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Volunteers without the tools to succeed are just unrealized potential on a wave of good intentions. This Ways-And-Means Opportunities (WAMO) funding development primer turns such good intentions into able and willing resolve. As a workbook, it requires commitment and hard work. You’ll have all the tools and knowledge to succeed with what will be the most weathered, dog-eared book in your library. Methodically implement the WAMO workbook’s ‘change formula’, and you will be astonished at the steady progress you make crystallizing your personal goals, objectives, and action steps—actually turning your dreams into reality.

But don’t expect a crusty, professorial treatise—the constant interjection of humorous and provocative observations make the workbook a stimulating and engaging ‘read’. It walks you through the nonprofit funding ‘mine field’ that is fraught with serious and time-consuming mistakes to make. Deploy this resource’s proven elements for a highly productive ‘dream development’ launch.

You and your fellow innovators, mavericks, and visionaries will confidently, step-by-step, unveil and unleash the vast potential power of the parallel nonprofit universe—converting your ‘wild-ass schemes’ into the next ‘pivotal, visionary breakthroughs for humanity’.

Voila! Realized potential. How come they didn’t teach this stuff in school, you’ll ask?

Order from Amazon Today —>The Ways-And-Means Opportunities Workbook: How To Turn Your Dreams Into Reality Through Nonprofit Funding Development

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This insightful guide shows how by joining forces, nonprofits can use consolidation as a strategic tool to enhance, rather than undermine mission. As nonprofits find ways to increase effectiveness in services and fundraising and face the growing competition for limited resources, they can focus on their real goal-serving their constituents.

Arsenault explores the various options for consolidation-including joint ventures and partnerships, management service organizations, parent corporations, and mergers. She also details the negotiation process and demonstrates how to design and frame the consolidation process in a positive and constructive way for staff, donors, and constituents. Written for nonprofit managers and boards, Forging Nonprofit Alliances determines which options are right for an organization and clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all members of nonprofit board and staff in planning and implementing an alliance.

Order from Amazon Today —>Forging Nonprofit Alliances: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhancing Your Mission Through Joint Ventures & Partnerships, Management Service Organizations, Parent … Nonprofit and Public Management Series.)

Like most nonprofits, your organization likely produces several printed pieces a year to appeal to donors, attract new members, promote events, and report to funders. When designing this collateral, you want to create a piece that successfully represents your organization, fits within your budget, and generates positive change while advancing your cause, raising awareness, and furthering your mission.

But if your print vendor employs traditional methods to produce this — using virgin-fiber paper, petroleum-based inks, toxic solvents, and chlorine-bleached papers — your printed piece might be doing less to reach out to constituents and more to damage the environment.

Luckily, there are eco-friendly ways to make your print projects, the earth — and your organization — look good.

Damage to the Environment

It’s no secret that paper production taxes forests, water, and energy supplies. In fact, eco-advocacy group Environmental Defense  estimates that producing one ton of virgin uncoated paper — which accounts for 90 percent of the United States’ printing and writing paper — requires three tons of wood, 19,075 gallons of water, and generates 2,278 pounds of solid waste.

“The printing industry is the single largest air polluter and the third-largest consumer of fossil fuels in the world after automobiles and steel manufacturing,” said Renourish Founder and University of Illinois Design Professor Eric Benson. “On a typical day, [printers] use trillions of gallons of water that must be treated for its toxic chemical content and released back into our waterways.”

Meanwhile, adhesives, bindings, and foils used in printing and packaging can render the final product unrecyclable, virtually guaranteeing that it will end up in a landfill. There, petroleum-based inks can cause lasting damage to the environment, leaching volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — which can cause cancer and birth defects — into the ground, contaminating soil, groundwater, and, upon evaporation, the air.

The printing process itself is equally hazardous: Many of the solvents, shellacs, driers, and other solutions employed in producing film, printing plates, and cleaning the presses are toxic pollutants that can cause chronic health problems — including kidney and liver damage, and even death — among press operators, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Not exactly the message your nonprofit wants to convey.

It’s Easy Printing Green

For some nonprofits, the solution might be to eschew printing in favor of online marketing. Yet for nonprofits that rely on printed marketing campaigns for support and publicity, cutting out paper altogether might not be an option.

By printing green, you are sending a powerful reminder to your audience that you care about what’s to come. You’re also enhancing your brand image by making the statement that you care about the environment. Environmental degradation has a wide-reaching impact, from poverty and disease to war and famine. By pursuing green printing practices, you are in a sense embracing all good causes — not least of all, your own.

“Your donors, board members, and prospects will see that you care and this will resonate positively to them,” said Nilesh Patel, Owner and President of We Print, an environmentally friendly printer located in Orange, California. “Every point of contact with your constituency should reinforce the idea that you are not only saying the right things but doing the right things. Printing is a very visible part of that, particularly for a membership organization. Doing the right thing environmentally and then advertising it goes a long way [toward establishing] the integrity and sincerity of your organization. It’s a wonderful way to underscore your mission.”

Happily, eco-friendly options are on the rise — and there are many resources online that can help you locate them.

Among We Print’s recommendations:

1. Choose paper that is 100 percent post-consumer waste (PCW), processed chlorine free (PCF), uncoated, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, made by renewable energy sources like wind or solar power (Mohawk Paper is a leader in this area), or even treeless (hemp and kenaf are two options).

2. Use vegetable-based inks or soy inks instead of petroleum-based inks. These alternatives are both low in VOCs and competitively priced. When using Pantone colors — an industry standard — avoid colors (mostly metallics and warm reds) that contain barium, copper, and zinc, which can cause health problems in humans.

3. Try waterless printing, which eliminates the dampening systems used in conventional printing. Digital printing, which avoids the film and chemicals in traditional printing processes, is another good alternative.

4. Avoid using bindings, adhesives, or foil stamps in packaging.

5. Reduce the amount of inks you use by going with one- or two-color designs; you can also save paper by asking your designer to use standard press sheet sizes.

6. Familiarize yourself with industry standards. The Environmental Protection Agency mandates that federal agencies must use uncoated printing and writing papers containing at least 30 percent PCW content; coated papers must contain 10 percent, notes We Print.

Other Printing Considerations

Those nonprofits that print a lot of exhibit or signage materials should opt for a printing process called dye sublimation — rather than solvent-based inks, which use petroleum and other VOCs, according to a September 2005 article in Print magazine. Digital printing and appliqué (which works particularly well with banners) are also cleaner, more sustainable options; look for fabrics like Ecospun, which are made out of recycled materials.

Good Design Is Up to You

“Shouldn’t this be the designer’s responsibility?” you might ask. Fortunately for you — and the environment — the answer is no. Ultimately, as the client, the burden falls on you to make sure your project is as green as possible. And with the growing number of options out there, it isn’t difficult to locate eco-friendly paper vendors, designers, and printers that can help you do just that.

If you can’t locate a green design firm or printer in your area, don’t worry — easy-to-use technologies like PDF readers and compression utilities (see TechSoup’s Free Downloads section for good options) make file transmission quick (and often free) via email and FTP, allowing you to work with the vendor of your choice regardless of your location. Many print vendors will allow you or your designer to upload files directly to their sites and will then ship the printed materials to you.

Even if a design firm doesn’t promote itself as “green,” it may be willing to accommodate your request. If you have a long-standing relationship with a designer, discuss ways you can make your project as eco-friendly as possible.

A good designer should be able to meet your needs by locating the proper vendors and working within the requested perimeters. If a designer tries to talk you out of using a two-color design or dissuade you from choosing an alternative printing technique, get a second opinion.

Often, designers mark up paper and printing by as much as 30 percent, so be wary of those that insist you use expensive paper, printing, binding, coating, or foiling to make your piece look good — they may just be trying to increase their own profits and reduce the time and overhead involved in researching alternatives. A truly competent design firm can make your project beautiful regardless of the specifications.

Dispelling Green Myths

Green (Paper) Is Beautiful

One common misperception among nonprofit and for-profit organizations alike is that eco-friendly means lower quality.

We suggests that nonprofits talk to an eco-friendly printer to better understand their options. “The biggest deterrent to [printing green] is lack of information,” he said, noting that a printer can help you determine what types of papers, inks, and coatings can give you the quality you want and stay within your budget.

Offsetting Costs

Another common deterrent is the misconception that printing green is always more expensive than using traditional printing methods. However, this isn’t always the case. Vegetable-based inks are often competitively priced with petroleum-based; carbon-neutral printing is no more expensive than traditional methods; and many recycled, TCF, and ECF papers are in fact less expensive than virgin.

We would also notes that because there are many factors that contribute to a printed piece’s price — including the size of the project, the press you use, and even the time of year — it’s important to work with a printer that can find the best solution for your organization’s budget.

Keep in mind, too, that as more organizations like yours invest in eco-friendly options, the price will eventually decrease. “It is cost-efficient to make recycled paper as it requires less energy [than virgin],” said Benson. Yet, “there is often a slightly higher premium for recycled paper. That is largely based on supply and demand issues. The more we request recycled, PCW [paper], the more the paper industry will supply, and costs will even out. Printers pollute and pollute badly. Why should this be OK? Choosing to not support those practices is to vote with your dollar.”

Even if you discover that going green means paying more, there are still many ways you can offset the costs:

1.Consolidate

Instead of holding four mail campaigns a year, try sending out three eco-friendly ones. The positive publicity generated by going green may in fact improve response rates, and you’ll be more likely to make the most of what you do send out. Or, offset costs with creativity: “Design multifunctional projects — for example, self-mailer/program combos — to economize when using more expensive paper,” suggests Dynamic Graphics’ in its Printing Green article. “Also, combining projects whenever possible is wise; one idea is to print business cards and postcards from the same recycled paper.”

2.Bypass the Middle Man

Sourcing and managing a print project is not as complicated as it might sound, and will help you avoid high markups from graphic designers. Ask your designer to send you print-ready files, and then work with the printer on delivering and proofing them. Explain that you are a nonprofit and are trying to save money: many printers will be happy to help you through the process. Alternatively, some designers may even be willing to forego the markup when they know they’re supporting a good cause.

3.Share the Glory

Another way to offset costs is to ask a vendor to chip in. Some printers will reduce their price if they can put their logo on the piece, and many will do so unobtrusively. Likewise, you could ask one of your funders to help cover the costs in exchange for a small promotion on the piece.

4.Keep It Exclusive

Some printers will offer discounts if you bring all (or most) of your business to them. “Choosing a printer to print your literature exclusively can result in a contract that can reduce costs the more work you send them,” he said.

If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It

If you print your project on recycled paper using soy-based inks or wind-powered presses, by all means, let your constituents know about it. Add a simple line of text explaining how the piece was printed on the bottom of the postcard, or include a discreet Forest Stewardship Council, Soy Seal, or Processed Chlorine Free symbol if it applies.

Alternatively, you can tally up the piece’s impact for your readers: Neenah Paper’s eye-opening Environmental Savings Calculator can help you calculate the environmental savings — in trees, water, energy, solid waste, water-borne wastes, and atmospheric emissions — in selecting papers with higher levels of post-consumer fiber content.

Promoting green practices not only makes your nonprofit look good — it can motivate others to do the same. For when other organizations see how good your piece looks, they might be inspired to go green.

Thanks

Web :- http://www.weprint-oc.com

Email- hello@weprint-oc.com

Are you an experienced craftsperson who is looking to increase your public presence? Consider donating some of your crafts to a local nonprofit agency or local charity. Not only will this allow you to network and make important contacts, you’ll also be making a difference where it really counts and strengthening your bonds to the community. Here are five easy ways to get involved:

1. Find a cause you have a passion for. Simply stated, passion cannot be faked. You must choose a nonprofit charity that you really care about, and for which you would be willing to work for with no thought of compensation. Perhaps you’ve always been touched by hospital-bound children stricken by illness. You happen to specialize in creating charming, old-fashioned rag dolls. Why not donate some of your best work to spread a bit of joy?

In this scenario, you would want to seek out a nonprofit organization or charity that works with young hospital patients. Speak to the outreach director or volunteer coordinator of the agency you’re interested in. Tell them the ways you would like to help, and listen to their suggestions. They should be able to tell you about their current situation and needs. Hopefully, there will be a match, and you can begin to work together. Whatever you do, you should always check with the nonprofit agency before you simply start donating your crafts.

2. Offer to spearhead a charity event. If you specialize in kid’s craft parties, offer to hold a craft party for a local nonprofit agency. Be aware that this sort of undertaking will demand a lot of your time and energy. You may work with the nonprofit agency to coordinate the event.

Strive to make this collaboration as smooth and pleasant as possible. Remember that the event you organize will be a show of your leadership and organization skills. You’ll want to make a good impression as you connect with potential clients, and re-connect with previous customers. Most importantly, remember that the true goal of the event is to make a small difference in the lives of others.

3. Organize a charity crafts fair. Another way increase your public presence by donating your crafts is by organizing a charity craft fair. Consider setting up the crafts fair in conjunction with the nonprofit agency of your choice. Or you can hold the crafts fair on your own, and then donate the proceeds to a local charity.

Start by recruiting other experienced craftspeople for the fair. Advertise the event widely. Consider contacting your local media to raise awareness about the fair. Ask your local newspapers or television station to help advertise the event. The more exposure the crafts fair gets the more proceeds you’ll be able to donate. And, your crafts and the work of your fellow craftspeople will gain much deserved exposure.

4. Hold a charity craft auction as part of a larger event. If the idea of organizing an entire crafts fair sounds a bit overwhelming to you, then consider holding a charity craft auction as part of a larger event. Find a group of interested and experienced craftspeople and put together a catalog of sale items, with all proceeds going to the nonprofit agency of your choice. You and your fellow craftspeople should donate some of your best work to ensure a successful auction.

If your crafts sell well at the charity auction, you can expect your reputation as a craftsperson to grow. Selling your work in this type of atmosphere demonstrates that your work has value, and that it can make a difference in the life of someone who needs a change.

5. Donate your crafts for use. If you create crafts that can be put to good use by individuals less fortunate than you, by all means work with the appropriate nonprofit agency to donate your work. For instance, nonprofit groups such as Wrap Them in Love and Knit for Kids provide needy individuals with warm quilts and much-needed sweaters.

If you specialize in such crafts, donating your work is a wonderful way to make a big difference in the life of someone who needs help. You’ll gain experience in working with nonprofit agencies, make valuable contacts, gain resume experience, and gain confidence in your work.

Read more on Daily Herald

A Path to College Through Business
The nonprofit group BUILD has found that entrepreneurship awakens disinterested high school students. by Michelle Quinn One recent evening in the auditorium of Lionel Wilson High School, five freshmen were pitching their idea to make air fresheners designed to cover up the sweaty smell of gym bags. They described a survey they had conducted among 118 people, which showed that women who played …

Read more on East Bay Express

Product Description
Presented by The Drucker Foundation

“Austin has uncovered the common elements and key strategies that make for effective collaborations…. In The Collaboration Challenge, he illuminates these key lessons for all leaders, and makes it possible for each of us to meet the collaboration challenge.”
–Frances Hesselbein, chairman of the board of governors, The Drucker Foundation, and John C. Whitehead, founder, The John C. Whitehead Fund for Not-for-Profit Management, Harvard Business School

“Austin has performed a valuable service for nonprofit organizations and their corporate partners by illuminating the dynamics of successful relationships. His useful book deserves to be widely read by leaders in both sectors concerned about increasing the effectiveness of their social action agenda.”
–Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Business School, author of World Class and Rosabeth Moss Kanter on the Frontiers of Management

“The entire nonprofit sector has been searching for the expertise and tools this book provides. Nothing else like it exists.”
–Bill Shore, executive director of Share-Our-Strength and author of The Cathedral Within and Revolution of the Heart

In these complex times, when no organization can succeed alone, nonprofits and businesses are embracing collaboration for mutual benefits. Nonprofits are partnering with businesses to further their missions, develop resources, strengthen programs, and thrive in the competitive world. Companies are also discovering that alliances with nonprofits generate significant rewards: increased customer preference, improved employee morale, greater brand identity, stronger corporate culture, and higher innovation.

In this timely and insightful book, James E. Austin provides a practical framework for understanding how traditional philanthropic relationships can be transformed into powerful strategic alliances. He offers advice and lessons drawn from the experiences of numerous collaborations, including Timberland and City Year; Starbucks and CARE; Georgia-Pacific and The Nature Conservancy; MCI WorldCom and The National Geographic Society; Reebok and Amnesty International; and Hewlett-Packard and the National Science Resource Center. Readers will learn how to:
* Find and connect with high-potential partners
* Ensure strategic fit with the partner’s mission and values
* Generate greater value for each partner and society
* Manage the partnering relationship effectively

Click here to read Chapter 8, Guidelines for Collaborating Successfully.

Order from Amazon Today —>The Collaboration Challenge: How Nonprofits and Businesses Succeed Through Strategic Alliances

• ISBN13: 9780470527535
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
In the current economic climate, nonprofits need to focus on ways to stand out from the crowd, win charitable dollars, and survive the downturn. Effective, mission-focused communications can help organizations build strong identities, heightened reputations, and increased fundraising capability. Brandraising outlines a mission-driven approach to communications and marketing, specifically designed to boost fundraising efforts. This book provides tools and guidance for nonprofits seeking to transform their communications and marketing through smart positioning, branding, campaigns, and materials that leverage solid strategy and great creative, with a unique focus on the intersection of communications and fundraising.

Order from Amazon Today —>Brandraising: How Nonprofits Raise Visibility and Money Through Smart Communications

Nonprofits are great for those who need help when they can’t get it from other sources. Nonprofit organizations help to feed, clothe, and care for people in times of need. They also are a big part in raising money for assistance and research in many aspects of health, wellness, and other life threatening ailments. So nonprofits are important and significant to others, but who helps nonprofits when they are in need? There are many free services for nonprofits that can be utilized in order to help the nonprofit get on their feet.

When you are looking for charitable services for nonprofits, you will first want to look towards larger nonprofit groups that are self-sufficient. It is a good idea to talk to these nonprofits and first see how they did it. You can always get help from these nonprofits by getting financial support and other business assistance. They may even be able to point out the best free resources that can help your nonprofit succeed.

A great way to get your nonprofit working for you is by utilizing internet services for charity. This can mean a lot of different things, but in order to get money coming into your nonprofit, you will need an internet presence that will reach out to people all over the world. This is where you can easily ask for donations and provide information on the good works that you are doing for your local, regional, or national community.

And in order to get a great internet presence, you will need the assistance of technologically savvy web creators and designers. You can solicit the help of designers who are willing to volunteer their time, or you can choose from a handful of affiliates that provide free technology assistance to nonprofit organizations. They will help you incorporate technology into your overall mission, as well as offer recommendations for upgrading any existing technology. These free services are vital for any nonprofit that wants to stay ahead of the upgrading game.

There are also many legal aspects to starting and keeping a nonprofit organization running. In order to get legal advice that won’t drain the bank account, you will want to look for CPAs and lawyers that will provide their expertise on a pro bono basis. There are many attorneys and accountants who will do this for nonprofits whether they are in trouble or just need some advice before they make a legal decision.

It is easy to get frustrated when you are running a nonprofit organization, but it is important to remember that there are other programs out there that will help individuals as well as other nonprofits that need it. Free and charitable services for nonprofits may not always be easy to find, but if you look to the tutelage of an established, well run non profit organization, you will be able to find all the resources that you need to establish yourself as a well run nonprofit organization.