download a copy: www.grandvictoriafdn.org.
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die. Authors: Chip and Dan Heath, 2007.
Drawing extensively on psychological studies of memory, emotion and motivation, this book explores "stickiness"—the art of making ideas unforgettable. The authors set forth six principles that make ideas "stick"—simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotions and stories. These principles are illustrated with a host of both dramatic and humorous stories. Sidebars throughout the book show how bland messages can be made intriguing. Available from www.amazon.com.
Drawing extensively on psychological studies of memory, emotion and motivation, this book explores "stickiness"—the art of making ideas unforgettable. The authors set forth six principles that make ideas "stick"—simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotions and stories. These principles are illustrated with a host of both dramatic and humorous stories. Sidebars throughout the book show how bland messages can be made intriguing. Available from www.amazon.com.
Managing the Nonprofit Organization. Author: Peter Drucker, 2006
The nonprofit sector is growing rapidly, creating a major need for expert advice on how to manage these organizations effectively. Management legend Peter Drucker provides excellent examples and explanations of mission, leadership, resources, marketing, goals, and much more. Interviews with nine experts also address key issues in this booming sector. Available from www.amazon.com.
The nonprofit sector is growing rapidly, creating a major need for expert advice on how to manage these organizations effectively. Management legend Peter Drucker provides excellent examples and explanations of mission, leadership, resources, marketing, goals, and much more. Interviews with nine experts also address key issues in this booming sector. Available from www.amazon.com.
Networks That Work: A Practitioner's Guide to Managing Networked Action. Author: Paul Vandeventer, 2008.
Groups engaged in collective action arise everywhere, from the joint efforts of the nation's largest philanthropies to cross-sector endeavors with governmental bodies, corporations and non-profit organizations. Coalitions, collaboratives, alliances—what does it take for organizations and institutions resorting to networked action to truly fulfill their shared purposes? Drawing from experience and case examples, this book provides guidance about how groups operating in networks can succeed. The author covers a range of issues people joining forces with other organizations should consider before involving themselves in networks, when they become network members, and as they pursue work together with other stakeholders. The author draws upon his experience leading Community Partners, a Southern California nexus where philanthropic funding, capacity building, social entrepreneurship and community development come together. Community Partners serves multiple roles— fiscal sponsor, program office, and civic intermediary—facilitating civic action for the common good. A more detailed summary of the book and on-line ordering information are at www.communitypartners.org/networks.
Groups engaged in collective action arise everywhere, from the joint efforts of the nation's largest philanthropies to cross-sector endeavors with governmental bodies, corporations and non-profit organizations. Coalitions, collaboratives, alliances—what does it take for organizations and institutions resorting to networked action to truly fulfill their shared purposes? Drawing from experience and case examples, this book provides guidance about how groups operating in networks can succeed. The author covers a range of issues people joining forces with other organizations should consider before involving themselves in networks, when they become network members, and as they pursue work together with other stakeholders. The author draws upon his experience leading Community Partners, a Southern California nexus where philanthropic funding, capacity building, social entrepreneurship and community development come together. Community Partners serves multiple roles— fiscal sponsor, program office, and civic intermediary—facilitating civic action for the common good. A more detailed summary of the book and on-line ordering information are at www.communitypartners.org/networks.
The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution: Real-Time Strategic Planning in a Rapid-Response World. Author: David La Piana, 2008.
This book offers an alternative to traditional strategic planning. In addition to new ideas for how to form strategies, it provides the tools and framework needed to infuse strategic thinking throughout an organization. By using this approach, a nonprofit can be more strategic in thought and action on a daily basis, without subjecting board and staff to the traditional strategic planning marathon. To order a copy:
www.fieldstonealliance.org.
This book offers an alternative to traditional strategic planning. In addition to new ideas for how to form strategies, it provides the tools and framework needed to infuse strategic thinking throughout an organization. By using this approach, a nonprofit can be more strategic in thought and action on a daily basis, without subjecting board and staff to the traditional strategic planning marathon. To order a copy:
www.fieldstonealliance.org.
Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability is a book written by Jeanne Bell, Jan Masaoka, and Steve Zimmerman. It offers nonprofit executives and board members a simple yet powerful framework for analyzing and adjusting their business models for greater organizational sustainability. It introduces the Matrix Map, a practical tool for determining the current impact and financial performance of core programs and fundraising activities. To read more about the book and/or to order it, go to: www.josseybass.com.
PBP Executive Reports specializes in executive reports designed to help time-pressed nonprofit executive directors and managers hone and polish the skills they need most. They are fast-read, actionable, and contain strategies that can help managers improve the performance of their organization. They include reports on every aspect of business including human resources, finance and management. For more about these reports, go to: www.pbpexecutivereports.com.
Seven Turning Points: Leading Through Pivotal Transitions in Organizational Life, by Susan Gross, a book published by Fieldstone Alliance, is intended for nonprofits undergoing significant management change. The author, an organization development consultant, devotes each chapter to a turning point most nonporifts face and ends each one with a summary that lists the signs that change is needed, changes that must be made, and what tensions can arise as a result of the transition process. For example, when a longtime chief executive steps down, charities should think about hiring from the outside for a fresh perspective and avoid placing the departing leader on the organization's board for at least a few years. The author cautions that any adjustments are neither permanent nor quick and that someone must serve as a catalyst for change, be it an individual or a group. To learn more about this publication, go to:
Fieldstone Alliance
Fieldstone Alliance
Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church provides practical guidance for congregations that wish to form separate 501(c)3 nonprofits to draw new funding, people, and partners into ministry work. Incorporating a day care, school, or youth center (for example) as a separate nonprofit may be a model many churches will find it useful to consider. The book was written in 2002 by Joy Skjegstad, and was published by the Alban Institute. For more information, go to: www.alban.org.
Trouble at the Top: The Nonprofit Board's Guide to Managing an Imperfect Chief Executive is a new book written by Katha Kissman and published by Boardsource. It provides tips, techniques and advice on what a board should do when the chief executive of a nonprofit is being uncooperative, or inefficient. To read an excerpt and for ordering information, go to: Trouble at the Top.
2010 Nonprofit Organizations Compensation and Benefits Survey published by The Nonprofit Times in collaboration with Bluewater Nonprofit Solutions, provides a comprehensive and user friendly salary and benefits report for the nonprofit sector. For more information or to pre-order a copy please e-mail
compensationreport@nptimes.com.
compensationreport@nptimes.com.
Working Across Generations: Defining the Future of Nonprofit Leadership. Authors: Frances Kunreuther, Helen Kim & Robby Rodriguez, 2008.
Published by Kim Klein's Chardon Press, this book provides fresh perspectives and advice on how to work across generational divides to maximize opportunities that will come with future changes in the nonprofit work force. The book highlights research findings, real-life stories, and case examples from across the country. It offers recommendations on how individuals, organizations, and the nonprofit sector can all have a role in paving the way for more vibrant and expansive sector leadership. Available from www.amazon.com.
Published by Kim Klein's Chardon Press, this book provides fresh perspectives and advice on how to work across generational divides to maximize opportunities that will come with future changes in the nonprofit work force. The book highlights research findings, real-life stories, and case examples from across the country. It offers recommendations on how individuals, organizations, and the nonprofit sector can all have a role in paving the way for more vibrant and expansive sector leadership. Available from www.amazon.com.
