Non-profit management is a challenging career, fraught with roadblocks and successes, each as big as the other. Successfully managing a non-profit organization requires passion, motivation to help others, willingness to subsist on a rather low salary and knowledge of advocacy and legal issues. Non-profit managers should also be willing to learn about fundraising, grant writing and lobbying. Non-profit managers often receive degrees in social work or non-profit management, and many skills needed can be learned there.
NON-PROFIT FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is vital for the success of any non-profit agency. Fundraising can be done all year long, but many non-profit organizations choose to do a few large events a year to bring in money for their programs.
- Fundraising for Non-Profits
This blog focuses on how to get money from donors using assertive techniques. The blogger has worked in both the marketing and non-profit fields, and has a unique take on money making programs for non-profits.
- Fun Fundraisers for Non-Profits
Fundraising for non-profits is hard work, and this blog discusses ways to make fundraising a little easier for non-profits. Holding large events, such as a gala or ball, are wonderful ways to bring in money while having fun at the same time.
- Donor Power Blog
How to effectively raise money from donors by making them a part of the agency. If a donor feels they have power to assist in making change, they will more likely donate money and time to the cause.
- Million Dollar Fundraising
How to increase your fundraising efforts and raise significant amounts of money for your non-profit. This blogger has successfully helped non-profits organizations raise millions of dollars by changing how they fundraise.
- New Fundraising Techniques for Non-Profit Management
Site devoted to innovative fundraising techniques for non-profit managers. Also, discusses how to get individuals and businesses to keep donating money after their initial gift.
NON-PROFIT GRANT WRITING
Another great way to bring money into a non-profit organization is to hire grant writers to write reports that detail the agencies mission, outlook and need for money. Grant writing is a skill that not many have, and is essential to many non-profits success or failure.
- Tips for Effective Grant Writing
This blog gives advice to non-profits about effective grant writing to obtain funds. The tips presented include starting strong, make it short, have a genuine connection to your topic, be passionate and have good research.
- Grant Writing Tips:
A grant writer shares examples of her grant writing work, along with resources and education tips for those looking to get into the grant writing field, or those who run non profits and need a tutorial.
- Using Grants To Help Clients
An experienced grant writer discusses micro donations versus macro donation, and also discusses how non-profits can effectively obtain the money needed to run the non-profit and help the clients.
- Pamela's Grant Writing Blog
A seasoned grant writer, Pamela, discusses tips for those already in non-profit grant writing or those looking to enter the field. Grant writing can be lucrative for the agency and the writer.
- 79 Grant Writing Resources
Grant writer, Ruth Wahtera, gives 79 resources to grant writers. These resources range from what to charge non-profit clients, to how to effectively communicate the non-profit's mission to get the most revenue to the agency.
- Too Busy To Fundraise Blog\
Too busy to Fundraise Blog offers tips and resources to non-profit managers looking for assistance in raising money for their organization. Some managers prefer fundraising, some prefer asking for grant money.
NON-PROFIT MARKETING
Marketing strategy is important to any type of business, and non-profit organizations are no exception. Mission or cause marketing, requires a certain skill that only those that have worked within the non-profit field can fully understand.
- Non-Profit Marketing
This marketing guru has been assisting non-profit corporations market and advertise their programs for years. She gives tips and resources for those looking to improve their marketing strategy.
- Branding and Advertising for the Non-Profit
This firm specializes in working with non-profits to create effective marketing and branding campaigns. Using technology, social media and other strategic campaigns have been shown to effectively market non-profit organizations.
- The Non-Profit and Social Media Partnership
Blog focusing on how non-profits can use social media to effectively market and campaign for money. Also discusses to how effectively use technology to present your non-profit organization's mission and goals to others.
- Community Organizing and Social Media
How to effectively use social media practices while community organizing. This blog focuses on grassroots planning and empowering communities to promote change within. Gives tips about using Twitter, Facebook and other media to plan change.
- Non-Profit Marketing Zone Blog
A blog discussing the latest marketing trends in the non-profit community. Gives tips, advice and reviews of marketing campaigns used by non-profits.
- What is Cause Marketing?
A blog discussing cause marketing and how to create a strategic, yet effective marketing plan, for non-profit organizations. Marketing plans should stay true to the overall mission of the agency, while bringing in interest and donors.
- Non-Profit Marketing Plans to Increase Communication Efforts
How do I effectively use marketing tools to improve my non-profit's communication and advertising efforts? Building a better marketing plan will increase communication among the non-profit, the donors, the board members and the clients.
NON-PROFIT TRENDS, NEWS, AND RESOURCES
These blogs discuss the most relevant news and information regarding non-profit management. These sites also provide resources that give valuable information to those in the field and those looking to enter the non-profit management industry.
- Non-Profit and Social Media
A blog discussing using social media to assist non-profits with income streams, marketing, and overall awareness in the community. Also discusses trends of non-profit management industry around the world.
- Non-Profit News
References, resources, reviews and tips about running an effective non-profit program. This site is updated regularly with news relating to the non-profit industry.
- Giving To Those In Need
A blog about giving to those in need around the world. Discusses the feeling one gets from giving to others, helping those in need and making permanent change in the world.
- Mission Based Leadership
Musings from a non-profit expert about non-profit management news, resources and tips. He has worked in non-profits around the world and specializes in using technology to assist non-profits in becoming more successful.
- 40 of the Best Non-Profit Websites
40 of the best non-profit websites posted on the internet. While this discussion is focused on design aspects of the non-profit websites, these website also point to dedication and passion about making their agency relevant in media.
- Non-Profit Law Blog
Non-profit lawyer discusses the legal issues surrounding the non-profit field. Non-profit law includes fundraising laws, ethical issues, and 501(c)(3) guidelines and policies.
- Non-Profit Consulting Firm Presents News About the Field
A consulting firm discusses fundraising, non-profit leadership and management. This site has resources and tips for those in the field.
- Non-Profit Times
TheNonProfitTimes is the leading publication for those in the non-profit management field. The Times website offers stories and articles relevant to the industry; such as fundraising, leadership and advocacy issues.
- Board Member Guidelines
A site dedicated to board members of non-profit organizations. This is committed in assisting board members learn to review and evaluate their agency's efforts and services.
NON-PROFIT AND PHILANTHROPY
Philanthropic efforts are the act of a person or group attempting to increase the well-being of another group or set of people. These blogs discuss how non-profit groups can increase philanthropic efforts in the community they live in.
- Philanthropy Blog
A blog discussing philanthropy, both corporate and private. This is an opinion based blog with well-known figures in the non-profit and philanthropic world offering insight about giving and charity in today's society.
- Asian Philanthropy
Discussing philanthropy in Asia with those that have started or work for non-profit agencies centered in Asia or those founded to help individuals in Asia.
- Young Philanthropists
This blog is dedicated to the young philanthropist looking to give back and change the world we live in. This blog will show young adults how they can become involved in philanthropic efforts in their community and across the world.
- Trends in Philanthropy
This blog discusses the trends in philanthropic giving in the non-profit world. The blogger has a long history of non-profit experience as both an leader and a board member.
- 100 Best Philanthropy Blogs
This site lists 100 blogs written about philanthropy. The compiler of the list has experience working with charitable foundations and in non-profit fundraising and grant writing.
NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP
Leadership in the non-profit industry is challenging as a manager must strive to meet the mission of the organization, while also trying to bring in revenue and donations to cover overhead and supplies. Managers should be taught to focus on both mission awareness and effective management techniques.
- Non-profit Leadership Blog
This blog is written for those interested in the leadership side of non-profit management. How to effectively lead your non-profit team in becoming successful in following your mission statement and becoming financially successful.
- Facilitating Change Through Leadership
Using technology and education, this leader in nonprofit management gives examples of leadership techniques, social media techniques and how to facilitate change within communities.
- Mission Statement Vs Management
Should your non-profit's mission be comprised by your management style? This blog gives managers ideas for effectively leading their organization and employees, while staying committed to their overall mission of service.
- Ask Charity Site
This British site lists contact information for media and charity professionals. It enables site visitors to search hundreds of charities to find help, donate or volunteer their time.
- Non-Profit Leadership Resources
Insights into the non-profit leadership role are examined. Leaders need to be able inspire, empower and being passion out in those that they lead. To provide the maximal assistance to their clientele, leaders should be effective in their roles, and this site gives resources and education tips for non-profit leaders.
- Change Agent Group Leadership
Owner of a change agent group blogs about his success as a non-profit leader. This blog gives his insights about creating effective leadership and strategic management roles within a non-profit organization.
NON-PROFIT USE OF VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers can make or break a non-profit organization. The use of volunteers to staff centers, events, answer phones, do mailings or other much needed work can save the agency thousands of dollars by not hiring staff to do these simple tasks.
- Have Fun Do Good Blog
Have fun and do good work. Help people while enjoying yourself. There are hundreds of ways that you can help those in need, while having fun and doing what you enjoy.
- Non-Profit Awareness Blog
Find a cause to support, volunteering and donating money are the two easiest ways to become involved in charity and philanthropic causes. This blog features volunteers, non profit leaders, and donors who support them.
- People Making a Difference
People Making a Difference is a non-profit group for both individuals and businesses who would like to make a difference and volunteer. Volunteers assist community-based programs that provide assistance to at-risk and needy groups.
- Corporate Volunteering
Discusses corporate volunteer programs to increase volunteer rates in non-profit programs. Many large companies are giving incentives to their employees that volunteer time at local charitable institutions.
- Volunteer Manager Blog
A volunteer services managers discusses ways to increase volunteer rates, increase volunteer retention and satisfaction, and how to make a non-profit's volunteer program a vital part of the agency.
- Volunteer Spot Blog
This site is made for volunteers by volunteers, to discuss the triumphs and challenges of working non- profit and charitable organizations. Also, discusses ways that volunteers can start their own charitable events, such as drives and dance-marathons.
NON-PROFIT ADVOCACY
Advocacy, the active support that someone shows an idea or cause, is usually demonstrated by lobbying, volunteering, attempting change or donating time or money to the cause. These sites discuss how advocacy can be advantageous to non-profit organizations.
- Advocacy Digest
The Non-profit and Foundation Advocacy Blog was created to give a voice to non-profits and charitable agencies. This foundation aims to help non-profits understand the laws and policies that govern them.
- Using Blogs For Advocacy Purposes
NP Action discusses using blogging to increase advocacy levels in both employees and board members. Blogs are a wonderful way to educate and provide important information to a wide audience.
- Non-Profit Advocacy
This advocacy firm focuses on non-profits and charitable foundations, and lobbies to assist the agencies to get more funding and support from their community.
- What is Non-profit Advocacy?
Non-profit advocacy is encouraged and protected under the 501(c)(3) law. Advocacy and non-profit groups can do work through grassroots efforts, speak with elected officials and lobby to pass or improve current County, State, or Federal laws.
- Children's Advocacy
A children's advocacy organization which gives helpful tips to those who need non-profit advocacy resources. This agency has been advocating for children's needs for several years and has a plethora of information to offer those interested in advocacy.
- What is Advocacy?
An advocacy blog that discusses what advocacy is how the general population can become involved and how those with a non-profit can use advocacy for the betterment of their agency.
In conclusion, non-profit management is a rewarding career for many. Despite the challenges that come with running an agency with little to no profitable earnings, the reward of helping individuals and groups in need is worth the stress and anxiety to most non-profit managers.
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