A Voice for Nonprofits

A Voice for Nonprofits
Author: Jeffrey M. Berry
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2023-07-31
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0815796080

Nonprofit organizations are playing an increasingly important role in delivering basic government services. Yet they are discouraged by federal law from participating in legislative lobbying efforts—even on issues that affect their clients directly. Without the involvement of nonprofits in the governmental process, the vulnerable populations they serve are left without effective representation in the political system. A Voice for Nonprofits analyzes the effect of government restrictions on the participation of nonprofits in the policymaking process and suggests ways to address the problems. The relationship between nonprofits and the government is ideal in many respects, according to Jeffrey M. Berry and David F. Arons. By underwriting operating budgets and subcontracting the administration of programs to nonprofits, governments at all levels are able to take advantage of nonprofits' dedication, imagination, and private fund-raising skills. However, as nonprofits assume greater responsibility for delivering services traditionally provided by government, that responsibility is not matched by a congruous increase in policy influence. Berry and Arons believe the lobbying restrictions should be eased so that nonprofits may become more involved in public policymaking. Their recommendations are designed to ensure that nonprofit organizations—and the constituencies they serve—are effectively represented in the American political system.

The Quest for Attention

The Quest for Attention
Author: Chao Guo
Publisher: Stanford University Press
Total Pages: 312
Release: 2020-07-28
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1503613089

Today, social media offers an alternative broadcast and communication medium for nonprofit advocacy organizations. At the same time, social media ushers in a "noisy" information era that renders it more difficult for nonprofits to make their voices heard. This book seeks to unpack the prevalence, mechanisms, and ramifications of a new model for nonprofit advocacy in a social media age. The keyword for this new model is attention. Advocacy always starts with attention: when an organization speaks out on a cause, it must ensure that it has an audience and that its voice is heard by that audience; it must ensure that current and potential supporters are paying attention to what it has to say before expecting more tangible outcomes. Yet the organization must also ensure that advocacy does not end with attention: attention should serve as a springboard to something greater. The authors elaborate how attention fits into contemporary organizations' advocacy work and explain the key features of social media that are driving the quest for attention. Developing conceptual models, they explain why some organizations and messages gain attention while others do not. Lastly, the book explores how organizations are weaving together online and offline efforts to deliver strategic advocacy outcomes.

Nonprofits and Advocacy

Nonprofits and Advocacy
Author: Robert J. Pekkanen
Publisher: JHU Press
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2014-07
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1421413493

Does nonprofit mean nonpolitical? When the Susan G. Komen foundation pulled funding for Planned Parenthood’s breast exam program, the public uproar brought new focus to the high political and economic stakes faced by nonprofit organizations. The missions of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, political action committees, and now Super PACs have become blurred as issues of advocacy and political influence have become increasingly entangled. Questions abound: Should a nonprofit advocate for its mission and its constituents with a goal of affecting public policy? What are the limits of such advocacy work? Will such efforts fundamentally jeopardize nonprofit work? What can studies of nonprofit advocacy efforts reveal? Editors Robert J. Pekkanen, Steven Rathgeb Smith, and Yutaka Tsujinaka recognize the urgent need for relevant research and insight into these issues as direct and indirect government services are squeezed by federal cutbacks. Nonprofits and Advocacy defines advocacy and clarifies the differences among advocacy, lobbying, political activity, and education, as well as advocacy measurements. Providing original empirical data and innovative theoretical arguments, this comparative study is organized into two parts. The first part focuses on local and national dimensions of nonprofit advocacy, and the second part looks at organizational politics and strategies. The conclusion considers basic questions about nonprofit advocacy and seeks to draw lessons from research efforts and practice. Providing a critical look at the multidimensional roles and advocacy efforts of nonprofits, this volume will be valued by scholars, students, leaders, and activists—many of whom advocate for the interests of their organizations while delivering services to their organizations' constituents. The research is also relevant for policymakers involved in cross-sector public policy initiatives as they strive to provide more efficient public-private solutions to challenging governance issues.

Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership

Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership
Author: Joan Garry
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2017-03-06
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1119293065

Nonprofit leadership is messy Nonprofits leaders are optimistic by nature. They believe with time, energy, smarts, strategy and sheer will, they can change the world. But as staff or board leader, you know nonprofits present unique challenges. Too many cooks, not enough money, an abundance of passion. It’s enough to make you feel overwhelmed and alone. The people you help need you to be successful. But there are so many obstacles: a micromanaging board that doesn’t understand its true role; insufficient fundraising and donors who make unreasonable demands; unclear and inconsistent messaging and marketing; a leader who’s a star in her sector but a difficult boss… And yet, many nonprofits do thrive. Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership will show you how to do just that. Funny, honest, intensely actionable, and based on her decades of experience, this is the book Joan Garry wishes she had when she led GLAAD out of a financial crisis in 1997. Joan will teach you how to: Build a powerhouse board Create an impressive and sustainable fundraising program Become seen as a ‘workplace of choice’ Be a compelling public face of your nonprofit This book will renew your passion for your mission and organization, and help you make a bigger difference in the world.

The Lobbying and Advocacy Handbook for Nonprofit Organizations

The Lobbying and Advocacy Handbook for Nonprofit Organizations
Author: Marcia Avner
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2013
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9781618580078

"Nonprofit lobbying is exciting, rewarding, honorable work. Lobbying is a proven way to advance issues, support good ideas, respond to crises, avert disasters, and ensure that an organization's work is adequately supported. Through lobbying, specific laws and regulations that will further an organization's mission can be identified and pressed for adoption. Public policies can be shaped and sustained to reflect an organization's values and priorities. The Nonprofit Board Member's Guide to Lobbying and Advocacy shows board members how to use their power and privilege to move their organization's work forward."--Provided by publisher.

Social Media for Social Good: A How-to Guide for Nonprofits

Social Media for Social Good: A How-to Guide for Nonprofits
Author: Heather Mansfield
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
Total Pages: 289
Release: 2011-09-30
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0071770992

Maximize every donation dollar using social-media marketing best practices With Social Media for Social Good, you have everything you need to get your organization online at all levels: Web 1.0: Websites, e-newsletters, and “Donate Now” buttons; Web 2.0: Blogging and social networking sites; and Web 3.0: The Mobile Web, texting, and smartphone Apps. Learn how to access free and inexpensive marketing tools, market via email, use Twitter and Facebook, raise money from new donors, understand the legalities involved in being online, establish privacy settings, and track ROI. Heather Mansfield owns DIOSA Communications. She has served as Nonprofit Community Manager for Change.org, was named a Fundraising Star of the Year by Fundraising Success Magazine, and serves on the board for the Latin America Working Group.

Raise Your Voice

Raise Your Voice
Author: Brian Sooy
Publisher: Rockbench Publishing Corporation
Total Pages: 178
Release: 2014-03-03
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9781605440293

"Raise Your Voice: A Cause Manifesto is for leaders who desire to create a strategic communications framework and sustain a breakthrough nonprofit brand through strategy, design, and purpose. Through the four dimensions of communications and culture--purpose, passion, people, and promise--"Raise Your Voice" will help you unite your organization's purpose, values, culture, and voice to create a unique identity your supporters and advocates will love. It will help you understand the difference between your purpose, mission, and vision--and why it matters"--Amazon.com.

On Being Nonprofit

On Being Nonprofit
Author: Peter Frumkin
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2009-07
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9780674037403

Focusing on nonprofits' growing dependence on public funding, their tendency toward political polarization, their often idiosyncratic missions, and their increasing commercialism, Peter Frumkin argues that the long-term challenges facing nonprofit organizations will be solved only when they achieve greater balance among their four central functions. Probing foundational thinking as well as emergent ideas, the book is an essential guide for nonprofit novices and experts alike who want to understand the issues propelling public debate about the future of their sector.

Nonprofit Management 101

Nonprofit Management 101
Author: Darian Rodriguez Heyman
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 672
Release: 2011-03-23
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1118017943

A comprehensive handbook for leading a successful nonprofit This handbook can educate and empower a whole generation of nonprofit leaders and professionals by bringing together top experts in the field to share their knowledge and wisdom gained through experience. This book provides nonprofit professionals with the conceptual frameworks, practical knowledge, and concise guidance needed to succeed in the social sector. Designed as a handbook, the book is filled with sage advice and insights from a variety of trusted experts that can help nonprofit professionals prepare to achieve their organizational and personal goals, develop a better understanding of what they need to do to lead, support, and grow an effective organization. Addresses a wealth of topics including fundraising, Managing Technology, Marketing, Finances, Advocacy, Working with Boards Contributors are noted nonprofit experts who define the core capabilities needed to manage a successful nonprofit Author is the former Executive Director of Craigslist Foundation This important resource offers professionals key insights that will have a direct impact on improving their daily work.

How Nonprofits Work

How Nonprofits Work
Author: Grace Budrys
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 243
Release: 2013
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1442221054

How Nonprofits Work looks at nonprofit organizations through a sociological lens, identifying characteristics that make some nonprofits successful and characteristics that cause challenges, focusing on nonprofts in the health services sector. The book opens with helpful background information about nonprofit organizations, then shares case studies that take readers more deeply into the challenges and successes of various organizations. Given the trials nonprofits face in the current economic climate, this timely book helps readers move beyond the good intentions in nonprofits to find successful practices.