Amherst H. Wilder Foundation Selection

--June 2002 Selection--

Keeping the Peace:
Resolving Conflict in the Boardroom

by Marion Peters Angelica

A classic text, Governing Boards, by Cyril Houde, observes, "Boards do not talk much about democracy. They do not need to do so. They are living proof of it." But, democracy, as we all know, is not the neatest or fastest way to conduct business. When mission and budget collide with diverse ideas and interests, conflict can often erupt.

This publication, a joint effort of Amherst Wilder Foundation and the National Center for Nonprofit Boards (now BoardSource) addresses the sensitive subject of conflict in the boardroom.

• Why does conflict occur?
• When is conflict more likely to happen?
• How can it be managed?
• How can conflict become a constructive force?

Through illustrations and two examples of working boards - the "too-harmonious Board" and the "Embroiled Board", this 44 page softcover volume provides both theoretical and practical advice. Types of conflict, i.e., between Chief Executive and Board President, are targeted for discussion. Resources are identified and specific steps are outlined for reducing or redirecting the energy which goes into conflict. An example is a "process steps checklist", and another "how to conduct breaks and caucuses".

--DECEMBER Selection--

Crafting Effective Mission & Vision Statements

by Emil Angelica

Mission and Vision statements can help an organization unify services, present funders with cohesive proposals, and make solid decisions. This step-by-step guide shows you how to:

• Build ownership for mission and vision statements among board and staff
• Create a common understanding of your organization's goals
• Take the guesswork out of writing mission and vision statements

--SEPTEMBER Selection--

Consulting With Nonprofits:
A Practitioners Guide

by Carol A. Lukas

Nonprofit consulting requires specialized skills and knowledge of how the sector works. This comprehensive handbook gives you the resources and tools to help you provide quality consulting throughout your career:

• Experienced consultants will find it an outstanding reference
• New consultants will get step-by-step guidance through the entire consulting process
• Technical specialists will gain insights into the processes that shape nonprofits
• For-profit consultants and business sector volunteers will learn how to shift their skills to match the unique culture of nonprofit and community work.
• Students in public administration, organization development, and nonprofit management will find it a useful guide for fieldwork, service projects, or personal development.

This unique guide includes:

• An overview of the nonprofit sector and unique elements of consulting with nonprofits.
• The six-stage consulting process - with concrete steps and challenges
• When team consulting makes sense
• How to run your business, set fees, estimate costs, and market your services
• Tips, anecdotes, and wisdom from thirty skilled consultants from across the country
• Sample proposals
• A list of professional standards
• And much more!

Consulting with Nonprofits is also a great tool for nonprofits hiring and working with consultants. Learning how a consultant works - from first meetings, to fee negotiations, to final evaluation - can help you prepare requests for proposals and work together more smoothly.

Whether you are an experienced consultant, a technical specialist, a student, or a new consultant, Consulting with Nonprofits can help you get effective results.

--August Selection--

The Wilder Nonprofit Guide to
Fundraising on the Internet

by Gary M. Grobman, Gary B. Grant, and Steve Roller

The opportunities for fundraising on the Internet are huge. But who has time to click around for hours hunting for kernels of useful information? Fundraising on the Internet is a quick road map to using the Internet as a new fundraising channel.

Whether you want to new donors, troll for grants, or get listed on sites that assist donors, this concise guide will help. You'll find practical tips on how to:

• Find funders who fit your profile and download grant applications.
• Increase your visibility by getting listed on sites that direct donors to organizations.
• Use e-mail to collect grant information automatically.
• Attract support using "e-zines"-electronic newsletters.
• Prospect for potential donors
• Effectively use your Web site to ask for donations

Fundraising on the Internet also provides scores of Internet addresses and reviews of 77 sites, showing you where to get information on all kinds of fundraising.

--May Selection--

Marketing Workbook for Nonprofit Organizations

by Gary Stern

A PROVEN, step-by-step guide to marketing success for nonprofits. Follow the same steps used by the experts to create a straightforward plan that delivers results. Our practical worksheets and action steps guide you to a final marketing plan that will help you:

• Increase resources
• Match services to real needs
• Motivate your audience to respond
• Maximize impact on the community
• Gain the financial clout to carry out your mission

The MARKETING WORKBOOK features:

• Easy-to-understand definitions and overviews of key concepts
• A sample plan you can model yours on
• Tested techniques in idea generating, market research, and service promotion

Author Gary Stern is a nationally-known nonprofit marketing consultant. Over 15,000 copies sold.

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