Book Review > Streetwise’s Managing a Nonprofit

Lately I’ve been rifling through the general non-fiction stacks and reading all the books I can about managing and marketing nonprofits.  I’m new to the world of nonprofits, so I’ve been reading in order to help me help you, our patrons; and I’m also reading to learn more about the nonprofit I work in. 

This weekend I read Streetwise’s Managing a Nonprofit: How to Write Winning Grant Proposals, Work with a Board, and Build a Fundraising Program by John Riddle with Tere Drenth (Franklin Public Library call number 658.048 RID).

Streetwise’s Managing a Nonprofit is a broad-based primer on how a nonprofit works, the unique hurdles in nonprofit management, and how to begin developing a nonprofit fundraising strategy.  It’s one of those books that covers many aspects of the topic, but just barely skims the surface of each aspect.  We learn about all kinds of stuff, including how a nonprofit works; daily management skills necessary for a nonprofit manager; fundraising through special events, corporate donations, direct mail, and grants; marketing and public relations; and board assessment.  But if we really want to learn about writing a grant proposal or fundraising through direct mail, we’re better off consulting a different, more targeted book.

The most helpful section of this book is the second chapter, “Crafting a Mission Statement.”  The authors outline a strategy for writing or revising a nonprofit mission statement, including how to overcome resistance from coworkers.  The chapter concludes with 28 sample mission statements from well-known nonprofits.  I was inspired by how succinct and accurate some of them were.

If, like me, you are new to the world of nonprofits, Streetwise’s Managing a Nonprofit: How to Write Winning Grant Proposals, Work with a Board, and Build a Fundraising Program by John Riddle with Tere Drenth is a great introductory book.  However, if you have been working in a nonprofit for a long time, I doubt there’s much new information in here for you.

Project Streamline

There’s no way around it: the grantseeking process is time consuming.  Not only do you need time to research funders and find a good match; you also need time to write compelling proposals geared toward each particular funder’s interests and guidelines. 

Sometimes people ask for the “grant application.”  I wish it were that easy.

Enter Project Streamline … 

“… a collaborative effort of organizations from both sides of the grantmaker/grantseeker divide who are studying grant application and reporting practices, their impact on grantseekers and grantmakers, and the implications for the field.”

Project Streamline recommends grantmakers adopt four core principles in order to reduce the grant application and reporting burden for nonprofits. 

1. Begin from zero.
2. Right-size grant expectations.
3. Relieve the burden on grantees.
4. Make communications and grantmaking processes clear and straightforward.

Download their Drowning in Paperwork, Distracted From Purpose PDF report and learn more about these core principles.  Then check out the comments section of their site and read others’ reactions to the report. 

Outreach Programs

As you can see in that sidebar over there on the left, I’ve scheduled another round of our Foundation Directory Online Basics classes in July.  I plan to do these orientation classes every other month, so if you miss this round, keep an eye out for round three in September.

In addition to teaching scheduled classes to the public, I am interested in doing more outreach programming.  If you are part of a non-profit and would like me to come and speak to your staff about the new resources we have here at the Franklin Public Library,  drop me a line at franklinpl@franklinlibrary.org or call me at 814-432-5062.   I can tailor any program or create new programs to suit your organization’s needs.  For instance, if you have never applied for foundation grants, I can give you an overview of what foundations are, how they work, and how they can help you.  Or, if you are forming a new non-profit, I can guide you on building a strong board of directors or developing a fundraising plan.  I am completely open to tackling any hurdle you or your organization might have in applying for grants, so get in touch!

Online Fundraising for Nonprofits

Does your nonprofit have a strong web presence?  If not, you may be missing out on a powerful source of funding in these uncertain economic times.  The effects of our bad economy are already being felt in the world of philanthropy.  Establishing a strong web presence is a cost effective way to diversify your nonprofit’s fund raising strategy.  Here, some reading to get you off to a good start:     

Online…They’ve Got Mail: 10 Marketing Strategies from TheNonProfit Times

When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Online, a commentary from Jeff Brooks’ Donor Power Blog on a FundRaising Success article, 10 Tips for Fundraising in Tough Times

12 Easy Ways to Build Your Nonprofit’s Email List from the ever-useful Nonprofit Marketing Guide

And a very relevant, very funny Email Checklist from Seth Godin

 

Grant Announcements

Youth Garden Grants Program

The National Gardening Association has partnered with The Home Depot to offer grants that help develop children’s gardening programs.  Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and inter-generational groups throughout the United States are encouraged to apply.  Programs must include at least 15 children aged 3 to 18 years.  Applications can be downloaded at the website, and must be postmarked by November 1, 2008.  For the 2009 grant cycle, 125 grants are available, packaged as follows:

• Five programs will receive gift cards valued at $1000 (a $500 gift card to The Home Depot and a $500 gift card to the Gardening with Kids catalog and store) and educational materials from NGA
• Seventy programs will receive a $500 gift card to The Home Depot and educational materials from NGA
• Fifty programs will receive a $250 gift card to The Home Depot and educational materials from NGA

 

Toshiba America Foundation’s Science and Math Education Projects

Toshiba America Foundation’s mission is to promote quality science and mathematics education in U.S. schools, and to that end the foundation offers grants that help individual science or math teachers develop compelling projects that tap into children’s natural sense of curiosity.  They are currently accepting grant proposals for projects geared at children in grades 7 through 12, and for a dollar amount of $5,000 or more.  Proposals are due by August 1, 2008.