Building Smart Nonprofits

A much-needed overhaul plan for the nonprofit model . . . O’Brien and Craig encourage pushing for greater transparency in reporting of spending and overhead; cultivating trust with donors by identifying major issues early on, rather than avoiding problems until they become unavoidable; and overcoming a view common among nonprofit boards of debt as “anathema to good fiscal stewardship” and instead guiding them toward seeing credit as a valuable tool. Any nonprofit leader thinking that there must be a better way will find persuasive answers here. * Publishers Weekly *
Building Smart Nonprofits includes examples of nonprofits deploying best practices and emerging industry trends to position their organizations for the long term . . . The authors make the point that it is extremely important to develop a financial plan that is not dependent on a single source or type of funding. In fact they say that all well-run non-profits exhibit similar characteristics: diverse revenue streams, strong financial management, personal relationships and storytelling, and quality leadership. * Blue Heron Journal *
Whether you are a board member of a nonprofit, work for a foundation, or involved in running a nonprofit organization, Building Smart Nonprofits is a must read. The authors skillfully cover the core fundamentals of nonprofits, supplemented by keen insights on major trends affecting the sector. The book is rich with best in class examples and thought provoking suggestions for improving the governance, funding and operations of nonprofits. I can't wait to explore several new ideas with the organizations I currently serve. -- Bruce Hoyt, director, IndieDwell Colorado, former Senior Vice President, Gary Community Investments
In Building Smart Nonprofits, David O’Brien and Matthew Craig share decades of experience and insights into nonprofit leadership. By bringing together interviews with more than 60 industry leaders, they have created an impressive compendium of best practices for the nonprofit world. This book is a must-read for nonprofit executives, foundation heads, board chairs and philanthropists. -- Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO and National Director, Anti-Defamation League
O’Brien and Craig provide a practical set of pathways to reach one of the most elusive goals for any nonprofit organization: financial sustainability. In an accessible and engaging style, drawing on the work of many nonprofit organizations and their talented leaders, they unpack the elements that contribute to financial sustainability. Theirs will be an important contribution to the growing literature on the nonprofit sector. -- Jim Canales, President and Trustee, Barr Foundation
Effective leadership is just as important in the nonprofit world as it is in the for-profit world. O’Brien and Craig show how good leadership can help build sustainable funding models, and why good boards are paramount to a fully functioning nonprofit organization. No nonprofit and no philanthropist should be without a copy of Building Smart Nonprofits. -- Ali R. Malekzadeh, PhD, President, Roosevelt University
In a fast changing world, the nonprofit sector is continually looking for creative new ways to keep up. In Building Smart Nonprofits, David O’Brien and Matthew Craig emphasize that historical fundraising models are not sustainable, and they offer a roadmap for mission success. This book is a must read for any nonprofit leader. -- Dace West, Vice President of Community Impact, The Denver Foundation
Absolutely, THE collection, of the most important, current and innovative work happening throughout the country to strengthen nonprofits and expedite organizational potential. A must read for leaders, board members and anyone who cares about changing the world. -- Yolanda Coentro, President and CEO, Institute for Nonprofit Practice
O’Brien and Craig have produced a work of significant insight for nonprofits. It will be of great value not only to their target audience of small to mid-sized organizations, but for the big guys as well...and should help all of us achieve a higher level of success as we advance into a very rapidly changing future. -- Clifford Hague, Trustee, San Diego Zoo Global
The wide range of challenges and approaches that our non-profit sector seeks to address has grown exponentially over the past two decades, while we have simultaneously seen an unprecedented creation of wealth, so it begs the question about how well we are connecting those with this capacity to support those who seek to do good. O’Brien and Craig have created a highly readable, unique, compelling, and timely road map for non-profits to understand this landscape and fulfill their missions. -- John Vasconcellos, President, Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts
The landscape of Corporate America is rapidly changing. Governance practices are demanding more emphasis on Shareholder values, specifically social and environmental concerns that lean into the “triple bottom line.” Nonprofits have not necessarily adjusted their Corporate Governance and business strategy to these changing times. The “olde tin cup” approach to nonprofit sustainability is over. Building Smart Nonprofits is an anthology of best practices and new concepts for the “new” nonprofits to consider. It is an excellent book, written from a base of experience in the Corporate World and Nonprofit by the authors: a must read! -- Bob Watkins, Vice Chair, The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
This is a book for nonprofit leaders who want to get better at what they do. Starting, operating, and sustaining a nonprofit charitable organization requires leaders to be knowledgeable and dedicated to achieving results. David J. O’Brien and Matthew D. Craig honor the hard-earned experience of nonprofit leaders, while offering respectful insights and suggestions that readers will want to put to work. -- Jeffrey R. Pickering, President and CEO, Indian River Community Foundation