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It's a great resource for anyone who leads, manages, staffs or volunteers for a non-profit organization.

• Click on buzzresources to acquire all sorts of needs.


• Got a problem and want a solution? Click on buzzus.


• Click on buzzspace to network with other people doing the same job you're doing across the country.


• Click on buzzsubscribe for a free subscription to the latest and greatest, "need to know," non-profit news.

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If your agency provides service to people in crisis, transition and homelesness, let them know about free voice mail to help them stay connected to the very tool they need most - a constant telephone number. Case managers can stay in touch with their clients who cannot receive calls at work. It's great for survivors of domestic violence and for people who are homeless looking for jobs. Read more about it here and see how to sign up.

Trying to keep your sunny side up? Trying to be optimistic with a pessimistic board or staff or when the people your agency services are losing their jobs and having more difficulties to cope with? C heck out this article which lists 25 good things that non-profits are doing. Save them up and post one a week for staff and supporters to see the glass as half full!

If you have time to listen but no time to read, check out these FREE podcasts that include topic areas such as: communicating with volunteers online, text messaging to raise money, turning online friends into fundraisers, how NPR uses social media and more. It is also worth your time to look at this list of over 50 FREE podcasts that were gathered from non-profit boot camps. Believe us, there are some really good finds here.

Microsoft Office offers non-profits a bunch of FREE tools and tips.It is worth looking it over because there's something here for you. Could you use a newsletter template and other templates, a media kit, a way to create a newsletter or greeting cards? They also have a lot of fundraising and staff development tools. Check it out.

Is your organization struggling? Have you heard water-cooler conversations about merging? What does a merger mean? Is it in your organization's best interest? Read this article for some insight.

SlideShare is a really good way to share and find presentations.  You can share publicly or privately.  You can add audio to make a webinar and there’s probably more you can do, too.  Check it out here or take a tour here.

A lesson that you can learn from the Obama campaign is that you need to focus on making sure everyone feels good about what they're achieving by interacting with your agency. Read more.

You aren’t still using a typewriter, are you? No, of course you aren’t (we hope).  Life goes on and we must move along with it or we will be lost in the past floundering about.  If Obama could win the presidency on the campaign slogan – CHANGE, then you must shake out the cobwebs and CHANGE this year.  If you are not on the internet then you are losing donors, publicity and much more. Check out this article that tells you the benefits of going online.  And then click here to follow easy instructions to put up a FREE website with FREE hosting, FREE templates, FREE email accounts and FREE support – with no hidden costs.

Free Money — Eligible Nonprofits Apply Now
By Melissa Busch, associate senior editor, FundRaising Success
Southlake, Texas, consumer-goods company Project 7 is giving away money and looking for organizations interested in taking it. http://www.project7.com/


Project 7 will donate $15,000 (from profits from the sales of products like bottled water) to one representative charity in each of these seven areas: Build the Future, Feed the Hungry, Heal the Sick, Help Those in Need, Hope for Peace, House the Homeless and Save the Earth.

“We are looking for organizations experienced in these seven areas of need that strive to do as much as possible with every dollar donated,” Project 7 founder Tyler Merrick said in a press release.

Any U.S.-based nonprofit that has been established for at least three years is eligible for the funding.

Other requirements include:

* donations received in the last 12 months must be between $1 million and $25 million;
* a minimum of 50 cents of every dollar received must directly support the organizations’s mission;
* the organization must have a Web site and means to communicate from the field with regular updates;
* the organization must be working to make a difference in one of the seven areas of need identified by Project 7.

Once all of the applications are received, Project 7 will narrow them down to three finalists per cause. Then the online community will determine the winners of each cause by voting.

Interested organizations can download the application and learn more by clicking here. Deadline is next September and funds will be awarded December 2009.

This is the NBC version of goodsearch.com and goodshop.com.  It’s a quick explanation of how you can make money for your agency by getting your staff and supporters to use goodsearch.com instead of Google.  With every search, you get $$$.  Check it out.

If your non-profit is struggling because your donors lost money with Bernard Madoff, some foundations are ready to “bail you out.” For more information, read this article.

Teresa DeCrescenzo wrote the best commentary we’ve seen asking “where’s the bailout for non-profits?” This is worth the read. We wanted to stop already with all of the articles focused on DOOM AND GLOOM for non-profits because of the economy. But what IS, IS and you will relate to Teresa’s message. In the realm of being positive, we’ll do our best to provide you information about what we can do to keep staff spirits up, services continuing, donors giving, and board members talking the agency up. Are you the carrot, egg or coffee bean? Read this short story for a pick-me-upper and some good advice. Read Jason Dick’s suggestion for acquiring matching gifts. We’ve got to move forward and do the best we can.

Find out how your nonprofit will be impacted by legal issues in your state by accessing the state association that provides resources on policy/advocacy and can be a valuable source of information.

Have you met Twitter?  If you're like me, you don't even know what I'm talking about, do you? Twitter's another MySpace, FaceBook type of social networking site that non-profits can use to get online donations. John Haydon's prepared a FREE Twitter Guide for small non-profits to get you started. It gives great tips including how to get folks to visit your website and stay interested and how to automatically post news.

The Economy - How to Cope

Did you know that donors, over the age of 70 ½, can now contribute up to $100,000 from their IRA to charity, tax free? It’s part of the rescue plan for banks.  Read the full story.

According to Doug Sawyer, CEO of the United Way, nonprofits must identify ways to do more with less.  He has said it is not enough to bring in more money; we must ensure that those resources are used strategically. In the nonprofit world, strategic alliances, partnerships, back-office consolidations and possibly even mergers should be on the table – just like they are on Wall Street.  Read this article written by Nancy Jamison, the CEO of San Diego Grantmakers, who encourages everyone not to forget about philanthropy.

Are you beginning to see” the glass as half empty?”  Well, here’s an article that will perk you up.  There’s actually some good news for non-profits in the bail-out plan.

Are you worried about keeping your non-profit above water through a possible recession?  Christopher Penn lists and explains five strategies for a non-profit to incorporate in this article.

It seems we are all asking the same questions.  How do I convince donors to donate in such bad economic times?  What do we do now that we’re in the middle of a capital campaign (or building an endowment)? These and many more such questions are answered in a discussion held by The Chronicle of Philanthropy which they aptly titled: Weathering the Financial Storm. 

Hard times survival guide.

Tax rebate checks lift the spirits of charities who are letting their constituents know that making a donation is tax-deductible.  Read entire article.

 Dates and Deadlines for Non-Profits from the U.S. Postal System
 
February 2009    New postage rate announcement.
May 2009             Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB).
May 29, 2009      FSS address requirements.
Fall 2009             Discounts for Full Service IMB.
May 2010             Elimination of Postnet Barcode.
May 2010             IMB required on Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM).
May 2011             IMB required on all other Reply Mail.

The passage of bill HR 6727 will repeal the limitation to vehicle donations enacted by Congress in 2004. Under this bill, taxpayers would be allowed to deduct the Fair Market Value up to $2500 for their car donation, and the appraised value over $2500. Currently, taxpayers are only allowed to deduct $500 or what their car sells for, whichever is greater.  If this bill is passed, it will provide the incentive needed for taxpayers to donate their old car and purchase a newer one.  The result will be a valuable tax deduction for taxpayers, increased car sales and more money to charities.

You can write, call, email or fax your congressional members and senators and encourage them to pass this bill.  A sample letter can be found here.

Have you noticed how the world has changed so much in ten years, even in five years?  I guess! But it’s amazing how we get used to the same old, same old.  If your agency’s still using the same old clip art or you just need new graphics for any situation, take advantage of these offers for FREE graphics to spruce yourself up.  For free clip art, photos, animation and sounds, check out these three sources – source number one, source number two, and source number three.  

What are the characteristics of a social entrepreneur?  Is your agency a social entrepreneur?  David Boorstein wrote the book How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas.  Read the article by Joanne Fritz that summarizes it fully.

If you need some help finding donors when they are paying way too much for necessities such as gas and milk, and our economy has taken a dive, take a moment to read this article.  Hershell Gordon Lewis tells you how to state your case. There seems to always be something happening in our world that gets our donors to redirect their contributions, but we must continue working for the good of our agencies.  Here are not one, but two articles to help keep you focused:

Ignorance is bliss, except when it may threaten the tax-exempt status of your organization.

Just as we all have to do our taxes, our nonprofit organizations are all responsible to keep current with new IRS regulations.  The most recent changes effect proper donor acknowledgements, public inspection rules on your 990-T, and what method to use for your public support test. Go to our Finance Compliance page for more detail.

Holiday Appeals; Start Now
“A friend of mine,” once paid a PR firm $30,000 to do a massive direct mailing.  She had worked with them at another agency.  [Okay, the “a friend of mine” thing didn’t work when I used it on my mother and you shouldn’t believe it now, either.]  In any case, the PR firm did their homework, bought a mailing list that suited “her” agency to a tee, produced the best mailer they’d ever seen, mailed it at an ideal time and it bombed!  The PR agency claimed they’d never had anything bomb before, but it was impossible to convince the board, for a very long time, that you have to “spend money to raise money.”

With that story in mind, before decisions are made about your holiday appeal, we highly recommend that you read this article in which some non-profits share what worked for them and what didn’t.  Even the color, size and shape of a mailer makes a difference to the donor.

Is it time for you to go green? Perhaps going green goes hand in hand with your mission. Whether or not it does, you cannot be an agency who provides services to children, teens, adults, animals or the environment without addressing the issue of saving the planet, to whatever degree your agency can do it.  It may mean that the most your agency can handle is putting a recycling bin next to the trash bin, but that’s okay.  It shows that you are building good will with grant makers and other donors. Did you know that going green could save you money?
A panel of experts got together for the Chronicle of Philanthropy and held a discussion that answered questions such as: What approaches can charities take to become more environmentally friendly? What are the costs of these efforts and how can your charity get access to funding? How should they publicize them to donors and the public? What should they consider before adopting "green" policies? This is definitely worth the read to get you started on a plan for your own agency. Another article that we found very helpful is Charity Goes Green.  Read them both and you’ll be on the road to green.

Wish those student loans were paid off?  Your wish may have been granted. Taking effect on Tuesday, July 1st, is a law that would allow you to have your college debt forgiven.  Go to this site for all the info.

Are you feeling like non-profits get no respect from your city and/or state?  Get a load of this:
A 2007 report by the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington found that about 7,600 local, national and international nonprofit organizations served the greater Washington area. According to the report, sponsored by the World Bank, those nonprofits combined provided about 218,000 jobs and $9.6 billion in annual wages and taxes.
And in Massachusetts, the nonprofit sector,made up of more than 36,000 organizations, employs 447,000 people, almost 14 percent of the working population, about twice the national average.
Find these statistics for your own city and use them as leverage to prove what a major impact non-profits are making, not only for the people they serve, but for the city and state itself.  You go, non-profits! 

Direct Mail

If are not utilizing direct mail AND the internet to raise funds, then you “are leaving money on the table,” according to Mark Mellman, CEO of the Mellman Group. Read about the different lifestyles of your donors and what makes them to donate.

Federal budget cuts

I have met a number of people, throughout the years, who work in hospice.  I value them not only for the tough work they do, but because I know it is something I could never do.  So it just irks me when I hear about President Bush’s budget proposal for ’09 that contains some $5 billion of cuts in hospice reimbursements.  Although this article focuses on hospice, the lesson for all of us is how critically important the support of our congress men and women is to help our agencies when the tides may turn and impact us.  Read it and weep.

Volunteer Screening

Holey Mackinoley!  According to a recent report from The Atlantic Journal Constitution, many nonprofits lack volunteer screening.  And ChoicePoint, which provides background-screening services for nonprofits, says at least 144 people with criminal backgrounds seek nonprofit employment or volunteer work daily. You’d better read this article and then find your agency someone who will do pro bono background checks for you.

YOU COULD BE ON U-TUBE
Like it or Not

Our philosophy of life has become, “Don’t Do or Say Anything in Public That You Wouldn’t Want Viewed on U-Tube.”

Case closed.  Need we say more?  Well, just in case you want more, look at what happened to the folks at Planned Parenthood by reading this article.

8 Steps to Strategic Planning

Carole V. Rylander, with 21-years experience helping nonprofits in funds development, planning and governance, explained “Eight Proven Strategies for Keeping Development Efforts on Target” at the Association of Fundraising Professionals international conference in San Diego, Calif. Read through the steps and her explanation of them and realize that if you do these things, you will be in very good shape! 

Baby boomers

It won’t surprise you to know that a great number of Baby Boomers serve as the leaders (CEO’s and Executive Directors)of non-profit organizations.  As Baby Boomers prepare to retire, the question is – who’s going to take over as leaders of our non-profits and how will our non-profits change as a result? You can see where you fit into this discussion by clicking here.         

know your boundaries

It is so easy for the agency you serve to feel like it’s your own.  You probably spend more hours there than you do with your family and if your lucky, the people with whom you work become like your family.  It is great to have the passion that this feeling requires, but you’d better know your boundaries!  Read this article and find out why you must have a system of checks and balances in your organization, like a Finance Committee and quite possibly an Investment Committee.

WHY GIVE?

The all important question is why do corporations donate money to non-profits?  When you find out the answer, then your request to them for a contribution will tell them that they will get - whatever the answer to that question is – when they make you a part of their philanthropic program.  According to the February 27, 2008 McKinsey Quarterly’s   article “The State of Corporate Philanthropy: A McKinsey Global Survey,”  the main reason corporations give is “to enhance the corporate reputation/corporate brand.”

You can help them do that.  If they donate to your organization, you’ll put their brand on your website, on all your printed materials and on your t-shirts.  You’ll write an article about them in your next newsletter that goes out to a gazillion people. 

The second reason they give is to build employee and/or leadership capabilities and skills. Cool!  You’ll invite someone from their corporation to sit on your board or finance or fundraising committee.  You’ll encourage someone to speak at an upcoming event.  You’ll ask the CEO to chair your major fundraising gala. 

We encourage you to read this brief article and look at the survey before you write your letter of request. Then go to it. You can do this!

is your agency on mySpace &/or facebook yet?

Perhaps you have someone in your agency who knows www.myspace.com and www. facebook.com and can help you get started.  Get started with what?  Dude (or Dudette), get it together.  Roll with the times.  For lack of a precise statistic, let’s just say that eighty kazillion people are interfacing on social networks.  If you put your organization on myspace.com or facebook.com, you have the ability to contact donors of the future.

Check out 12 Tips for Nonprofits on Getting Started With Social Media.  And on this site, go to Resources, then Communications & Public Relations and look at the article on blogging and other related links.

It’s a sign of the times; social networking is another way to connect with potential donors!

Many Americans Say Charity Overhead Costs Are Too High

According to a new study, this February 14, 2008 article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy,  shows that many Americans believe that administrative costs are too high in nonprofit organizations.  How can you let your donors and potential donors know the truth about your agency?  FLAUNT IT!  Tell them on your website home page, every time you give a speech, on your brochures and flyers that eighty eight cents of every dollar donated (or whatever it is) goes to (whatever it is your agency does).  Be upfront and honest.

Embedded Giving

The New York Times raises several issues that concern non-profits.  If people feel that they’re making donations during the year as they shop, will they be compelled to write the big check at the end of the year? Read more here.

Below is a sampling of Questions sent in by our readers.
Just click on BuzzUs to read the Questions & Answers.

 

UPDATES

Still debating whether or not to start Twittering? We appreciate this good advice. But then you should check out this article whose stats show that lots of non-profits are making use of social media.

We don't know about you, but sometimes we're reading an article about online something or other and find ourselves unfamiliar with the words that are being used. Michael Gilbert prepared a glossary of terms to help us out. Here it is.

Have you ever thought of using a theatrical presentation to help your board/staff/volunteers understand difficult issues? Some non-profits are doing just that. Check it out.

Oh no! Now we need social media policies - or do we? Read this summary of a conference on this topic and this good, common sense advice.

Find out how to use online press releases to bring visitors to your website.

If you would like to get the benefit of much of the Fundraising issues that were discussed at Fund Raising Day in New York 2009, there are several videos you can choose from if you click here.

Watch this humorous video to find out how video/u-tube volunteers are helping charities create videos to raise money. After you watch the video to see how it works, scroll down to the bottom of the page where it asks "Are you a non-profit who needs help creating great videos for your cause?" Then follow the instructions to list your agency.

Vinay Bhagat, founder of Convio, discussed the myriad ways fundraising is transforming and keys to fundraising success amidst the transformations, at Fund Raising Day in New York 2009.

Tips for using the web's social networking to get wealthy donors interested in your agency.

How to create a non-profit name that everyone remembers!

What grant writing is and what it is not. These are important points to know.

Here's an example of how one organization went from going downhill to getting better. You could do it, too.

"This is the shoulder of the man standing in front of me during the changing of the guard," is a typical example of a blurb under the pictures I took while vacationing. Today, cameras and videos are so easy to use that even I can't ruin it. Here's a video guide for non-profits. This article focuses on video advocacy. And this is a step-by-step guide on how to make internet t.v.

I've never been to England but I really love the Beatles. If you're a Beatles fan, or if you just want some good advice about fundraising, check this out.

Your agency can apply to WIN $20,000. Deadline: August 30th.

Fundraisers know that storytelling is the means to the ends. Those in public relations know how critical storytelling is to be effective. Here are some tips to telling the best story. And this is an example of a dramatic story being told with pictures.

Lots of non-profits are afraid to get involved with social media. Basically, it's the fear of the unknown. The reality is that non-profits are really good at it because it involves what they do best. Read the Alexandra Samuel blog.

This is such an easy "JUST ASK" strategy and gives you both the do's and don'ts.

Fight to the death to save donor acquisition funds when they're cutting the budget.Find out why.

This is a pretty comprehensive article about improving cash flow management in challenging times.

Find out about the contemporary method of establishing a strategic agenda vs. a strategic plan, here.

Since success starts with the Board of Directors, here are some tips for maintaining the most valuable BOD possible.

If you are considering buying software to handle credit card payments and donor information management, look at this extraction from what consumer reports found.

A recent webinar discussed what the philanthropic trend has been in during this recession and what fundraisers can do about it. Here is a summary from which you can borrow statistics to let your board and supporters see and compare to your agency.

Here are more free resources for your non-profit.

Empower your board to lead regarding fiscal responsibility and oversight

Evaluate whether or not special events really work, but be weary of the recommended book. It is not for every agency.

How to build a gift chart.

Are too many leaders leaving or are too many staying?

A survey shows the best way to generate sales online.

Helpful hints on how to use the social media to video blog

PR is cost effective

Tips for widening your funding net

Chart to help you measure your donor outreach and success.

Raising planned gifts by mail. Scroll down past the sales pitch and read the excerpt from the book.

How to evaluate the effectiveness of your email "blasts."

More ways to cultivate online donors.

Some tactics to get offline donors online.

How to get to know your online stakeholders.

What to do in case of fraud or embezzlement.

Tips to tighten controls against theft.

All nonprofits have suffered over the last year. But what may help put your fundraising woes in context is to see how your organizations revenues compare to others. Check out this info to see how you measured up.

A recent study of wealth, incomes and population trends makes the officials of the largest San Diego charitable foundation optimistic about soliciting donations from residents throughout the region. If it could happen in San Diego could it happen in your city? Here is the article.

Charitable giving is going strong. See for yourself.

This important article on the continuing problems of ethics in non-profits should be read by members of the board, the executive director, and the financial and human resources personnel.

Does your nonprofit work with immigrant children and their families? If so, you need to know about the Dream Act, its impact and consequences.

Before you ask "should we Twitter or should we do Facebook," you must ask yourself these questions. See the roadmap to a social media strategy here.

It's half way through the year and time to look at what your agency is doing and how you are doing overall. Ask yourself these questions.

More tips on how to raise grant money in a down economy.

Tips for honing in on your target audience

Engaging young donors

Free 2009 Benchmarks study that analyzes online messaging, fundraising, and advocacy data from 32 leading nonprofits

Moms are key decision makers and 34 million of them are online!

Using storytelling to engage and influence your constituents.

7 Steps to releasing big news

Be more diligent than ever about your website newsroom in order to attract the media. Great tips here.

How to do more for your employees even if raises are out of the question

What to cut when the budget is tight. This is a podcast.

Does your agency have dated publications on your web site or a shelf full of research you produced years ago? Dust off that report, digitize it if necessary, and start sharing it as a "backgrounder" on your web site, in the comments section of blogs, on twitter as a resource or in your next e-newsletter as a testament to how far your agency has come. IssueLab is a forum for nonprofit research. Add it to their site, at no cost, to make it available for students and other agencies to research.

What absolutely must go on your home page.And in the quest to make your website easy to navigate, look at this example of a non-profit website that makes it easy for the donor to understand what the mission is and how to donate. What we really like about this site is that it tells how much has been donated and how much is still needed toward each project; that's built in incentive to give. This website could not be more clear of who they are and how to give.

Are nonprofit hospitals up for the battle to increase their charitable care?

If you're thinking about pursuing a degree in the world of non-profit management, experts tell you to make sure the degree fits your goals.

This series of slides, "55 Ideas on Ideas" may give you some new ideas, or at least some quotes to use in any upcoming speeches.

Do you need to reduce your budget by 30%, entirely restructure your programs or consider closing your doors? Take this recession risk and preparedness assessment to decide what your next steps will be.

No matter how great they are, websites are boring to manage. The bottom line is that someone is getting paid to be bored and do it right. Read all about it.

Brag about your donors not yourself in your ads, on your homepage, wherever you can.

If you have time in your life, you might want to look at these "stupid" non-profit ads.

Survey shows that boards need younger members

Somethings that you absolutely must do in the hiring process.

Here's a checklist to help you keep your employee personnel files current.

Can you tap into your endowment during an economic downturn that has become a financial crisis for your organization? Find out here.

In today's world, a fundraiser must think like an entrepreneur. Here are seven tips on how to do just that. And from a Jewish Donor Blog, here's a recommendation that you fundraise like it was 2007! By the way, this blog contends that it is the best place to get the latest facts and figures on how to market to the Jewish community.

The Drucker Institute is seeking applications for Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation. Applicant organizations must have nonprofit 501(c)(3) status, made a difference in the lives of people it serves, exemplified innovation by demonstrating a new dimension of performance, and had specific and measurable outcomes. First-place award is $100,000; second-place is $7,500, and third-place is $5,000. Get RFP here. Deadline is July 1st.

How to help your board members become effective communicators.

Making the most of your newsletter.

Scarcity is a matter to publicize.It gets attention.

From the Insider's Guide to Fundraising, this is good writing advice.

Cash is not always cash

Be familiar with organizations in your community who are doing similar work to your agency's. It's important in your grant search.

Writing grants requires a great writer and a person who understands the system. Don't try to get it for free.

How to write a grant with great explanations and examples.

A look at one fundraiser gives good advice on how to reach Hispanic donors.

Five keys to deciding upon your fundraising format for the best impact.

Build support the old fashioned way. Everybody should be building relationships.

35 Essentials of Fundraising. This is the free, 1983 version but not much has changed since then. A new, for cost version is in print.

There are only three instances where you should not ask for funds.

Can you maximize revenue through frequency when it comes to direct mail?

In today's world, a fundraiser must think like an entrepreneur. Here are seven tips on how to do just that. And from a Jewish Donor Blog, here's a recommendation that you fundraise like it was 2007! By the way, this blog contends that it is the best place to get the latest facts and figures on how to market to the Jewish community.

Can you tap into your endowment during an economic downturn that has become a financial crisis for your organization? Find out here.

The Drucker Institute is seeking applications for Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation. Applicant organizations must have nonprofit 501(c)(3) status, made a difference in the lives of people it serves, exemplified innovation by demonstrating a new dimension of performance, and had specific and measurable outcomes. First-place award is $100,000; second-place is $7,500, and third-place is $5,000. Get RFP here. Deadline is July 1st.

Three things you need to make a message viral.

Ten tips to avoid in preparing acquisition packages.

How you use the social networks to fundraise involves your ability to give people a reason to trust you.

This article & survey shows that the # of clicks on your ad are not the only indication of its effectiveness.

Twenty five random things about fundraising.

Development and communication go hand in hand (or ear to ear). This worthwhile article gives you some reminders and good advice.

Trying to get sponsors for an event? This article tells you how to go about it and how to work with the potential sponsors.

Five basic steps to acquiring donors online.

Some interesting ideas for stepping up your online fundraising efforts.

Is your fundraising event raising enough dough for the effort?

This is a great metaphor that exemplifies the reasons you need to spend most of your time "chasing" major donors.

Do you, as a fundraiser, spend your time in the right relationships? This article tells you which relationships make good business.

Should you provide "trinkets" to get people to donate?

Understand your female constituency.

This article's talking about getting votes on social media networks but it's the same thing as begging for money. It's called Dogs Are Cute When They Beg...You're Not

Non-Profits need to do some self-reflection in this economy. Read what it takes to gain the community's confidence.

Is Twitter all it's cracked up to be? Here's some good advice.

See how nonprofit groups received mixed results in Obama's budget. This article gives you a good summary of where the money's going and where it isn't.

What part of NO don't you understand? Never make a personal loan to a board member or staff member. No way. No how. No can do. Do we make ourselves clear? If not, read this.

Here's an interesting concept about being productive that will get you to re-think how you spend your time at work. It's worth reading.

To use social networks for fundraising or not to use social networks for fundraising - that is the question. This is a good article that analyzes a recent social networks survey and will make you feel better about what your agency is doing, regardless of what your agency is (or isn't) doing. And this brief article explains a really important point - that it is not the tool or software you use, but having someone who understands the space between the technology and the users that is important.

Here's some tips to do and tips to avoid in your reply piece.

Insiders guide to fundraising offers good advice.

Fundraising through product sales. Read this before you decide this avenue is for your agency.

What do the rich look like online?

Nonprofits add online contests to list of ways to raise funds

Want to know the problem spots on your agency's website? This brief article will help.

This article is about issues management; you've got to keep on top of what's going on to be able to function and cope.

How to create the story that will sell your agency.

How to overcome barriers in recruiting more volunteers to your agency.

Consider on the job training and how important it is when hiring.

Build donor loyalty to meet your long term goals.

Passing it forward is what so many of you do in your non-profits, without ever having labeled it such. Here is a website that wants to support your agency for passing it forward. Click here to ask an experienced consultant to contact you with fundraising ideas.

To be the risk-aware non-profit that you should be, you will find this article extremely helpful, easy to follow and a good tool to bring to your board.

Do you need to re-visit or rewrite or actually write your first ever case statement? If you don't know what a case statement is, or if you answered yes to the above question, then click here for some really great advice.

If your non-profit is using social media (Facebook and/or Twitter, etc.) consider how it adds value to your corporate sponsors. Now, as you're listing incentives for their sponsorship, you can tell them you will put them on your Facebook page - Facebook which claims a readership of over 200 million! Sound pretty good? Listen to this brief video. And if you want to know how to create a powerful and engaging Facebook page, read this.

This survey of almost 1,000 non-profits examines the use of social networking for marketing & fundraising.

What's the point of having a non-profit board?

Good tips on things to avoid with direct mail

Tips for a good fundraising letter.

Questions to ask yourself before you start asking anyone for a donation.

Self-coaching questions for fundraisers

Fundraising Hint #36 Keep it simple

Do it yourself fundraising

Lots of top level jobs need filling in 2009; baby boomers are retiring; be careful who you hire!

Non-profit compensation in trying times.

Here are five clues to let you know if your special event is in trouble.

How to write the best thank you letter that's going to seal the deal!

Non-profits really have to know their donors better.

Review your agency's potential when it comes to securing grants

Six things you can do to get your proposal funded.

The blog titled "What if Susan Boyle was a charity?" is worth reading. It will re-energize you to look at how you can communicate better with your donors.

The "if we build it they will come" theory may have worked for Kevin Costner, but it is not the norm. Do you have a website but you don't have people logging in (and if they're not visiting the site, they're not making donations)? Here's an article that tells you what to do to get people to want to check out your website daily.

Here are some of the things non-profits are doing to cut back, specifically to avoid layoffs.

Sharing web space with political advocacy groups is a no-no according to the IRS, and non-profits doing so will be fined. Here's the actual memorandum from the IRS.

To improve your non-profit during this economy, here's ten best practices that surviving non-profits are using.

This is a tool to help you manage and maintain your power

Six ways that email blasts miss the point and damage relationships with donors.

Bullet points to guide you as you write or edit. This is a really good PR tool.

You don't need a web techie. Here's an inexpensive way to take control of your own website!

Nine things you should avoid in fundraising.

One in five visitors to an np website wants to make a donation, but many websites are not user friendly. See statistics.

Four things to be sure to do when writing a fundraising letter.

Questions answered about classifying a worker as an employee or contractor.

Four errors to avoid in the ticket procedure.

Guidelines for using grant money

If there was a reality show called Finance Fear Factors, these four ratios would be highlighted-Payroll Ratio, Change in Accounts Payable, Revenue to Date Ratio and Restricted Ratio. Click here to get a quick idea of whether you need to be asking more questions and take some action.

It may be time to supplement your grants and gifts with earned income. What has your agency got that you can charge for - a large room? certain equipment? vans? Click here to find out how some agencies are doing it.

Here is the law of opposite results at work again. First, we read a bunch of information about how non-profits are raising all kinds of money on Facebook and Twitter. Then the Washington Post comes out with this article, saying it ain't so. But before you start tearing your hair out, click here to read why those "in the know," are saying the WP article is inaccurate.

Why send online surveys.

Ideas that will grow your website

Make the right media contacts to position your agency for positive media exposure

This article analyzes the integration of effectiveness, logic models, and good program planning in program evaluation.

The best grant writers are good readers - learn why and what you must do.

A very funny analogy that shows why investors choose to put money into your agency.

Mobile phone volunteers

Credit card processing options - 3 choices

How to quickly build your email list

What is a leadership donation and how to get them.

This is one of those pick-me-upper articles for fundraisers when you need a boost. You know what it takes, so get out there and go for the yeses!

By-laws guide for Booster Clubs

Is the cost of having a fundraiser (if you're selling a product) worth it?

To keep your agency safe, and for a lot of other reasons, you need policies. Here's a pretty comprehensive article that will help you put together a social media policy.

Do the changing demographics of charity mean that you may need to expand your mission or change your message? Take a look at what's happening and see if you can take advantage of these helpful hints.

More tips on running an effective meeting. Quick read.

Here's a volunteer retention tip sheet.

Tips on treating your volunteers right.

Read it from the volunteer's point of view and learn!

This is a complete guide for small non-profits on how to get onto and use Twitter

More proof that marketers are getting results using social media

Add a video to your site.This article tells you what the content should be and how to do it.

This is almost TMI (that's how much good info there is) on how to get free traffic to your site through ad swaps.

Take the test to find out if you are ready to hire a development director.

Tips for increasing women's giving.

Make an easy $1000 in just six weeks. This is really quick and easy, but don't waste your time if you need way more than $1000.

Lessons in working on major gifts.

How to do the 'ask'.

This philanthropic study shows that you should pay attention to donors and do not over solicit, and more.

How to write the organizational description.

Tax information for all non-profits directly from the IRS.

If you are not already a 501 © 3, you may consider fiscal sponsorship as a way to keep administrative costs low, comply with governmental regulations and collaborate with an agency with a similar mission. Here's a more complete explanation and a website to actually find organizations who are fiscal sponsors.

Boston area Nonprofits! Although the deadline has passed for the upcoming session, the Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University operates a practicum program for students. Each semester, the program seeks 'partner organizations' for their students who will provide, at no cost, Web Design/Programming, Video, Photography and 3D Animation services! It's a great opportunity to getting cutting edge help from the next generation of media services while helping to train students. Check out their site here.

Interested in what Obama's first 100 days meant for nonprofit organizations? Read this report.

Another thing you don't really need to spend money on at your special event

Make your next event GREEN and more profitable.

Best tips for organizing an offline/online special event.

Before you recruit volunteers, make sure your agency is ready for them.

Recruiting Volunteers - Three Approaches

Make marketing a board priority.

Excite your donors when you communicate with them.

Develop an elevator speech.

How to work with a graphic designer.

Building a marketing budget.

Sometimes you only have to give a little to get a lot.

Write clear, core messages!

The most important PR tip.

Website basics for nonprofits.

Still wondering if you should be on Facebook? Need justification as to why you're on Facebook? Here's the facts.

If you've "got it," get your supporters to flaunt it.

Get ideas from your competition!

Take care of yourself in stressful times. Here's some suggestions.

More stats on online giving.

Sometimes minor tweaking can improve your website. Better websites get more donors.

Make the most of email marketing.

How to turn your website into a fundraising machine!

Increase your impact; collaborate.

Non-profits can get fined for not following the CAN-SPAM Act!. Read the rules you should be following here.

Watch this fun video that makes the point that fundraisers are not listening to their donors.

The sun will come out tomorrow and that's how you should function in this economic downturn. Here's a great article, on finding opportunities in crisis, that gives you tools you can use. You can go in the closet and do a primal scream if you must, but no whining in public. Read this brief summary of Mal Warwick's book on fundraising in tough times.

Are you taking care of yourself? You must be healthy (mind, body, spirit) if you are going to keep your organization healthy.Read this article for some good suggestions for how to deal with stress.

Marketing on mobile phones is becoming the new thing.

According to a study, fundraisers who stay in one place are more successful at raising money than those who move from job to job. Other advantages, too.

After recruiting board members, help them to become effective immediately.Good suggestions here.

Surviving a layoff.

What you should know about dealing with a disgruntled donor.

Here are some examples of non-profits who have turned to business-like ventures to sustain themselves through the recession

Ten ways for nps to cut costs

An explanation of the types of liability insurance a np should carry.

Top 11 online sources for finding grants and funders

What is a non-profit? Read this before you set up a 501(c)(3). There are other easier options to consider.

Conscious efforts to make to be certain that your np's reputation is secure.

This is about conflicts that occur when two mission like organizations work together.

Dear Buzz: How do you go about requesting an audit from a non profit organization? This question pertains to a local sports organization whom many members feel that funds might not be accounted for appropriately as the board is not willing to answer financial questions from its members. Is it possible to impose an audit for this organization?
Click here for our answer

Program Related Investments (PRIs) provide needed relief to many non-profits - an explanation.

Show your appreciation for planned gifts. Here's how to do it.

Top ten truths about direct mail fundraising.

You may benefit from the lessons learned from this veteran fundraiser.

Six fool proof ways to make money on your website

Some statistics and benchmarks about online giving; you can compare your agency to the top 25 non-profits

Study shows that online donors make a good first donation, but they are hard to retain.

The attributes of a leader

Tell people what you want them to do. Don't waste the opportunity for a call to action.

What is your unique selling point? Here's 7 steps to finding it and clarifying it.

The internet is getting gray - meaning you can appeal to all ages now.

How to develop and what should be in a press kit.

Non-profits must have financial accountability, especially in today's economy.

Volunteer management tips re: surveys

Economic stimulus plan and how it relates to non-profits.

How to get your donors to listen in just 4 steps.

Grant information, tips and thoughts with the economic stimulus bill in mind.

Statewide nonprofit database in Pennsylvania may spur other states to do the same

Handy, comprehensive checklist for successful fundraising through grant writing

Take five simple steps to elevate your ethics.

What you should know about securing sensitive data.

Audits for small non-profits

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Act of 2009 bill would create a $25 million fund in the budget of the Corporation for National and Community Service to make matching grants to intermediary nonprofit training and technical assistance entities. Read more here.

We thought this was a cool way for non-profits to make a statement, in this economic crisis, and support a declaration claiming that we must move forward together. It's inspiring. You may enjoy reading it and if you want to add your agency's name to it, you can do that, too.

What you need to know about credit card processing, you can find in this white paper. It is put out by a company that would like you to buy their software, but it's a pretty comprehensive paper worth your time, especially if this is new to you.

You know how there seem to be no rules anymore about what you say in front of others? Honestly, the lady in front of me waiting in line for the cashier, was telling her friend (on her cell) the intimate details of her date the night before. There is no Emily Post for cells and the internet, but IBM has come up with some guidelines on the social network that may work for your organization. Check here to "borrow" some things to get some guidelines started.

This is a good article that will help you conquer your fears during the recession. Norm Brodsky's two main points are (1) You can't borrow your way out of debt; and (2) At the end of the recession, the winners will be those who have taken advantage of their most important resources -- imagination and creativity. If you care to read a case in point, click here.

HR-590 is a bill that's in congress now to provide that reimbursements for costs of using passenger automobiles for charitable purposes will be excluded from gross income. We'll let you know if it happens, but here's the bill if you want to read it.

Unfortunately, to make ends meet, many charities are laying people off. Read the stats here. With this in mind, it couldn't hurt to strengthen your non-profit skills, especially in this market when who knows what can happen when.Read this to find out why.

Are you faced with fear everyday from your donors, staff, board and volunteers and/or the people you serve, but you're trying to put on a happy face? Read this article and it will save you several hundred dollars in therapy bills.

Online videos increase conversion rates. Conversion is when you can turn the traffic that comes to your site into the action you seek. Get more information here.

It seems that some charities are seeking bankruptcy protection. Read all about it here.

How to perform background checks

Screening for background checks

Safety Net's Manual on Screening Mentors, includes application form

Performing background checks on potential mentors

Criteria for mentor selection

It seems like there's a non-profit,daily, that is having legal problems and much because they're not complying with the law. This is an article on Sarbanes Oxley.

How your non-profit can reach baby boomers.

When the media calls, be prepared!

People are conformists. Don't show people how to save the planet. Show them what their neighbors are doing...

Take your cause and get wired - that's how Obama's campaigners did it.

Really good summary of a webinar on social media and how it can effect your ROI

How to enter the world of social networks

Creating a timeline will really help you reach your goals

How the national wildlife association uses social media

Good advice: don't take something for free that you wouldn't pay for.

A good explanation of social media marketing

How arts groups can make the most of technology

This author contends that most non-profits make their communications boring!

Make the most of meetings

Advancing your cause through the people you manage - a 28 page booklet

When layoffs are necessary, what the ED needs to do

When times are tough, get creative and strategic

Mobile phone fundraising is taking off. This article tells you how it works and evaluates its value at this time.

How to grow and cultivate your online list

Great information here on how to build a planned giving program

This is a podcast of how to work with a fundraising consultant

If you don't have a website, but want people to contribute to your agency online, here's a possibility

Here's some professionals who believe that your board is NOT responsible for fundraising.

Dear Buzz:Is there a standard non-profit protocol when it comes to signatories for organizations bank accounts? Is it preferable that the Treasurer NOT be a signatory?
Click here for our answer

Dear Buzz:I need some information on how to set up a non profit book fair
Click here for our answer

Nonprofits are not happy about the charitable tax deduction reduction. If you want to understand what's going on, read what they're saying, click here.

Do you know how to handle Donor Advised Funds? Do you even know what the heck that means? Here’s a quick and easy explanation with suggestions on how it is best to deal with them.

Door to door canvassers? Are you up for that? Apparently, door to door canvassing is working really well for one organization, but the point of this article is that personal contact is more successful than anything when it comes to fundraising.

Would you like to get your agency on Facebook for once and for all but you have no idea how to do it? This article tells you how to do it, step by step. If you're freaked out about the commitment you'll be making to take this on, read this article that answers the question – how long does one need to spend on social networking?

Here's a simple fundraising idea encourage your board and email or mailing list of "friends and supporters" to consider asking their friends and family to make a donation to your organization instead of getting presents. If you have a "how you can help" list, add this idea to the list. There's no attached link here it's just an idea for you to use.

Could it be all hype about social networks being a must for media and fundraising?  Who are your donors?  Check out the stats to see if their composite is even on Facebook and MySpace, et.al.

Eight Online Fundraising Tools

Faith based organizations received the Obama’s administration stamp of approval with the recently renamed the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.  Such agencies are hopeful that support will be given as the continue to do their jobs with the increased numbers of people who are in need of homes, jobs, food, etc.  This article will give you hope.

 

The Kennedy Center will provide planning assistance and consulting to struggling arts organizations in the areas of fundraising, building more effective Boards of Trustees, budgeting, marketing, technology, and other areas pertinent to maintaining a vital performing arts organization during a troubled economy. Sign up here to request services.

Postal cap saves non-profits.  Want more info?  Check it out.

Check this out – it’s 20 emergency funding sources for non-profits.

The National Council delivered a bunch of non-profit policy recommendations to President Obama.  See if they’ll affect your agency here.

The peanut recall hits fundraisers who sell stuff that might possibly contain peanut butter & peanut paste.  If this effects your agency, here’s what to do.

If you’re a non-profit in Washington, DC, look at what the wonderful Pew Charitable Foundations is offering and go for it!

Want to raise $50,000 in six weeks?  Kim Klein tells you how to do it here.

Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme is responsible for closing down a major foundation (and more) which will effect thousands of lives! That just burns our latkes (an appropriate saying for this time of the year)!! If you care to, you can read the specifics.

If you break out into hives just thinking about filling out the new 990 form, like I do, then you’ve got to check this out.  This site offers you mini-courses that walk you through all the different sections of the re-designed 990 form.  You’ll find it really helpful and it’s free.

President-elect Obama and congress are being urged to include a stimulus package for non-profits as part of the economic recovery plan.  Click here for more details.

The National Council of Nonprofits recently launched the Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center, a FREE online clearinghouse of resources designed to help nonprofits cope with the multiple challenges created by the faltering economy. The Center consists of three focus areas: Basic Facts & Analysis, Impact on Nonprofits, and Proactive Positioning—Action Steps for Nonprofits. You can check it out here.

A nonprofit coalition is working on a proposal for a government revolving loan fund for charities who are strapped for cash.  We’ll let you know when and if it comes to be, but if you’d like to read the announcement, here it is.

You know how much you love volunteers? Imagine how much you’d love interns who would come more frequently to complete specific jobs you give them! Put up an ad, for FREE at InternZoo.com, an online internship database which is FREE for both students and employers.

Joanne Fritz has put together a number of non-profit new year resolutions that probably look similar to yours. Check ‘em out.

Harvard kicked off a program to teach “boomer” students how to be leaders in the non-profit world. Interested?  Read the article here. 

It is important to make certain that you are taking care of yourself and your staff.  Staff appreciates any additional dollars they can get.  Run it by your board and make sure they approve the 2009 mileage rates for your 2009 budget. Click here to learn more.

FREE brief videos that explain how to do things that you may otherwise find too complicated.  If you feel like you need a series of the XXX for Dummies books, this site makes it even easier to follow than you’d ever believe!  You can find a quick video on how social media works, how to use Twitter or Facebook, online photo sharing, blogs and more!  I didn’t even know what RSS was, but checked out their how-to video and now I’m saving tons of time having news sent to me!!  You’ve got to check it out!

Ford Foundation Luis Ubiñas said “it’s important to not let the short-term challenges of the stock market, which can usually last 24 to 36 months, undermine the long-term goals of social justice.”  This article gives us hope that many foundations will continue to give at the 2008 level or, in fact, increase their giving.

This past accountant for a non-profit proclaims that non-profits will survive the storm if they plan properly.  Here’s his advice on what to do.

Weather the hard economic times. Save money!  Take a look at how a multi-tenant workspaces can save the day.  Click here for a guidebook with details.

This magazine is chock full of critically important financial information for non-profits.  Be sure to check it out.

Have you used “craigslist” to place ads, find an entertainer for an event, hire a painter, find your next accountant, sell things or whatever?  Craigslist is doing so well that it started a foundation and the foundation held a non-profit boot camp that covered all kinds of information for start-up non-profits.  They’re so together that they taped and copied everything, for those of us who missed it.  Nonprofit Boot Camp Online offers you free access to presentations, handouts, podcasts, and session notes. Go for it!

Remember the last fundraising appeal you saw that brought tears to your eyes? Often, direct language, touching stories and a call to action is all you need to bring the desired effect.
Joanne Fritz says that “writing for nonprofit publications, direct mail, email communications, and fundraising is a specialized subset of writing. It draws on the styles and rules of journalism, personal communications, academic and report writing, and more. But it is more than any of those types of writing.”  Here is a course in Non-profit Writing 101 (well, a guide that does the job.)

The latest trend is mobile giving.  Find out how some agencies and groups have gotten people to give through their cell phones.  Some mega-money has been raised this way.  If you’ve got the right forum and a room full of people, don’t miss out on this opportunity.

This is a great article about diversity and how gay employees and their employers work to accommodate each other in non-profit agencies. Another article gives advice to non-profits seeking to hire gay employees.

We wish we could clone these folks in Cleveland, who have been successful in their efforts to prepare minorities for board service.  Perhaps you have someone in your area who you could pass this idea along to, who may find it worthwhile to pursue.

Is your agency  competing with a bunch of holiday events?  Here’s some advice on how to increase the attendance at your holiday event.

Wouldn’t it be cool to have a hotline that you could call whenever you wish you had someone to brainstorm with?  Whenever you had an issue that you were having trouble solving? You can always BuzzUs and we’ll respond to you right away, but having worked in the non-profit arena for X*#&!%!! years, we know how important it is to have a mentor or a support group of people who are doing your same job elsewhere, or to have access to a support.  This article gives some suggestions for COO’s who are looking for more advice and resources.

Seven tips to make donors respond to your newsletters.

Driving Jacks Wins Free Video BTW (in text talk that’s “by the way”), congratulations to Hector Pineda who won the drawing and for which OnWeb Television developed an internet commercial to spotlight his cool non-profit, Driving Jacks.  This is a student-run safe-ride program at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas who provide free, confidential and non-judgmental safe rides to SFA students and the Nacogdoches community.  We think they provide a great service and are doing excellent work, so we are thrilled that they won the prize.  Our pals at onwebtelevision donated the video.  If you didn’t win the drawing, but are interested, they are offering a 20% discount to nonprofitbuzz members.  Membership is FREE.  Just click on BUZZME and sign up.  Presto!  You're a member.
Again, congratulations to Hector and Driving Jacks!

How can a non-profit, whose mission is education oriented, send an e-mail with grammatical errors and expect us to support them?  Don’t you want to send the most professional, error-free e-mails possible?  If so, then make this Quality Control Checklist your own, and  go through it each time before you hit “SEND.”  It will really help!

Instead of writing grants to fulfill the requirements the foundations call for, wouldn’t it be great to just write a list, with an explanation, of your needs and have them fund precisely what your agency needs? This article really “gets it” and will validate what you’ve been thinking.

Do you wonder how your email list compares to other nonprofits? Is  your open rate  declining, or are all nonprofits seeing the same results? And what is a good online fundraising response rate?  The eNonprofit Benchmarks Study for 2008 analyzes online messaging, fundraising and advocacy data from 21 leading non profit organizations.  See how your agency stacks up.

Planned Giving/Gift Planning – Somebody has to do it.
Mike Patterson, associate vice president of planned giving for the Arthritis Foundation in San Antonio, TX, questions whether or not the staff is getting the job done in this article.  He also talks about what makes a good planned giving officer.

Information you don’t need to know, but it’s interesting anyway:
Miami’s charities are growing the fastest, New York’s charities pay their CEOs the most, Denver’s charities spend the least on programs, St. Louis’ charities have the most substantial rainy day funds, and Orlando’s charities raised the least money. If you’d like to read the study, click here.

How's your elevator pitch?Read this article about how The Social Innovation Forum helps nonprofits connect with potential donors.

Jessica Biel began a social network that will match donors to your non-profit organization.  Basic membership is FREE and what you get in that basic membership is worth it.  Read more about it or go directly to their website. 

Good2gether has been doing this for awhile.  Again, it is FREE to your nonprofit and a way to link donors to your cause. 

As many as 60% of those people who receive emails from non-profits, don’t open them!   In the last three years the “open” rate has gone down.  Read the article that summarizes the study that discovered this.  You may need to re-evaluate the power of e-mail.

The bottom line is that it feels good to give.  You get it; I get it.  Now let’s get those potential donors to “give it.”  Read the full article.

Why should a sponsor be interested  in your non-profit?  Read the advice that Valerie M. Jones gives by clicking here.

Check out UTube's Nonprofit Program here!

New IRS regulations may require your organization to file a 990-N. Read more here.

Good theme to relay to donors: “A Little Help Can Mean A Lot” Who would know this better than Jane Goodall, world-renowned conservationist?  She gave the opening address to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) at the 45th Annual conference.  You’ll find this a good story to use for potential donors.  

What happened to collaboration? Are there too many nonprofit organzations? Read this article.

Case Foundation's test on online philanthropy.

Why do you need 6 months of cash reserves?: Click here to learn more

IRS Announces 2008 Mileage rate: Click here to learn more

Proposed 990 Changes: Click here to learn more. IRS will phase in form use requirement. Read this.

 

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