Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy

Forward-thinking solutions to the foundational problems plaguing the world of modern nonprofits Going where many dare not, Reimagining Nonprofit and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector challenges existing sacred cows across a variety of issues relevant to nonprofit and philanthropy. Each chapter delves into a specific area of work (fundraising, boards, hiring, and so on), analyzes the challenges, and provides concrete solutions for change. Written by Vu Le, former nonprofit executive and thought leader in the field, this book features leaders doing new things that go against the grain and is written in an easy-to-digest, oftentimes humorous tone. Readers will be left fired up, with their existing notions challenged, ready to flip over some tables and (figuratively) burn some systems down. Le explores topics including: Scarcity, martyrdom, and learned helplessness, separating vision and mission, and “bizsplaining” to the corporate sector The folly of Robert's Rules of Order and reimagining governance through evolutionary and minimally-viable boards New leadership decision-making models, shifting away from the hierarchical model into a more distributed one Reimagining Nonprofit and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector is an essential read for all nonprofit leaders, professionals, and donors who are looking to completely reimagine the way nonprofits think, operate, and make an impact.

Introduction 1 Chapter 1 A Love Letter to Nonprofit and Philanthropy 9 Chapter 2 The Nine Horsemen of Nonprofit and Philanthropic Ineffectiveness 25 Chapter 3 Reimagining Fundraising and Donor Engagement 43 Chapter 4 Governance and Boards 63 Chapter 5 Reimagining Leadership and Leadership Structures 83 Chapter 6 Building Nonprofit Capacity to Fight Fascism 99 Chapter 7 Advocacy, Community Organizing, and the Levers of Power for Systems Change 117 Chapter 8 Reimagining Philanthropy, Foundations, and Funder–Nonprofit Dynamics 133 Chapter 9 Reimagining Hiring Practices 155 Chapter 10 Reimagining Work Culture 171 Chapter 11 Don’t Bring Spreadsheets to a Knife Fight: Using Data to Effectively Advance Justice 187 Chapter 12 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 203 Chapter 13 The Barriers Holding Back Change and What to Do About Them 219 Appendix A Principles of Community-Centric Fundraising 231 Appendix B White Moderation Checklist 237 Notes 241 Acknowledgements 255 About the Author 259 Index 261