Is Thinking More Like a Business a Bad Thing?

"Dictionaries in class (2)" by

Donors are using their business tactics and strategy to choose the charities and projects in which they get involved; an increasing trend that has received even more attention since Dan Pollotta’s TED talk.

So I thought it was fortuitous that I was invited to attend a conference for new financial start-ups, essentially a chance to listen to the concerns and foci of investors. After all, donors’ logic dictates that the same tactics should apply to both their for-profit and nonprofit investments.

After listening to the advice offered by the various speakers, I can say that opponents to the changing nonprofit landscape should stop bemoaning the ruining of the charitable sector by the business tactics of today’s “venture philanthropists.” In addition to understanding donors, there is much to be learned from the for-profit sector.

Here are 9 tips offered to businesses at the conference that nonprofits should internalize, as well:

Print Friendly

Future Trends in Israel’s Nonprofit Sector: A Review of the Top Headlines in 2012

Newspapers by Shuey Fogel

The headlines in 2012 were all about looking to the future.

While there were some stories with immediate consequences, the effects of most of the headlines will only rear their heads in 2013 (at the earliest). Change in the wind? Yes. On the ground, not so much.

So what’s in store for Israel’s global nonprofit sector? The following are nine of the top news stories of 2012 and their significance:

Print Friendly

9 Steps to Recovering from a 30% Deficit

"Hole in the Gound" by OneCog2Many

Two year ago, this female colleague applied for an Executive Director (ED) position at a particular charity knowing that the organization was facing a 500 thousand shekel (approximately $130 thousand) deficit. After about nine months on the job, the nonprofit was back on track and on the road to a surplus for the following year. What was this ED’s technique and how could other nonprofits benefit from her experience?

Print Friendly

Israel’s “10 Golden Rules for Donors” is a Secret “How-To” Guide for Charities

"Gold Coins" by Timo Studios (Flickr)

In mid-October of this year, Israel’s Registrar of Charities issued “10 Golden Rules for Donors” (Hebrew). While the document is meant as a guideline for individuals, it holds immense value for the Israel’s charities, as well.

Below are The 10 Golden Rules (in English) and its implications for nonprofits operating in Israel.

Print Friendly

USA State Solicitation Regulations Are Fierce & Far Reaching

"Paperwork" by Curtis Gregory Perry

With such as significant portion of donations to Israel’s charities coming from the United States, changes in American legislation can have a profound impact on Israeli nonprofit organizations.

For this reason, I happily agreed to co-host (along with Charlie Kalech of J-Town Productions) Laura Solomon, an attorney based in Philadelphia who specializes in nonprofits. Laura was a powerhouse, leaving me and the other attendees racing to take notes fast enough.

Print Friendly