news/resources
MANAGEMENT INFO NEWS/RESOURCES
january 2005
Foundations can move past traditional approaches and lead boldly
The Stanford Social Innovation Review has published a 13-page feature: “Leading Boldly, Foundations can move past traditional approaches to create social change through imaginative – and even controversial – leadership”. The feature shows how extraordinary results can be achieved if foundations were more imaginative, visible and controversial. And it takes a look at how foundations can exercise leadership without misusing authority.
Stanford Social Innovation feature...
Working with the Business Sector
This 32-page guide from Grantcraft explores how grant makers can cross the divide between philanthropy and business. Looking at the push and pull between sectors from the vantage point of those working in independent and corporate foundations, this guide examines efforts to partner with and influence the business world. Grant makers weigh the case for engaging business, share strategies for working with companies, and identify skills for promoting corporate philanthropy. They also explore ways to bridge cultural and philosophical differences between the sectors.
Read more and download the PDF...
The Dynamic Nonprofit Board (McKinsey Quarterly article)
If you believe that your nonprofit board doesn't have a clear mission, you're not alone: fewer than half of the nonprofit directors McKinsey surveyed thought that their fellow directors could both summarise the mission of the organisations they serve and present an accurate vision of where those organisations are headed. Clarity and unity have never been more essential on boards, since they no longer just raise funds and hire CEOs; they're also being called on to manage performance and shape strategy. How can a collection of part-time volunteers come together and make organisations more efficient?
McKinsey Article… (registration required to read full article)
Good Governance Action Plan Workbook
A new publication from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) will be available shortly:
Trustees, chairs and chief executives acknowledge that a dedicated, well-trained board is vital to the successful operation of any voluntary sector organisation. This workbook has been designed so that boards are empowered to take responsibility for their own development. It gives trustees the means to immediately start working to improve their governance practices. It includes simple lessons that will spark debate and clarify group thinking. The lessons are designed to be fun team-building exercises with the potential to act as icebreakers.
Helping nonprofits do business (McKinseyQuarterly article)
Nonprofit organisations increasingly seek to establish business ventures supplementing the grants and donations that finance their social causes. Many of these projects, however, don't get past the idea stage, and some that do end up failing because of inadequate management skills.
Business plan competitions for nonprofits are one way to increase the success rate. In developing such a plan, the organisations gain an understanding of the economic realities of their ventures, become aware of possible conflicts with the core mission, and attract start-up funds.
McKinsey Article... (registration required to read full article)
