Below, we have compiled a list of philanthropic resources, as well as some resources that those with an eye toward sponsorship, marketing, public relations, fundraising, and other aspects of foundation management may find useful.
Please feel free to make suggestion for additional resource. We welcome your feedback as to whether you have found this page useful. Email us at webmaster@givingback.org.
Publications and Current Event Information
The Aspen Institute - "The mission of the Aspen Institute is to foster enlightened leadership and open-minded dialogue. Through seminars, policy programs, conferences and leadership development initiatives, the Institute and its international partners seek to promote nonpartisan inquiry and an appreciation for timeless values." Features news on the challenges facing society, as well as publication and workshop information.
CharityChannel - "The CharityChannel community is comprised of nonprofit sector professionals from around the world who volunteer their time, advice, information, tips and articles for the benefit of the community."
The Chronicle of Philanthropy - A bi-monthly "newspaper of the nonprofit world. It is the No. 1 news source, in print and online, for charity leaders, fund raisers, grant makers, and other people involved in the philanthropic enterprise." Considered by many to be "the trade" magazine for nonprofits. They also offer an online daily abstract of articles to which you can subscribe for free.
CSRWire.com - CSRwire is the leading source of corporate social responsibility and sustainability news, reports and information. CSRwire members are companies and NGOs, agencies and organizations interested in communicating their corporate citizenship, sustainability, and socially responsible initiatives to a global audience through CSRwire's syndication network and weekly News Alerts
Onphilanthropy.com - "onPhilanthropy.com is a global resource for non-profit and philanthropy professionals. It is free of charge and features several industry-leading e-mail newsletters. onPhilanthropy.com is published by Changing Our World, Inc.a leading U.S. fundraising and philanthropic services company. In addition, onPhilanthropy.com is published with the support and guidance of our sponsors, some of the leading companies and organizations in the non-profit sector."
Philanthropy News Network -A daily journal that "delivers news, information, and resources to all segments of the nonprofit world in order to help them better achieve their goals."
The NonProfit Times - National business publication focusing on nonprofit management.
Stanford Social Innovation Review-Our contributors are a diverse group of world-class faculty, thought leaders, and executives. Our readers are leaders in the fields of nonprofit management, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. We write for a community of professionals, united in their desire to build enduring organizations and to promote innovative solutions to social problems.
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University - "a leading academic center dedicated to increasing the understanding of philanthropy, improving its practice, and enhancing participation in philanthropy through research, teaching, public service and public affairs programs in philanthropy, fundraising, and management of nonprofit organizations."
General Resources
Alliance for Nonprofit Management - the professional association of individuals and organizations devoted to improving the management and governance capacity of nonprofits - to assist nonprofits in fulfilling their mission.
Association of Small Foundations - "a membership organization of 3,000 foundations with few or no staff. We provide our members with peer learning opportunities, targeted resources, and a collective voice in and beyond the philanthropic community. "
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards - These standards "were developed to assist donors in making sound giving decisions and to foster public confidence in charitable organizations. The standards seek to encourage fair and honest solicitation practices, to promote ethical conduct by charitable organizations and to advance support of philanthropy."
Board Source (formally the National Center for Nonprofit Boards) - An organization that works with both board members and staff to strengthen nonprofit boards.
Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy - (CNP) conducts and disseminates research on the role and impact of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy.
CompassPoint - "a consulting, research, and training organization providing nonprofits with management tools, strategies, and resources to lead change in their communities" Tip: The Research and Publications tab offers a lot of free information on Board Development and Foundation management.
Council on Foundations - "Our mission is to provide the opportunity, leadership and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. Over 2,000 grantmaking foundations and giving programs worldwide are members of the Council on Foundations." Tip: Although this is a membership organization the web site provides a lot of free information and training. Click the Learn tab to learn about basics in grantmaking, foundations and best practices.
The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers - "a national network of local leaders and organizations across the United States that support effective charitable giving. The Forum’s network focuses on the philanthropy of the city, state, and multi-state areas of the U.S. and encompasses 32 regional associations of grantmakers."
Foundation Advocacy Initiative - This project of the Alliance for Justice "is committed to assisting foundations to understand and navigate the tax regulations to enable them to support advocacy."
The Foundation Center - "the nation's leading authority on philanthropy, connecting nonprofits and the grantmakers supporting them to tools they can use and information they can trust. " Tip: Offers a subscription based service to research grantmakers.
Foundation In a Box - " a collaboration of almost 90 authors and publishers. The materials were evaluated and selected by a group of foundation managers, nonprofit professionals and expert consultants under the coordination of the Association of Small Foundations."
GrantCraft - A project of the Ford Foundation, this Web site offers grantmakers tools, tips and techniques for effective grantmaking. GrantCraft offers guides, videos, and case studies that present the practitioner's view of philanthropy.
Grantmaking School - "offers the first university-based program for teaching the techniques and ethics of advanced grantmaking specifically to foundation grantmaking professionals. We craft our curriculum to meet the practical needs of experienced grantmakers on topics such as strategic grantmaking, due diligence, ethics and accountability."
Grantstation- "comprehensive database of private grantmakers, daily updates on federal grant announcements, and links to government grantmakers in your state." Tip: One a year for the past two years, Techsoup has partnered with Grantstation to offer the subscription for significantly reduced rates.
Guidestar - Database of 650,000 nonprofits, independent foundations and grantmaking public charities, resource exchange center, updated news, and much more. 990 and PF-990 forms are available to the public.
Hurwit & Associates - The Web site for this legal counsel of philanthropy and nonprofits provides free information and FAQs on topics like starting a nonprofit, governance and bylaws, restricted funds, advocacy and much more.
Independent Sector - "serves as the premier meeting ground for the leaders of America's charitable and philanthropic sector. Since our founding in 1980, we have sponsored ground-breaking research, fought for public policies that support a dynamic, independent sector, and created unparalleled resources so staff, boards, and volunteers can improve their organizations and better serve their communities."
Non-profit Guides - "grantwriting tools for non-profit organizations"
Philanthropy Roundtable - "a national association of individual donors, foundation trustees and staff, and corporate giving officers. The Roundtable attracts independent donors who benefit from being part of an organization dedicated to helping them achieve their charitable objectives"
Sponsorship, Marketing, and PR Resources
The American Marketing Association - "one of the largest professional associations for marketers, has 38,000 members worldwide in every area of marketing. For over six decades the AMA has been the leading source for information, knowledge sharing and development in the marketing profession." Tip: Good resource to find marketing executives at different companies.
Brandweek - "the leading sources of news and information in the US marketing industry."
Cause-Marketing Forum - "Cause Marketing Forum, Inc. was founded in 2002 to help companies and nonprofits do well by doing good." Includes case studies, best practices, news and tools.
Cone Inc. - This link takes you to research tracking the industry trends and "consumer, employee and corporate attitudes towards companies' involvement with social issues." "...A brand strategy and communications agency engaged in building brand trust that creates stakeholder loyalty and long-term relationships through the development and execution of Cause Branding, Marketing Public Relations and Issues and Crisis Management initiatives." Tip: Helps you understand why sponsorship is good business. Useful stats for sponsorship proposals.
IEG - "...continues to serve the sponsors, sponsees and agencies in sports, arts, entertainment, event, cause and association marketing through its products, services and advocacy. "
PRNewswire - "Whether your news has to go around the corner or around the globe, PR Newswire serves all of your information distribution needs. PR Newswire is the world leader in the electronic delivery of news releases and information directly from companies, institutions and agencies to the media, financial community and consumers. PR Newswire's services begin with news distribution, but also include targeting, evaluation."
PROMO Magazine - "provides insights into using promotion marketing as a strategic, measurable component of an overall marketing mix. PROMO editors take a "What Works and Why" approach to their coverage, informing readers about important trends, issues, news, and deals through corporate profiles, trend pieces, sector-specific departments, single-topic supplements, and exclusive research projects." Tip: Helps to keep you updated on corporations' marketing interests and interactive marketing. Useful for sponsorship proposals.
Sports Business Daily & Sports Business Journal - "the undisputed authority on the business of sports and a must read for top executives in every segment of sports business—properties, sponsors, media, facilities, finance and professional services." Tip: If you work with an athlete, one or more of his/her representatives most likely subscribes. Disclosure: The Giving Back Fund's Founder and President, Marc Pollick, is a guest columnist.
Technology, the Internet, and Fundraising
Good Search - "...a search engine which donates 50 percent of its revenue to the charities and schools designated by its users. ...You use GoodSearch exactly as you would any other search engine and it is powered by Yahoo! .. The money GoodSearch donates to your cause comes from its advertisers — the users and the organizations do not spend a dime!"
Grassroots.org - "...provides free services to nonprofit organizations." Soon will provide a free toolkit of software products for nonprofits.
iGive (and other online shopping malls) - Online shopping malls with proceeds benefiting charity; includes some of the most popular retail stores; sign up your favorite charity to receive proceeds from purchases you make.
Just Give - "JustGive is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with the charities and causes they care about and to increase overall giving." Tip: Provides a donate button for your web site and will accept donations on your behalf for a fee (automatically deducted from the donation). Also offers gift certificates and wedding registry.
Network for Good - "...users can donate to more than one million charities and search from among more than 36,000 volunteer opportunities. In addition, non-profits can access tools for fundraising, volunteer recruitment and donor communication. " Tip: Provides a donate button for your web site and will accept donations on your behalf for a fee (automatically deducted from the donation)
Nonprofit Technology Network - " NTEN is the membership organization of nonprofit professionals who put technology to use for their causes. We enable our members to do their jobs better and help their organizations strategically use technology so that they, in turn, make the world a better, just, and equitable place."
Tech Soup - "...offers nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. In addition to online information and resources, we offer a product philanthropy service called TechSoup Stock. Here, nonprofits can access donated and discounted technology products, generously provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners."
Volunteering and Job Opportunities
Idealist - "... connects people, organizations, and resources to help build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives." "...our core focus has always been on providing a meeting point for individuals and organizations that seek to improve their communities, whether through promoting volunteerism and nonprofit careers, or by facilitating connections between people that can lead to personal and collective action. " Tip: Popular job and volunteer search engine for those interested in nonprofit opportunities
Volunteer Match - ..."dedicated to helping everyone find a great place to volunteer. The organization offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. "
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