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):
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 www.amazon.com.
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 www.amazon.com.
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.
http://www.allianceonline.org/publications/expanding_universe.page.
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.
http://www.allianceonline.org/publications/expanding_universe.page.
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.
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.
