Resources for Nonprofits

A popular fundraising blueprint for small- to mid-sized nonprofit organizations

In the newly revised Eighth Edition of Fundraising for Social Change, two nonprofit leadership veterans deliver a hands-on, how-to guide to establishing and expanding a diverse base of donors. The authors maintain a focus on groups working toward racial, economic, and climate justice, providing trustworthy and relevant information that can be easily understood.

The book includes a free Instructor's Manual, as well as access to supplementary online content with additional resources. Readers will also find:

• "Spotlight" sections highlighting the reflections and wisdom of a varied group of fundraisers
• Insightful explorations about managing fundraising, including establishing a fundraising infrastructure, hiring a development director, and using consultants and coaches
• Discussions of budgeting and planning, as well as how to handle significant financial trouble

An indispensable resource for nonprofit board members, managers, founders, and employees, Fundraising for Social Change is a must-read roadmap to raising money. It belongs on the bookshelves of leaders, activists and organizers seeking to advance racial, economic, environmental or social justice.

Following the widespread success of For the Love of Cities, this book builds upon the central premise that love of place matters, with more examples from all over the world and practical steps that community leaders, both official and unofficial, might use to kick start the process in their city. This book explores how to build networks of co-creators, how to allay community fears, how to deal with naysayers and bad news, how to find your authentic identity and how little bits of funding can be instrumental in creating big changes.

“A comprehensive, entertaining, and compelling argument for how rebuilding social infrastructure can help heal divisions in our society and move us forward.”—Jon Stewart

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR • “Engaging.”—Mayor Pete Buttigieg, The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

We are living in a time of deep divisions. Americans are sorting themselves along racial, religious, and cultural lines, leading to a level of polarization that the country hasn’t seen since the Civil War. Pundits and politicians are calling for us to come together and find common purpose. But how, exactly, can this be done?

In Palaces for the People, Eric Klinenberg suggests a way forward. He believes that the future of democratic societies rests not simply on shared values but on shared spaces: the libraries, childcare centers, churches, and parks where crucial connections are formed. Interweaving his own research with examples from around the globe, Klinenberg shows how “social infrastructure” is helping to solve some of our most pressing societal challenges. Richly reported and ultimately uplifting, Palaces for the People offers a blueprint for bridging our seemingly unbridgeable divides.

LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION

“Just brilliant!”—Roman Mars, 99% Invisible

“The aim of this sweeping work is to popularize the notion of ‘social infrastructure'—the ‘physical places and organizations that shape the way people interact'. . . . Here, drawing on research in urban planning, behavioral economics, and environmental psychology, as well as on his own fieldwork from around the world, [Eric Klinenberg] posits that a community’s resilience correlates strongly with the robustness of its social infrastructure. The numerous case studies add up to a plea for more investment in the spaces and institutions (parks, libraries, childcare centers) that foster mutual support in civic life.”—The New Yorker

“Palaces for the People—the title is taken from the Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s description of the hundreds of libraries he funded—is essentially a calm, lucid exposition of a centuries-old idea, which is really a furious call to action.”—New Statesman

“Clear-eyed . . . fascinating.”—Psychology Today

Help your nonprofit thrive
 

Need practical advice on running a nonprofit? No problem! Packed with the latest tips and techniques on starting and managing a charitable organization, this easy-to-follow guide offers everything you need to help your nonprofit endure the ups and downs of the economy. From applying for your tax exemption to raising money to pay for your programs, it covers it all. So get ready to bring in the bucks — and enjoy watching your nonprofit prosper.

• Write a mission statement
• Craft a compelling pitch
• Raise money online
• Apply for grants
• Get the word out
• Adapt in hard times
• Prepare a solid budget
• Project cash flow

Nonprofit leadership is messy

Nonprofits leaders are optimistic by nature. They believe with time, energy, smarts, strategy and sheer will, they can change the world. But as staff or board leader, you know nonprofits present unique challenges. Too many cooks, not enough money, an abundance of passion. It’s enough to make you feel overwhelmed and alone. The people you help need you to be successful. But there are so many obstacles: a micromanaging board that doesn’t understand its true role; insufficient fundraising and donors who make unreasonable demands; unclear and inconsistent messaging and marketing; a leader who’s a star in her sector but a difficult boss…

And yet, many nonprofits do thrive. Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership will show you how to do just that. Funny, honest, intensely actionable, and based on her decades of experience, this is the book Joan Garry wishes she had when she led GLAAD out of a financial crisis in 1997. Joan will teach you how to:

Build a powerhouse board Create an impressive and sustainable fundraising program Become seen as a ‘workplace of choice’ Be a compelling public face of your nonprofit

This book will renew your passion for your mission and organization, and help you make a bigger difference in the world.

Source: Publisher

#1 bestseller for nonprofit fundraising and grants

This book answers all your questions related to grant writing and the questions you want to ask like...

• How do I build a career in grant writing?
• What if the grant I write doesn’t win?
• How do I make time for this?

Here’s what we want you to know: if you can think critically and commit to being the best version of yourself, you will succeed as a grant writing unicorn.

We often get ahead of ourselves, and fear overruns our hopes and dreams. But did you know that you can get started sooner than you realize? As soon as you close this book, you are ready. Marked with chocolate fingerprints, coffee stains, post-its, and highlights, you will feel confident and inspired to take action.

Freshen that cup of joe or tea my friend. We move quickly around here. You are on your way to becoming a Grant Writing Unicorn! 🦄

🧡 Meredith, Alex, and the Entire Team at Learn Grant Writing

Key information to guide your charitable organization in attracting donors and raising money.

This easy-to-read book combines the author's legal and fundraising experience with advice and stories from over 50 experienced fundraising professionals.

Offers practical guidance on the types of fundraising a new or small- to mid-size nonprofit can most realistically make use of, including engaging individual donors online and in person, planning special events, soliciting grants from foundations and corporations, and more.

Includes handy worksheets and sample letters. 
 

The bible of grassroots fundraising, updated with the latest tools and methods

Fundraising for Social Change is the preeminent guide to securing funding, with a specific focus on progressive nonprofit organizations with budgets under $5 million. Used by nonprofits nationally and internationally, this book provides a soup-to-nuts prescription for building, maintaining, and expanding an individual donor program. Author Kim Klein is a recognized authority on all aspects of fundraising, and this book distills her decades of expertise into fundraising strategies that work. This updated seventh edition includes new information on the impact of generational change, using social media effectively, multi-channel fundraising, and more, including expanded discussion on retaining donors and on legacy giving. Widely considered the 'bible of grassroots fundraising,' this practically-grounded guide is an invaluable resource for anyone who has to raise money for important causes. A strong, sustainable fundraising strategy must possess certain characteristics. You need people who are willing to ask and realistic goals. You need to gather data and use it to improve results, and you need to translate your ideas in to language donors will understand. A robust individual donor program creates stable and long-term cash flow, and this book shows you how to structure your fundraising appropriately no matter how tight your initial budget.

• Develop and maintain a large base of individual donors
• Utilize strategies that pay off sooner rather than later
• Expand your reach and get your message out to the donor pool
• Translate traditional fundraising methods into strategies that work for social justice organizations with little or no front money

Basing your fundraising strategy on the contributions of individual donors may feel like herding cats—but it's the best way for your organization to maintain maximum freedom to pursue the mission that matters. A robust, organized, planned approach can help you reach your goals sooner, and Fundraising for Social Change is the field guide for putting it all together to make big things happen.

Build a great nonprofit

More people than ever are committing themselves to serving their communities and changing the world. Whether you’re aiming to protect the environment, support the arts, or help people in need, understanding how to set up a solid nonprofit organization is a great foundation for being as effective as you can be.

With practical advice, legal information, tips, and step-by-step instructions, this essential guide will help you get your nonprofit up and running—and keep it going! It explains how to:

• develop a strategic plan and budget
• recruit and manage board members, volunteers, and staff
• market your organization to your target audience
• raise money including traditional methods and crowdfunding
• build a website, use social media strategically, and avoid copyright troubles
• adopt policies that are legally sound
• and much more

Whether you are dreaming of starting a nonprofit or are already in the trenches, Starting and Building a Nonprofit will help your organization make a real difference in the world. The fully updated ninth edition contains new material on developing and implementing meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion policies within your organization. It also covers recent changes to the law, including new incentives for donors under the CARES Act.

With Downloadable Forms

Download and customize essential forms, including Contractor Work-for-Hire Agreement, Volunteer Assignment Agreement, and sample budget forms. (details inside).