Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Not-Exactly-Nonprofit Book Suggestions...

Wanted to call your attention to two "regular" library (non-G&FC) books you might find helpful:
  • Everyone Helps, Everyone Wins, How Absolutely Anyone Can Pitch In, Help Out, Give Back and Make the World a Better Place by David T. Levinson -- readable and comprehensive, this book offers practical tips for would-be volunteers and for the agencies who need them. Any of you volunteer managers got a comment? (We've now got brochures about the Metropolitan Volunteer Management Association available or check out www.mvma-stl.org for more help in this area.)
  • Switch by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, comes highly recommended by G&FC patron Pamela Devine. "It's a fascinating book that analyzes the resistance we have to change and how to overcome it. Prior to reading it, I thought getting things done in slow-moving organizations depended on a never-ending supply of enthusiasm and a big budget. The stories in the book show how a specific strategy has the potential to make things happen before the enthusiasm has been depleted." Thanks, Pamela.

And don't forget, Sue Greenberg of VLAA and I will be hosting an informal "show and tell" session here 2/24 (3-4:30 pm) with books individual artists, writers, musicians and filmmakers can turn to for inspiration and/or practical business advice.

Friday, February 11, 2011

More February-March Events for Nonprofits

  • AFP's Feb. 24 lunch meeting program will include a panel discussion on Advancing Your Fundraising Career (non-members - $35). Get details at www.afpstlouis.org. Speaking of fundraising careers, plan now to attend one of the free, informal discussions of What Exactly IS a CFRE? AFP will cosponsor here at the library April 14 or May 11
  • St. Louis Chapter of the Grant Professionals Assn. has rescheduled a wiped-out-by-weather session on the ABCs of MOUs for 11:30 - 1:30 March 1 at Central Reform Congregation. For more information, contact 314-308-7823.
  • Also on March 1, 9-3, NSC is offering Talent Management: Finding, Engaging and Retaining Great People, cost-$50. Get details at www.nonprofitservices.org on NSC's helpful and fairly comprehensive Upcoming Events Calendar. This includes both NSC and Community events--just be sure to check the location since entries may be from outstate.
  • Gateway Center for Giving's next Meet the Donor event -- Getting Noticed; How to Turn Effective Communication into Collaboration will be March 16 at Boeing. Cost $30. Details at www.centerforgiving.org. (IMHO, this site has a good new look and helpful reorganization.)

Friday, February 4, 2011

"Collaboration = Give and Take" Feb. 16 Session

Funders and other stakeholders are expecting and requiring more collaboration among nonprofits, business and government entities. Nonprofit staff and board leaders are invited to come learn basics and best practices of successful collaborations from the staff of ARCHS and some of its 400 funding and service delivery partners here at Schlafly on Weds. Feb. 16 from 3-4:30. The panel will discuss ways of
  • giving a little to get a lot
  • thinking long term
  • setting egos aside for the greater good
  • and making the most of St. Louis resources

throughout the collaborative effort. E-mail me to register or for more details on this free program.

"Free Online Resources" Rescheduled

More weather changes--Our Feb. 2 session demonstrating some quick how to's for finding free information on some 4 important Foundation Center websites (3 of them brand new) has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 17, 1-2 pm. The focus will be on finding information about funders and RFPS, evaluation processes and collaborations. You're invited to come, learn and share any favorite websites of your own.