Synopses & Reviews
If you are like most Americans, at some time in your life, you have been touched by a nonprofit organization. You may have seen a relief organization provide food and shelter for disaster victims--maybe you were one of those victims yourself. You may have tutored a disadvantaged child--perhaps you were such a child. Or maybe you have seen reports on inner-city renewal projects or third-world development efforts, and you were pleased that American volunteer organizations were there working to make a difference.
\x09At a time of reductions in nonprofit funding, and with recent scandals having rocked the credibility of some well-known charities, In Search of America's Best Nonprofits showcases a wide variety of the nation's nonprofits still very worthy of our admiration and support. It takes readers inside some of our most well-managed nonprofits, organizations that meet pressing needs with enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and exceptional integrity. And it serves as a resource for all citizen interested in making well-informed decisions about the charities in which they invest their money, time, or talent.
\x09This book reveals what the leaders of many admired nonprofits have to say about their purpose, and what America's leaders have to say about the organizations that attract them most. It provides the average citizen with an understanding of what makes a charity deserving of financial or volunteer support. And it also explores the workings of America's third sector, a dimension of our economy that produces 1.3 million jobs and generates more than ten percent of the gross national product.
\x09If you are among the one in ten Americans working for a nonprofit, looking for inspiration or practical ideas for improving your organization, In Search of America's Best Nonprofits is packed with the insights and information you need. If you are someone who wants to make informed choices before you contribute your time, talent or money to a charity you don't know well, this book will serve as an excellent guide that will help you choose well.
Review
"Designed to offer guidance to potential volunteers and donors on the country's dynamic and growing nonprofit sector, In Search of America's Best Nonprofits offers so much more--the richness embedded in our cultural heritage, citizens gathering together to enrich their own lives and the lives of others. In Search provides inspirational examples of leaderhip, mission, and commitment to create a livable community for all people." —Janet W. Thompson, coordinator, Global Community Relations Program, Citibank
"Every not-for-profit organization should distribute this book among its board, volunteers, and staff. All will see their own excellence verified, as well as role models for those goals to which they yet aspire." —George B. Wright, editor, The Not-For-Profit CEO Monthly Letter
Synopsis
A practical guide -- for both insiders and those looking to become more involved with nonprofits -- to the exemplary organizations that make our country a better place to live and work.
We are a nation searching for something to believe in. Recent graduates and mid-career explorers want jobs with organizations they trust and admire. And at a time when one in seven jobs exists in the nonprofit sector, these job seekers need a resource much like the extremely popular The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America.
Richard Steckel and Jennifer Lehman provide such a resource with this insider's examination of the nonprofits that are moving and shaking our country A hands-on guide, the book includes a checklist for job-seekers and donors, worksheets for evaluating your own nonprofit, and descriptive portraits of today's most influential nonprofit leaders.
Synopsis
Developed from case studies and survey research, this book provides the information necessary to ensure a sound investment of time, talent, and money in nonprofits worthy of support. Includes hands-on
tool-kits and checklists.
About the Author
RICHARD STECKEL is president of AddVenture Network, a Denver-based consulting firm that specializes in the creation of alliances between nonprofit and for-profit organizations. His clients have included The Children's Defense Fund, public radio station WNYC, Ben and Jerry's Homemade, and Stride-Rite Shoes, among others. Previously, Dr. Steckel was executive director of the Denver Children's Museum and is coauthor of two books concerning nonprofits and the formation of public purpose marketing programs for corporations, including Filthy Rich and Other Nonprofit Fantasies. JENNIFER LEHMAN has worked with AddVenture Network for eight years, developing nonprofit and for-profit partnerships and public purpose marketing programs around the world. She has served as the director of special projects for Colorado Public Radio and as a consultant to a number of Colorado companies and nonprofits nationwide, providing guidelines for corporate social responsibility and nonprofit management.
Table of Contents
Part I: A Look Inside America's Most Admired Nonprofits
1. The Nonprofit Mission: Making a Difference in American Communities
2. Inspirational Leaders in the Nonprofit Sector
3. Nonprofit Organizations Get Ready for the Twenty-First Century
Part II: Learning from Exceptional Nonprofit Organizations
4. Knowing Who You Are and Where You Are Going: Well-Focused Nonprofit Organizations
5. Avoiding Roadblocks on the Road to Excellence
6. Recurring Themes of Excellence
Part III: What to Look for in a Nonprofit Organization: A Guide for Contributors, Job Seekers, and Insiders
7. The Donor Checklist: What to Ask Before You Give
8. The Job Seeker's Checklist: Nonprofits as Employers
9. The Insider's Audit: Evaluating Your Own Nonprofit Organization
Conclusion: Supporting the Best in Our Nonprofit Organization
Resources
A. The Organizational Audit: Tools for Extensive Evaluation of a Nonprofit Organization
B. Twenty-Six Categories for Researching Nonprofits