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:  

Tip #1 – Outsource Less

To Businesses: “While it might be cheaper to outsource many back-office activities, having these menial tasks done in-house present a more established company to investors.”

Applications for Charities:

In my experience, there are two types of outsourcing for nonprofits: administrative and fundraising.  While administrative outsourcing or conglomerates can be a useful thing, fundraising can be tricky.

Outsourcing fundraising refers to the use of fiscal sponsors or intermediaries to raise funds.  Essentially, checks are being written to a name other than the intended charity.  While many factors can be used to judge the effectiveness of fiscal sponsors or the like, it has been argued that raising funds through another organization dilutes a charity’s name recognition and presents the organization as more amateurish.

As a matter of fact, many consultants and seasoned fundraisers will decide whether to establish an “American Friends” supporting charity in the United States based on this last criteria and not on any financial incentives.

Tip #2 – Voluntary Registration with the SEC

To Businesses: “While many firms do not need to register with the SEC [Security Exchange Commission] or other government watchdogs, it was suggested that voluntary registration can certainly show investors that a company takes itself seriously.”

Applications for Charities:

Whether in the States or in Israel, there are organizations that are either exempt from or can opt out of certain registration or reporting requirements.

One of the best examples of this, is houses of worship in the America, who are exempt from filing the dreaded 990.

In Israel, the two “main” certifications that a charity can receive are the Nihul Takin [Certificate of Proper Management] from the Registrar of Charities) and Seif 46 [tax-deductible status] from the Tax Authority.  While much can be said for not applying for tax-deductibility status (read my previous article), the extra filing to obtain the Nihul Takin seems to always be worth it as many institutional donors expect to see it and the government themselves views this certificate as the litmus test for proper management.

Tip #3 – Third-Party Verification

To Businesses: “Investors always feel better when a company has a third party checking their numbers. And yes, sometimes this costs money.  But do it anyway.”

Applications for Charities:

Charities have a few ways that they can verify their numbers: impact measurement and charity ratings.

Whether it’s business tactics or limited funding for the nonprofit sector, in general, the need for impact measurement has become clear (though the source of financing this research has inspired many an article).

Charity rating have been in existence for years, though here too the exact nature of the ratings is also a source a great debate.  The evolution of Charity Navigator, for example, is the perfect test case for this challenge.  With that said, many seem to agree that it helps to have someone’s stamp of approval — and there are more rating sites for charities to choose from every year.

(It is interesting to note that in Israel, there is only one organization that rates nonprofits, Middot, whose business model has Israeli charities paying for the evaluation.  Not only has this financing model not caught on but 2012 saw a big backlash to some of Middot’s joint initiatives with the government — the subject of another piece altogether).

Here too, with charities’ “mismanagement” of funds making the headlines every month, third-party verification is continually playing a more important role.

Tip #4 – Simplicity

To Businesses: “The more complicated your market strategy the harder it is to explain to investors.”

Application for Charities:

Where to start?!

With increased competition in the nonprofit world, it is critical for charities to distinguish themselves from other organizations and highlight their added-value.

• Internally, nonprofits and their employees must understand their mission, what Guy Kawasaki refers to as the company’s mantra.
• Externally, the nonprofit needs to ensure that all their programs and PR are sending the same messages.  A nonprofit engaged in mission creep or sending mixed signals presents a watered-down identity.

Tip #5 – Manage Risk

To Businesses: “We care about good risk managers.”

Applications for Charities:

In the for-profit world risk-taking is an understood part of doing business and an integral part of business strategy.  Navigating risk is much more important than avoiding risk — avoiding risk entirely robs a business venture of potential revenue streams.

In the nonprofit world, risk appears in a number of forms: programmatic risk, proper due diligence, and embezzlement, to name a few.  While the possible tools and tests available to donors and charities are too numerous to even begin to list, it boils down to one thing: a properly functioning board of directors.

A well-run board will not only help avoid most pitfalls, but it is also the first thing (and sometimes the only thing) that many donors inspect.  (Example: A Healthy Board Imbues Trust with Potential Donors.)

Tip #6 – Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

To Businesses: “You Don’t Need to Reinvent the Wheel.”

Applications for Charities:

New charities are formed every day based on the tenet that it can be done differently or better than previously before.  (Need a I mention, “innovation?”)

While proving uniqueness and value is critical, not every aspect of the business model needs to be one-of-a-kind.  Building on previous proven methodology is a great way to save money and time.

Tip #7 – Educate Investors

To Businesses: “Educate investors.”

Applications for Charities:

Take nothing for granted.

Donors don’t necessarily see the need, appreciate the subtleties, nor value organizational priorities. And they won’t unless an organization decides to explain it to them.  (This is why G-d invented  fundraisers and PR experts.)

An axiom in the nonprofit sector states that donors will only give when asked.  True.  Just as importantly: donors will give more when they understand.  

Tip #8 – Always Preserve Your Reputation

To Businesses: “Play by the rules. Your reputation is all you have.”

Application for Charities:

• Innovation is great…but in a controlled environment.  When a new project or donation has the potential to call into question the entire organization then it isn’t worth it. Stay far away.
• When Murphy’s Law rears its ugly head – whether as a scandal, foe pa, or a simple typo – respond quickly.  Don’t let others dictate the conversation surrounding your reputation.  (Example: No News is NOT Good News: What Went Wrong with Komen for the Cure.)

Tip #9 – The Buck Stops Here

To Businesses: “Due diligence questionnaires should be filled out by the CEO.”

Application for Charities:

Nothing exists in a vacuum.

In order for any new initiative or fundraising effort to succeed, it must have the support (and sometimes the active help) of the top brass.  Staff and volunteers look to the leaders as personal examples.  If it ain’t flowing from the top, it won’t get far.

CONCLUSION

Jim Collins said that “Great business corporations share more in common with great social sector organizations than they share with mediocre businesses.”

Instead of focusing of the differences between the two types of corporations, more attention should be given to the similarities.  And if donors are more business-thinking then so be it.  There is plenty to learn and apply from businesses.

Though, if we’re already quoting Collins then I’ll end off with this: “Social sector organizations increasingly look to business for leadership models and talent, yet I suspect we will find more true leadership in social sectors that the business sector.”

A little off the topic but I couldn’t resist.

Keep an open mind and tizku lemitzvot,

Shuey

Disclaimer:  This blog houses my personal opinions and is for informational purposes only — not advice. As charity laws can be quite complex and ever-changing, please refer all questions to qualified and licensed professionals.  Read the full disclaimer.

Photo courtesy of Ijiwaru Jimbo (Flickr)

Here are links to the articles I’ve reviewed and posted to Twitter recently.  This week’s topics include: Jewish & Israel Sectors • NP Strategy • Funding, Budgeting & Impact • Philanthropy • Internet & Social Media • Boards • Op-Eds

As always, you can stay up-to-date with these articles and more by following me on Twitter or subscribing to receive The Nonprofit Banker by email.

Tizku Lemitzvot,

Shuey
@nonprofitbanker

JEWISH & ISRAEL SECTORS

NonProfitBanker: New post >> Future Trends in Israel’s Nonprofit Sector: A Review of the Top Headlines in 2012 ow.ly/1RCQF9

NonProfitBanker: The authors of this eJPhil post on Jewish innovation shouldn’t worry too much about funding ow.ly/1RX3Ao I’m the 3rd comment

NP STRATEGY

Exciting. NAFund is using profitability-impact matrix to improve upon their already gr8 work ow.ly/1RQpQz // can you use it too?

5 Things That an Eventful 2012 Taught Charities ow.ly/1RI8eo on Philanthropy via GTak

10 resolutions to bring your Social Venture to success ow.ly/1RZWcm via GTak

FUNDING, BUDGETING & IMPACT

Why Impact Sourcing is easier to implement than Impact Investing (Yes, there is a dif) ow.ly/hnBG4 by DaveBatstone on SSIReview

Bold statement >> Social Impact Investing Will Be the New Venture Capital ow.ly/1RXL4C on HarvardBiz via GTak

You realize how hard measuring impact is only after this article ow.ly/1RS9WT by andrew_zolli on SSIReview

The value of strategic financial leadership ow.ly/1RSGN9 on NAFund // sounds important enough that I might read it again

The funder’s mantra >> Those affected by a problem have to help define the solution ow.ly/1RVECZ from p2173

PHILANTHROPY

VERY important >> Philanthropy: Wealthy Young Donors Push Charities to Show Results ow.ly/1RFaeK via GailPerrync

Strategic philanthropy has a new name – Entrepreneurial Philanthropy – & 6 clear steps ow.ly/1RRrEX on SSIReview

A Case Study in Getting Nonprofit Fundraising Right ow.ly/1RSvbJ from nedgington

8 questions to make your philanthropy be more strategic ow.ly/1RHqwx via eJPhil

SOCIAL MEDIA & INTERNET

Thanx Fundraisinisfun I’m a Google+ Communities believer…almost. He makes a great argument ow.ly/1RTVD8

Can’t argue w/ the numbers >> 5 Reasons Why a Nonprofit Should Prioritize the Mobile Web NOW ow.ly/hqK6h by NonprofitOrgs

BOARDS

I’ve seen these ex w/ more than a few of my clients » Ethical Dilemmas connected w/ Nonprofit Boards ow.ly/1RX4dm on eJPhil

What 2 talk about at nonprofit board meetings? (hint: it should only be 1 thing) ow.ly/1S5SEP on npquarterly via GTak

OP-EDs

Liberating 990 Data ow.ly/1RSxrL on p2173 // amen to that!

Can the Circular Economy save our planet? (& produce nice revenues too?) blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/01/is_… on HarvardBiz via katyaN4G

]]> http://nonprofitbanker.com/weekly-roundup/weekly-roundup-february-10/feed/ 0 http://nonprofitbanker.com/weekly-roundup/weekly-roundup-february-12/ http://nonprofitbanker.com/weekly-roundup/weekly-roundup-february-12/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:44:22 +0000 http://nonprofitbanker.com/?p=2713 Read more →

Links to the articles I’ve reviewed and posted to Twitter between December 5 – December 11, 2011. This week’s topics include: Governance & Strategy • Transparency • Management & Corporate Culture • Funding & Fundraising • Marketing

You can stay up-to-date with these articles and more by following me on Twitter or subscribing to receive The Nonprofit Banker by email.

Tizku Lemitzvot,

Shuey
@nonprofitbanker

GOVERNANCE & STRATEGY

3 challenges affecting small nonprofit organizations & 5 ways to mitigate them, by Npmaven ow.ly/1BE1oS via EmilyChan

Why taking over a nonprofit instead of opening new 1 doesn’t save time or $$, by Charitylawyer ow.ly/1BGWfy

Maybe there’s a reason people don’t play nice: 8 Dangers of Collaboration, by Nilofer ow.ly/7TjY9 in HarvardBiz via GTak

NAFund & ToscanoAdvisors: 10 Things Every Nonprofit Board Member Should Know ow.ly/1BQnsF

Oy vey! Lessons from a donation bequeathed to a nonprofit but under incorrect name ow.ly/1BE0uM on eJPhil

Programs pairing MBAs with nonprofit organizations give students opp as Board member @ younger age ow.ly/1BGqNs via LawForChange

Get some popcorn & a pencil >> NAFund: Watch our 15 min VID how to manage Restricted Funds ow.ly/7CXZZ

TRANSPARENCY

Opendata: Not because your donors want it but because the nonprofit sector needs it (by p2173) ow.ly/1BvZSf via tkb

An increasingly important topic >> GTak: Finding the Right Transparency, by Emilychan ow.ly/1BQvDl

Gr8 debate re: end-goals of transparency. Kanter summarizes recent articles & forums bit.ly/tEHRBN via GTak

FUNDING & FUNDRAISING

Is a nonprofit about to go bust? BrokersWorld offers some ways to find out ow.ly/1BxolV on WSJ via GTak

5 ways to ensure your nonprofit gets that government funding ow.ly/7PBMx on BridgespanGroup

Making the case for donating to Overhead. A discussion with Tom Tierney of BridgespanGroup ow.ly/1BAbD1 on WSJ

Very sound advice >> ProGrantWriter: What new nonprofits need before hiring a grantwriter ow.ly/7pPX5

MARKETING

YNPNDetroit: VIDEO how to drastically improve your nonprofit’s mission statement ow.ly/7JZ5i via KatyaN4G

MANAGEMENT & CORPORATE CULTURE

Awesome! >> 9 Things That Motivate Employees More Than Money, by IlyaNeverSleeps ow.ly/1BxrOZ on IncMagazine

The Pen Is Mightier than the App: A Case For Writing Things Out, by Kevinpurdy ow.ly/7PX2M on FastCompany

Links to the articles I’ve reviewed and posted to Twitter between November 28 – December 4, 2011.  This week’s topics include:  U.S. Regulations  •  Jewish & Israel  •  Management & Strategy  •  Fundraising

You can stay up-to-date with these articles and more by following me on Twitter or subscribing to receive The Nonprofit Banker by email.

Tizku Lemitzvot,

Shuey
@nonprofitbanker

U.S. REGULATIONS

DonKramer: Is it legal/ethical for former staff to take donor list? ow.ly/1BgdnE

JEWISH & ISRAEL

Power of the People: Israel’s social protests hit profit at Supermarket chain, CEO quits ow.ly/1BcGaz

Against the Grain: Why People Shouldn’t Jump to Criticize Jewish Federation’s GPT ow.ly/7O479 on eJPhil

Op-Ed on Jewish innovation as independent sector vs inherent aspect of nonprofit orgs ow.ly/1BsKjP on eJPhil

MANAGEMENT & STRATEGY

Semantics or What Defines a Good Manager? “There’s No Such Thing as Constructive Criticism” on HarvardBiz ow.ly/7IFyE

Golden! >> Alicekorngold: Lessons 4 Nonprofit Boards per Penn State + 2nd Mile ow.ly/1Btpe0 by GTak & Emilychan

GTak: Should Philanthropies Operate Like Businesses? Interesting debate on WSJ

How Philanthropy Taught Me to Embrace Failure: A Precondition to Success, by Rmarker ow.ly/1Ba1oT via eJPhil

FUNDRAISING

IndSector & CharityIdeas: How Non-Profits Can Use Mobile Digital Wallets for Fundraising on.mash.to/uFxuSj on Mashable

CharityNav: Donations inch back up after recession decline ht.ly/7IjbZ on USATODAY

4 ways to nurture social enterprise (hint: not from the Gov) ow.ly/7AG2V via SVPMinnesota & ColleenEbinger

Links to the articles I’ve reviewed and posted to Twitter between November 21 – November 27, 2011.  This week’s topics include:  Jewish Federations’ New GPT Directive  •  Jewish & Israel  •  Management & Strategy  •  Fundraising & Marketing  •  Social Media & Internet

You can stay up-to-date with these articles and more by following me on Twitter or subscribing to receive The Nonprofit Banker by email.

Tizku Lemitzvot,

Shuey
@nonprofitbanker

JEWISH FEDERATIONS’ NEW GPT DIRECTIVE

Global Planning Table Recommended to JFNA’s Board - JFNA Briefing

Federations Drop Overseas Giving Formula – The Forward

Global Planning Table Ends Funding Split between Two Agencies – Jewish Ledger (nice history & background)

The Jewish Federations’ Big Gamble – Op-Ed by Dan Brown on eJewishPhilanthropy (great discussion in the comments)

JEWISH & ISRAEL

New Canadian Foundation aims 2 expedite donations to worthy nonprofits in Israel ow.ly/1B6hiS on eJPhil // expect serious scrutiny (as with all Canadian charitable ventures)

Congratulations to Prof Eliezer Jaffe, Israel “Dean of Philanthropy”, on receiving Knesset Speakers Prize ow.ly/7AlXA on eJPhil

MANAGEMENT & STRATEGY

Global recession impact: new study shows nonprofit orgs seek financial stability ow.ly/1B4McE on eJPhil

Donor Advised Funds: answer to our prayers or devil in disguise? Op-ed on NyTimes ow.ly/7G7s3 via IndSector

Calling All Boomers: Don’t Start More Nonprofits ow.ly/7Dp5e on Philanthropy via NAFund

Does your boss know that worker disengagement costs $300 billion a yr in lost productivity? ow.ly/1AKOpk

FUNDRAISING & MARKETING

Awesome & Inspiring >> Pndblog: (12 min VID) I am a Philanthropist: Diverse Voices in Giving ow.ly/7GqzM

PatrickSternal: The World’s 7 Most Powerful Philanthropists Forbes onforb.es/v7bV6R | The .000000001%

Principles that apply to so many things >> Johnhaydon: 3 Ways To Keep Cause Marketing Authentic zite.to/uHZTx9

SOCIAL MEDIA & INTERNET

Askdebra: Twitter donors worth the most on social media via Stevebridger | Scoopit bit.ly/v9vL79

VID – Are LinkedIn pgs actualy more robust than Facebook pgs 4 your nonprofit ? ow.ly/1AKRai via Johnhaydon

It’s more than just Likes & Shares >> Franswaa: Thoughtful engagement matters more than we think ow.ly/7yVQp

Links to the articles I’ve reviewed and posted to Twitter between October 10 – November 6, 2011.  This week’s topics include:  Regulations  •  Israel  •  Strategy  •  Impact & Innovation  •  Fundraising  •  Social Media & Internet  •  Entertainment

You can stay up-to-date with these articles and more by following me on Twitter or subscribing to receive The Nonprofit Banker by email.

Tizku Lemitzvot,

Shuey
@nonprofitbanker

REGULATIONS

Especially relevant after this yr’s revocations RT @DonKramer: How 2 reinstate an inactive nonprofit ow.ly/1zf1Rz

Interesting take on taxes & their affect on how society interacts (by Kimberlytso) ow.ly/1zBaMs via HildyGottlieb & Alexandrapeters

ISRAEL

NonProfitBanker: Increasing Demands on Israeli Charities, but is it Fair? ow.ly/7if2j

STRATEGY

Very, very sound principles >> The New 10 Commandments of Strategy: Planning for our Uncertain World ow.ly/1yrnBR on eJPhil

A timely title >> God is in the Details: Planning & Implementing for Success, by Stephen Donshik ow.ly/1yrPPS on eJPhil

An oldy but especially relevant nowadays >> Charitylawyer: Collaboration Case Study – Failed Merger ow.ly/1z8o1s

Love the empirical evidence! RT KatyaN4G: 3 Leadership Skills That Count, by GreatbyChoice ow.ly/1z8mAY on HarvardBiz

Who would have thought: Leadership starts in the middle, not at the too ow.ly/1zeOEb on FastCompany

THE Question in Giving: Defining a Meaningful Gift (checkbook or S.O.B.) ow.ly/1zJqhM in Nytimes via eJPhil

IMPACT & INNOVATION

NAFund: Yes! >> SmartNonprofits & NonprofitBooks: 3 things musts to address to sustain impact ow.ly/6Z6Q2

Cool, a double whammy >> NAFund & SmartNonprofits: Foundations use investments to achieve their missions ow.ly/7cbQI

Nicely put >> NAFund: & Smartgivers: What’s really needed for nonprofit innovation? by mjwera ow.ly/1yHA9J

SOCIAL MEDIA & INTERNET

Makes a great case >> Nonprofitorgs: 4 Reasons Why Nonprofit Orgs Should Follow More on Twitter ow.ly/1yumoF

It’s almost like we need a monthly update >> HildyGottlieb: A New Guide to Facebook Safety & Privacy ow.ly/1zuB1D

Compelling argument for doing a profile on GuideStarUSA >> Nptechblogs: How Do U Measure Nonprofit Impact ow.ly/1zTZRj via Convio

FUNDRAISING

A cure for your fundraising crisis? Do you suffer from Scatterization? ow.ly/70AyN on HarvardBiz

Do you kill your #fundraising efforts by talking too much? By GailPerrync gailperry.com/2011/08/the-fu…

Don’t set yourself up for failure: 5 Lies to Stop Telling Donors, by Nedgington socialvelocity.net/2011/10/financ…

Incredibly Informative: How to find the right fundraising model for your nonprofit tow.ly/1zlADw on SSIReview

Chuck-full of gr8 tips >> GailPerrync: Killer fundraising strategy for 2012! My Best Practices 4 Monthly Giving Programs http://www.gailperry.com/2011/07/20-best-practices-for-monthly-giving-programs 

Put your money where your mouth is >> GailPerrync: This donor-centered appeal letter uses the word “you” 16 times. ow.ly/7iUXm

ENTERTAINMENT

Philanthropy CAN be funny: Clinton Fdn “celebrity” video celebrates 10 yrs ow.ly/78vt7 via IShopForIsrael

Links to the articles I’ve reviewed and posted to Twitter between September 26 – October 9, 2011.  This week’s topics include:  Regulations  •  Strategy & Accountability  •  Fundraising  •  Tech  •  Op-Ed

You can stay up-to-date with these articles and more by following me on Twitter or subscribing to receive The Nonprofit Banker by email.

Tizku Lemitzvot,

Shuey
@nonprofitbanker

REGULATIONS

DonKramer: What kind of record-keeping, policies/procedures are required of nonprofit orgs? ow.ly/1xGlxL

Does your nonprofit org solve problems or address difficulties? Yes, there is a dif (by @p2173) bit.ly/pqoRHx via FundraisingNews

Emerging Legal Questions in Today’s Boardroom, by Emilychan http://ow.ly/6RZ5X // great links & additional resources for further study

STRATEGY & ACCOUNTABILITY

Performance Measurement System 4 Social Investors Unveiled ow.ly/1xZaAm via SmartNonprofits // Any other good summaries out there?

Intriguing >> AlisonRapping: Transparency is the Key to Sustainability (by CSR guru Elainecohen) ow.ly/1xLd9a

A brief overview of the new CharityNav (what they’re calling CN 2.0) from Craignewmark http://ow.ly/6GVCS

Strategic plans arent enough: Budgets are lousy financial plans, by KateSBarr ow.ly/1yc1J0 via NAFund

FUNDRAISING

GailPerrync: Love this! Nathan_hand: Tis popcorn season. 10 fundraising tips from a 10 yr old

7 ways to thank a donor 7 times a yr (clicking heels of ruby slippers not required) http://ow.ly/6GVUD via Johnhaydon

SocialGoodToday & Razoo 5 Tips to Make Donating Easy ow.ly/1y7LWQ

Multi-channel, the Holy Grail of Fundraising ow.ly/1ym5KZ via Franswaa

TECHNOLOGY

IndSector: How can philanthropists make the most of socialmedia? http://ow.ly/6OtTL via Guardiannews

FYI, you nonprofit techies >> Joewaters: Goodbye QR Codes, Hello Near Field Communication? ow.ly/1xY3eM

What Facebook’s Changes Mean for Cause Marketing, by Joewaters ow.ly/1xIGeT

OP-ED

Johnhaydon: Why should we hire a consultant? by NancyIannone http://ow.ly/6EXIu

This is one sassy blogger! >> Get Off Your Butt & Learn, by AmberCadabra ow.ly/1y5vsx via eJPhil

Links to the articles I’ve reviewed and posted to Twitter between August 8 – September 12, 2011.  This week’s topics include:  U.S. Regulations  •  Israel & Jewish  •  Governance & Strategy  •  Fundraising & Marketing  •  Social Media & Internet  •  Personal Development  •  OP-EDs

You can stay up-to-date with these articles and more by following me on Twitter or subscribing to receive The Nonprofit Banker by email.

Tizku Lemitzvot,

Shuey
@nonprofitbanker

U.S. REGULATIONS

Does this affect your rabbi? PatrickSternal: Peter Reilly on clergy housing exemption onforb.es/oyZT70 A workable solution?

ISRAEL & JEWISH

Jaded (buy true?) analysis on Haaretz why the rich in Israel now favor “giving” back more ow.ly/1wmDyg / though, I don’t like the Buffet ex.

Could a lowering of the Bank of Israel interest rate be in the horizon ow.ly/1wrpmm

Finally, equality for all Israel nonprofit orgs as Public Benefit Companies join the list on GuidestarIL ow.ly/1wG6DW

Gr8 analysis of crossroads facing Israel & the protesters in favor of “social welfare” ow.ly/1wM6dq

GOVERNANCE & STRATEGY

Fiscal Sponsorship: How to create social change without becoming a 501c3, by Askmanny ow.ly/1wm3OG via GTak

The difference btwn Vision & Mission and understanding which needs to come first http://ow.ly/5Z1DA via Sethacohen33 & BrianMSeymour

A Good Reminder: 18 Questions Good Board Members Should Be Asking ow.ly/1wb8XE in eJPhil

7 steps to ensure that your gr8 ideas become gr8 programs, by Stephen Donshik ow.ly/1wb6iW in eJPhil

FUNDRAISING & MARKETING

The super imp dif when fundraising btwn Push vs Pull activities, by Nedgington ow.ly/1wuLEX via eJPhil

Nice overview >> GTak: Financing Options for Social Enterprises (a.k.a. nonprofits) ow.ly/1wOWdk

SOCIAL MEDIA & INTERNET

Davidcorman: 5 Ways Community Banks Can Use Social Media ow.ly/1wM84n

Nice variety & depth >> Kanter: The ROI of Social Media: 10 Case Studies | Scoopit ow.ly/1wXu6G

Is it really just a numbers game? WomenWhoTech: On avg, nonprofit orgs had 110 FB fans per 1000 email subscribers frogloop.com/care2blog/2011…

Feeling unloved? 9 Reasons Why Your Content Is Not Shared on Social Networks, by Mike_Stelzner http://ow.ly/6gDXi via eJPhil

Askdebra: Great blog post from @idealware! A Basic Introduction to LinkedIn ow.ly/1wuTPy LinkedInExpert

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

5 ways to keep your innovative ideas from drying up & blowing away, by SBLeaders http://ow.ly/1vtamm via GuyKawasaki

Rosettathurman: 15 Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Nonprofit Career ow.ly/1wba9x

OP-EDs

More $$ for proven concepts & less for the new, shiny & risky. Ex: Juno (by BobOttenhoff) ow.ly/1wIX8j via Pndblog

Can a national day of volunteering be a bad thig? Npquarterly: Obama calls to commemorate 9/11 by volunteering ow.ly/1wIJF6

Still mulling over this one: Why Steve Jobs & I Hate Charity, by Joewaters ow.ly/1wOWXG

Book review by P2173: Impact Investing ow.ly/1wXDKB via NAFund & Smartgivers

Links to the articles I’ve reviewed and posted to Twitter between August 1 – August 7, 2011.  This week’s topics include:  U.S. Regulations  •  Israeli & Jewish  •  Governance & Strategy  •  Fundraising & Marketing  •  Technology  •  The Workplace

You can stay up-to-date with these articles and more by following me on Twitter or subscribing to receive The Nonprofit Banker by email.

Tizku Lemitzvot,

Shuey
@nonprofitbanker

U.S. REGULATIONS

What constitutes Unrelated Business Income for USA #Nonprofit orgs? by Charitylawyer http://ow.ly/1vfiTv

ISRAELI & JEWISH NONPROFITS

YehudaKurtzer: Jewish Nonprofit orgs are getting the talent, but are we keeping them inspired? http://ow.ly/5Sgh4 in eJPhil

A New Paradigm for Israeli-Diaspora A Nonprofit Collaboration http://ow.ly/1vfR8d in eJPhil // agree with the premise but still digesting his proposal

It seems that Jewish Nonprofits Orgs are Afraid of the Power of Technology for Fundraising. Why? http://ow.ly/5ShjE in eJPhil

GOVERNANCE & STRATEGY

Why board members need to be independent & ask the tough questions, by Lucymarcus http://ow.ly/5Xd2Q on HarvardBiz

Don’t wait for the silver lining: 5 Tips for Coping w Adversity & Finding Opportunity, by RosabethKanter http://ow.ly/1vcRzl on HarvardBiz

Could a more focused mission & low overhead be the keys to nonprofit sustainability? by Bobgoldfarb http://ow.ly/5Smu6 in eJPhil 

Amen! >> It’s time to change the way Innovation in the Nonprofit sector is marketed, by Bobgoldfarb http://ow.ly/5Xfez in eJPhil

FUNDRAISING & MARKETING

An important reminder >> Philanthropy: New blog shows how nonprofit orgs can better use photos to tell their stories http://ow.ly/5Rs17

A great case for unrestricted funds from donors http://ow.ly/5XdAF (reminds me of Jim Collins) on SSIReview via _Fundraiser 

Awesome! A Great 101: (More Than) A Few Good Methods for Processing Credit Cards http://ow.ly/5Xd62 on idealware

TECHNOLOGY

NonProfitBanker: New VIDEO Blog Post: 5 Questions a Nonprofit Should Ask When Considering a Mobile App http://ow.ly/5VVeN featuring CharlieKalech Pixelpointpress & appSTUDIO

ISNGen & IngaBroerman: 4 Ways to Leverage Word-of-Mouth Marketing Using Social Media http://ow.ly/1vmfNm

THE WORKPLACE

Nptechblogs: 6 Professional Development Strategies for the Toxic Workplace, by Michelemmartin http://ow.ly/1vfh9W

AlisonRapping & CoachingLeaders: the 3 types of burnout & 3 ways to fight them http://ow.ly/1vh4Si