Free (and almost free) Publications!
The following publications are available free or at cost contact the people indicated.
- 7 Steps to Creating Successful Online Surveys
by Gerald Bramm of Bramm Research.
Learn how to craft a better survey with this quick and easy-to-follow guide. Topics include how to properly word questions, what words or questions to avoid, how to create an effective survey invitation, and whether you should consider offering incentives.
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.brammresearch.com.
- 20 Questions Directors of Not-for-Profit Organizations Should Ask about Board Recruitment, Development and Assessment
by Dr. Richard Leblanc, LL.M. and Hugh Lindsay, FCA, CIP and published by the Chartered Accountants of Canada
This guide explores the challenges faced by NPOs in recruiting the right people to serve on their boards, as well as the importance of director education and development and regular assessment of the board and its members.
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.rogb.ca.
- Advancing your cause through the people you manage: A guidebook for busy leaders
by the Management Assistance Group
This 28-page guidebook highlights common pitfalls that managers fall into, provides a management self-assessment tool, identifies root causes of poor employee performance, and offers tips for successful staff meetings.
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.managementassistance.org.
- All Hands On Board
by Jan Masaoka
A guide designed for board
members of all-volunteer organizations.
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.compasspoint.org.
A Guide to Building Relationships
Between Cultures through Sport & Recreation
A handbook designed to help organizations plan and host a symposium to bring together leaders and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Although aimed at the sport and recreation community, much of the information could be applied to any sub-sector.
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.sasksport.sk.ca.
- A Learning Guide to Public Involvement in Canada
A tool for anyone starting from scratch to develop a public involvement project. The guide includes an overview of the theory of public involvement, practical examples, a glossary, insight into the latest trends, and instruction on how to apply public involvement methods to a specific purpose.
Download this guide free at: www.chsrf.ca.
- A Nonprofit's Guide to Choosing a Fundraising System
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.affinitynfp.com.
This guide will aid you in the evaluation of your organization’s accounting needs and the selection of an accounting software system that best meets them. Learn the differences between a fund accounting system and a commercial accounting system.
- A Nonprofit’s Guide to Choosing a Constituent Relationship Management System
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.affinitynfp.com.
This guide is designed to help you evaluate the need for a Constituent Relationship Management system, form an effective project team, ask the right questions, identify the challenges involved, and much more.
- A Nonprofit’s Guide to Improving Your Online Fundraising
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.affinitynfp.com.
This guide provides 15 ways your organization can make it easier for your constituents, advocates, and members to support and donate to your organization online.
- A People Lens©: How your organization can adopt a
people-first philosophy
by Colleen Kelly, from Vantage Point
A guide to creating a "people first" organization written by the executive director of Vantage Point. This paper discusses the importance of considering people first, where to find talented volunteers, and successful case studies explaining the "people first" philosophy.
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.thevantagepoint.ca/content/people-lens
- A Plan of One's Own: A woman's guide to philanthropy
by New Ventures in Philanthropy
A 43-page philanthropy guide especially created for women donors, this book discusses the unique reasons why women give, outlines how to create your own charitable giving plan, and gives tips on how to work with advisors.
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.givingforum.org.
- A Room with a Viewpoint
by Fenton Communications
How to create an online press centre
that reporters return to again and again.
Download this guide free in PDF format at www.comnetwork.org.
- Art of Advocacy (The)
A handbook designed to help Canadian nonprofit organizations make the most of their advocacy efforts.
Download this guide free in PDF format at eimsns.ca.
- Attracting and Keeping Youth Volunteers: Creating a Governance Culture that
Nurtures and Values Youth
This guidebook published by Imagine Canada explores the unique characteristics of youth volunteers. In particular, the book identifies how organizations can both recruit and retain youth volunteers in a governance role.
Download this guide free in PDF format at nonprofitscan.imaginecanada.ca.
- Barefoot Guide to Working with Organisations and Social Change
This is a practical, do-it-yourself guide for leaders and facilitators wanting to to help organizations to function and develop in more healthy, humane, and effective ways. Topics include creating relationships, facilitating change, leadership, and organizational understanding.
Download this guide free in PDF format: www.barefootguide.org.
- Basics of Email Marketing for Nonprofits (The)
Using email to start and grow relationships with your constituents is critical for nonprofit organizations. Through best practices and case studies, in this guide you'll learn about list-building tactics, targeting your audience, personalizing the message, privacy, eNewsletters, viral marketing, creative campaign ideas, and tracking your success.
Download this guide free (registration required): my.convio.com/?elqPURLPage=4.
- Better Together: A Shared HR Services Framework for Non-Profit Organizations
Published by the HR Council, this guide provides nonprofit leaders and their boards with background information on the shared HR service concept and outlines the steps and considerations required to collectively hire and benefit from the experience of an HR professional.
Download this guide in PDF format at www.hrcouncil.ca.
- Being the Change We Want: A Conversation about
Vocational Renewal for
Nonprofit Leaders
Written by Patricia Thompson and published by the Metcalfe Foundation.
Written by a Metcalfe Fellow, this paper discusses how vocational renewal is inextricably tied to organizational and civic renewal. It also examines how the sector can strengthen professional vitality, and provides some recommendations on next steps.
Download this guide in PDF format at www.metcalffoundation.com.
- Best Practice Guidelines for Screening Volunteers
Published by Public Safety Canada.
This guide outlines the essential steps for screening persons applying to work as
volunteers. The booklet provides a step-by-step process that covers everything from risk management to performance evaluations.
Download this guide in PDF format at www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
- Big Impact in Small Places: 9 Ways to Write Better Email Subject Lines, Headlines, Tweets, and Facebook Updates
Written by Kivi Leroux Miller and published by Network for Good.
Writing concisely has always been an important skill for nonprofit communicators, but email and social media have made it a necessity. To get your message across, you have to say it well and say it fast. Perfect for small nonprofits and communications departments of one, this eBook will help you stop fighting the character counts and instead use them to inspire better writing.
Download this guide in PDF format at web.networkforgood.org.
(Free registration required)
- Board Member's Companion
A learning aid and reference guide to help nonprofits and their board members operate more efficiently and effectively.
Find this book free at www.bcompanion.com.
- Boards Matter: Board Building Tools for the Busy Social Justice Executive
A 40-page guide discussing the executive director's role in interacting with the board of directors. This book covers such topics as following boards versus leading boards, tips for a successful board/executive director partnership, as well as information on the role of the board chair, how to run dynamic meetings, and how to orient a new board member.
Download this handbook free in PDF form at www.managementassistance.org.
- Boards of Midsize Nonprofits:
Their Needs and Challenges
Published by the Urban Institute, this brief focuses on governance among midsize nonprofits, identifying certain problem areas, and suggesting strategies that those engaged with midsize nonprofits may find helpful in strengthening their boards.
Download this handbook free in PDF form at www.urban.org.
- Canada's Voice in Global Governance: A Civil Society Handbook
Created by Friends of the Earth (Canada), this handbook is a resource for civil society organizations interested in understanding and influencing Canada's role in some of the world's most important global institutions.
Find this handbook free at foecanada.org/intl/handbook.htm.
- Canadian Social Enterprise Guide
Published by Enterprising Non-Profits.
This guide offers comprehensive information to nonprofits thinking of starting a social enterprise. The guide covers such topics as identifiying opportunities and measuring outcomes, as well as highlights legal considerations.
Find this handbook free at www.enterprisingnonprofits.ca.
- Care and Feeding of The Press
A guide for press relations staff, compiled by members of the Internet Press Guild, with an aim to improve the relationships between public relations people and the press.
Find this guide free at www.netpress.org/careandfeeding.html.
- Career Development eManual
Created by the University of Waterloo to answer questions and offer advice,
whether you are searching for your first job or your 21st.
Find this book free at www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/.
- Cases in Nonprofit Governance Series
A series of case studies, made available through Yale University's Program on NonProfit Organizations (PONPO), offering perspectives on the dynamics of nonprofit governing boards. Many other working papers are also available for download from the site.
Find these publications free at ponpo.som.yale.edu/publ.html.
- Celebrating Your Nonprofit's Milestones: 81 Great Ideas for Planning and Celebrating Milestone Events
This ebook offers a wide variety of ideas on how to celebrate special events at your nonprofit.
You can purchase this ebook at www.stevensoninc.com.
- Choosing and Using Free and Open Source Software: A primer for nonprofits
This publication discusses open source software and the impact it can have on the nonprofit sector. It includes case studies as well as a process for evaluating whether open source software is right for your organization. Available in PDF or HTML versions.
Find this publication at http://nosi.net/projects/primer.
- Collaboration on Policy: A Manual developed by the
Community-Government
Collaboration on Policy
This manual, published by the Caledon Institute of Social Policy, examines in detail the concept of collaboration, outlines its benefits and challenges, and how to successfully create a collaborative relationship.
Download this manual for free in PDF format at: www.usask.ca.
- Communications Toolkit - a guide to navigating communications for the nonprofit world
Created by Cause Communication to help nonprofit newbies, veterans, and anyone in between find the resources they need to wage more effective communications campaigns.
Request a free copy of this guide at: www.causecommunications.org/CC/CC_news06_1.html.
- Community Development Handbook
Created by Human Resources Development Canada to support the understanding
and effective application of community development.
Find this book free at www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/sid/cia/comm_deve/handbook.shtml.
- Community Foundations Strategic Alliances: Partnering for Impact and Sustainability
Created by Community Foundations of Canada, this discussion paper outlines recent collaborations and efforts to support them and delves more deeply into the key elements for successful partnerships.
Download this paper in PDF format: www.cfc-fcc.ca.
- Community Visioning and Strategic Planning Handbook
A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the community visioning process, including how to assemble champions, broaden the stakeholder group, convene town meetings and other outreach events, assess the civic infrastructure, work with the media, and implement recommendations.
Download this book in PDF format: www.communitybuilders.ro.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: An Implementation Guide for Canadian Business
Created by Industry Canada as a primer on corporate social responsibility, it contains information on how to assess the effects of business activities on others, develop and implement a CSR strategy and commitments, and measure, evaluate and report on performance and engage with stakeholders.
Find this book free at strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incsr-rse.nsf/en/rs00126e.html.
- The Dance: Seeking, Administering and Accounting for Funds in the Voluntary Sector
Written by Anne Smith (Muttart Fellow - 2001). The study examines how funding policies and practices impact the organizational development, operations and sustainability of nonprofit organizations.
Download it free in PDF format: http://www.muttart.org/download/fellowships/Smith.pdf.
- Development
Communication
Sourcebook:
Broadening the Boundaries
of Communication
Written by Paolo Mefalopulos and published by The World Bank. The sourcebook aims to provide a clear understanding
of the field of development communication and its more recent trends.
Find this guide free at: www-wds.worldbank.org.
- Disaster Planning, Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity
Outlines the points a nonprofit organization needs to think about in order to prepare its own disaster recovery plan so that, should an interruption occur, it is able to resume operations.
Find this guide free at: www.npccny.org/info/disaster_plan.htm.
- Do You Need a New Donor Management System?
Published by TechSoup Global and Idealware.
This workbook provides a step-by-step decision-making process so readers can better consider whether their organization requires new donor management software.
Find this guide free at: www.techsoup.org.
- The Effective Exit: Managing the End of a Funding Relationship
This guide demonstrates ways to plan for exits upfront, clarify expectations with grantee organizations, and overcome the tensions that so often arise. Learn how to use the end of a funding relationship to boost a grantee’s capacity, find new sources of support, and even multiply the value of the foundation’s investment.
Download this guide free in PDF format at: www.grantcraft.org.
- E-Mail Marketing Best Practices Guide
A collection of articles and tips about e-mail marketing, including information on building and managing lists, design and copywriting, privacy issues, evaluation and benchmarking, and more.
Download this guide free in PDF format at: www.emaillabs.com/pdf/BestPracticesArticles.pdf.
- Engaging Seldom or Never Screened Women in Cancer Screening: A Compendium of Pan-Canadian Best and Promising Practices
Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada
Download this book for free at www.srchc.com/engagingwomenincancerscreening.
- Enhancing Organizational Performance:
A Toolbox for Self-assessment
by Charles Lusthaus, Marie-Hélène Adrien, Gary Anderson, and
Fred Carden
Find this book free at web.idrc.ca/ev.php?URL_ID=28189&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC.
- Enhancing Volunteer Participation with the Ethno-Cultural Community
by Hadassah Ksienski, The Muttart Foundation, © 2004
Provides information on barriers, challenges and opportunities that people from different ethnic communities perceive in volunteering.
Download this study free at www.muttart.org/download/fellowships/Ksienski.pdf. (PDF format)
- Equity, Inclusion, and Respect: A staff guide to ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities
Published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
This guide provides clear, easy-to-understand information and tips with the purpose of helping staff in nonprofit offices create a more accessible environment. The guide helps readers to understand various types of disabilities and how to meet their individual accessibility needs.
Download this guide free at www.camh.net. (PDF format)
- Executive Transitions Guide
A 24-page guide that shows grantmakers how they can support exiting and incoming nonprofit CEOs and nurture the next generation of leaders.
Download this guide free at: www.grantcraft.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageID=850.
Face to Face: How to get Bigger Donations from Very Generous People
by Ken Wyman (1993)
Download this book free from http://www.nald.ca/fulltext/heritage/compartne/pdfdocs/Fac2fac2.PDF.
(PDF format)
- Facilitated Discussions: A Volunteer Management Workbook
This workbook was developed by Volunteer Canada as a tool to assist organizations in collecting stakeholder information and comments in a practical way. By following the steps in this workbook, voluntary organization staff and/or volunteers can systematically capture stakeholder comments and data, and develop strategies for integrating this information into program design and delivery.
Download this workbook free from volunteer.ca/files/FacDisManEng.pdf.
(PDF format)
- Financial Responsibilities of Not-for-Profit Boards
Published by the Muttart Foundation and the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit Board Development Program. This self-guided workbook provides an overview of board roles and responsibilities, basic accounting principles, budgets, and financial management.
Download this workbook free from www.culture.alberta.ca.
(PDF format)
- The First 100 Days of Your New Nonprofit Marketing Job
Published by the Nonprofit Marketing Guide, this free e-book is a list of 100 tasks that you should try to complete within 100 days of starting your new job. The first half emphasizes learning about your new organization, the environment you are working in, and the people you’ll need to reach. The second half is heavier on planning and tactics. Requires free registration.
Free from www.nonprofitmarketingguide.com.
- The First Principle of Voluntary Action
The Baring Foundation
This collection of essays explores the independence of the voluntary sector
from government in Canada, England, Germany,
Northern Ireland, Scotland, United States of America,
and Wales.
Download this book free in PDF format from http://www.baringfoundation.org.uk/FirstPrincipleofVA.pdf.
(PDF format)
- Fundraising for Grassroots Groups: Fundraising Ideas That Work
by Ken Wyman
Download this book free from http://www.nald.ca/FULLTEXT/heritage/ComPartnE/pdfdocs/Fr4grass.pdf.
(PDF format)
Canadian groups can have one free printed copy (in English only) of this
book for a $5 shipping and handling fee. Payment must be in advance, by
Visa, MasterCard or cheque. So while they are still available, if you want
the free printed copy send Ken Wyman an email message WITH your shipping
address. kenwyman@compuserve.com
- Fundraising Guide for NGOs
by Jane Bradshaw
This guide aims to define the three types of fundraising: direct mail, fundraising from trusts and fundraising from companies. It is a comprehensive resource for staff of all NGOs, community groups, and other organizations who want to improve their capacity to raise funds from a variety of sources.
Download this guide in PDF format at: catalogue.vsoint.org/datastore/Docs/Misc/fundraising_guide_NGO.pdf.
- Fundraising Powerkit
Although published by ADRA Canada for their supporters, this guide outlines a large variety of fundraising ideas suitable for most organizations. Ideas include events that can be done at the office, in schools, or as 3rd party events.
Download this guide in PDF format at: www.adrauk.org.
- Garden Patch - An Organic Approach to Planning for the Voluntary Sector (The)
by Anne E. Campbell
This book looks at creating a civil society, organizations as living systems, essential elements of planning, and the methodology for scenario and strategic planning.
Download this book free in PDF format: www.muttart.org/download/Campbell.pdf.
- Getting Paid What You're Worth
by Dan Stapleton, CAE
This guide, published by the Canadian Society of Association Executives, shows chief staff officers of not-for-profit organizations how to negotiate a competitive compensation package.
Download this guide free in PDF format: www.csae.com/public/PublicUploads/224380compensation_ELECTRONIC.pdf.
- Glossary: A quick reference
for consultation
and dialogue
This short guide provides a number of definitions for common terms relating to social change in an easy-to-read, question and answer format. Such topics as dialogue, email lists, focus groups, and content management system are all explained.
Download this book free in PDF format: www.iap2.org.
- Grants to Individuals - Investing in People and Their Communities
by Paul VanDeCarr
This 36-page guide outlines the benefits to grantmaking organizations of setting up a grants-to-individuals program, and also highlights several examples of successful programs.
Download this book free in PDF format: www.grantcraft.org.
- Grassroots Governance:
Governance and the
Non-Profit Sector
Published by the Certified General Accountants of Ontario
This free booklet aims to help volunteers better understand their role in good governance, guide organizations in their desire to balance transparency and
accountability, and provide guidance to grassroots organizations as they grow and mature.
Download this guide free in PDF format: www.cga-ontario.org/assets/file/publication_grassroots_governance.pdf.
- Good practices in participatory mapping
Prepared for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
This 59-page guide discusses how participatory maps can provide a visual representation of what a community perceives as its place and the significant features within it. Participatory maps can also take on an advocacy role, helping communities to preserve green space and historic landmarks.
Download this guide free in PDF format: www.ifad.org.
- Guide to Effective Participation
by David Wilcox
A guide for community activists and professionals seeking to get other people
involved in social, economic, and environmental projects and programs.
Download this guide free at www.partnerships.org.uk/guide/index.htm.
- Guide to Managing ICT in the Voluntary and Community Sector
by Mark Walker
A 106-page guide that covers all aspects of managing information and communications technology.
Download this guide free at http://www.icthub.org.uk/publications/managing_ict_guide.pdf. (PDF format)
- Guide to Special Events Fundraising
by Ken Wyman
Download this book free from http://www.nald.ca/fulltext/heritage/compartne/pdfdocs/SpecEv.PDF.
(PDF format)
- Handbook of NGO Governance (A)
Published by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law
Download this book free from http://www.icnl.org/knowledge/pubs/Governance_Handbook.pdf.
(PDF format)
- Hit the ground running: The president's first 100 days
By Bob Harris, CAE and Bill Pawlucy, CAE
An easy-to-read, step-by-step guide filled with tips for incoming presidents. Topics include staff and volunteer management, planning, resources, and organizational structure.
Download this book free from www.csae.com/PublicUploads/224380hit_the_ground.pdf.
(PDF format)
- Homer Simpson for Nonprofits:
The Truth about How People Really Think and
What It Means for Promoting Your Cause
Published by Network for Good
The success of your online outreach hinges on your understanding of the inner workings of the human mind. Learn the basics of the new and revolutionary field of behavioral economics and how you can use these principles to craft more effective messages that will win the hearts and minds of your audience.
Download this book free from web.networkforgood.org.
(PDF format, registration is required)
- How to Assign a Monetary Value to Volunteer Contributions
By Laurie Mook and Jack Quarter
Published by the Knowledge Development Centre at the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy
A free, 11 page manual outlining three approaches to estimating volunteer contributions in financial terms.
Download this book free from nonprofitscan.imaginecanada.ca. (PDF format)
- How to Build a Good Small NGO
Edited by Maeve Moynihan
Published by Networklearning
a free, 79 page manual published by Networklearning outlining everything you need to know to run your own NGO, from project planning to managing the money to checking your own motivation.
Download this book free from www.networklearning.org.
- How to Bust the Office Bully: Eight Tactics for Explaining Workplace Abuse to Decision-Makers
By Dr. Sarah J. Tracy, Dr. Jess K. Alberts, and Kendra Dyanne Rivera
Published by the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University
A free, 16 page manual educating employees on how to identify and discuss workplace bullying.
Download this book free from noworkplacebullies.com. (PDF format)
How to Conduct a Meeting
Certified General Accountants of Ontario. Free.
A 28 page guide to organizing and running professional meetings, with tips on how to make meetings successful.
Download this book for free from www.cga-ontario.org. (PDF)
- How to Develop an Effective Fundraising Plan
from the publishers of Non-Profit Nuts and Bolts
Free
4623 Tiffany Woods Circle, Oviedo, FL, 32765 USA; (407) 677-6564; Fax: (407)
677-5645; e-mail lbeach@nutsbolts.com
How to Estimate the Economic Contribution of Volunteer Work
by David Ross, from Voluntary Action, Canadian Identity Directorate, Canadian
Heritage. Free.
Visit: http://www.nald.ca/fulltext/heritage/ComPartnE/estvole.htm.
- How to Estimate the Economic Contribution of Volunteer Work
by David Ross
At cost from Volunteer Ontario (416) 236-0588 or Vantage Point (604)
875-9144.
How to Raise a Lot More Money Now: 50 Great Ideas from 11 Top Experts
Published by Network for Good.
Some of the best minds in the business came up with 50 creative ideas that you can start using today to raise more money for your cause. You'll find great ideas from Jeff Brooks, Jocelyn Harmon, Mark Rovner, Kivi Leroux Miller, Beth Kanter, Allison Fine, Nancy Schwartz, Sarah Durham, Chris Forbes, Alia McKee Scott, and Katya Andresen. Free registration on the site is required to download the ebook.
Visit: web.networkforgood.org/2010-07-ebook-raise-more-money-now/?utm_source=Tips.
How to Run a Successful Car Wash Fundraiser
by Lance Winslow III. Free.
Visit: www.carwashguys.com/fundraisers/LAschools.html.
How to Talk to donors about Planned Gifts
Target Analytics
This 9-page white paper explains how to have successful, and sincere, discussions with your donors about making a planned gift to your organization. The paper offers sample scripts for various scenarios.
Download this paper for free from www.blackbaud.com. (PDF)
HR Management Standards
HR Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector
A 34-page workbook outlining basic HR management standards, as developed for the nonprofit sector by the HR Council. The standards are intended to assist non-profit organizations in developing effective HR management
policies and practices.
Download this workbookbook for free from hrcouncil.ca. (PDF)
Increasing public scrutiny of not-for-profit organizations: Questions for directors to ask
By Rob Devitt. Published by the Chartered Accountants of Canada.
This brief, easy-to-read publication addresses issues such as the need for a robust policy framework, ensuring that policies are applied, and responding to requests for information from members, media, or the general public.
Download this workbookbook for free from www.rogb.ca. (PDF)
Internet Advocacy Book
By Michael Organ. Free.
Find it online at: issuemarketing.com.
Introducing Funding and Finance: For voluntary and community organizations
Deborah Turton, Editor. Free.
A 50-page guide providing a snap-shot of sector funding and basic exercises to guide organizations through the topics covered. It is an ideal primer for very small and new organizations, or for those new to the concept of sustainable funding and the wider funding environment.
Download in PDF format at: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk.
Investing in Change:
Mission Based Investing for
Foundations, Endowments and NGOs
by Michael Jantzi Research Associates Inc. Free.
This 79-page manual works to provide voluntary sector organizations with basic information on mission-based investing (MBI),
highlight important financial and legal questions, and
provide an action framework for those ready to implement a MBI strategy.
Download in PDF format at: tidescanada.org.
Is it seaworthy? Assessing and funding the capacity of voluntary and community organisations
by Ceri Hutton and Stephanie Sexton. Free.
Download in PDF format at: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk.
Is Your Nonprofit Facebook Page Worth It?
by Shabbir Imber Safdar and Shayna Englin. Free (free registration is required).
This 20-page book explores the ROI on maintaining a nonprofit Facebook page. The authors discuss a case study with the US Fund for UNICEF, then translate the results of the case study into tangible tips for other organizations.
Download in PDF format at: www.fundraising123.org.
Internal Communications: It's Not Rocket Science!
Published by Communications Nova Scotia.
This 64-page guide is designed to help managers communicate more effectively with staff. Loaded with easy-to-understand information and tactics and approaches that are easy to implement, the guide also includes tips on using plain language and conducting effective meetings.
Download in PDF format at: www.gov.ns.ca.
Just Another Emporer? The Myths and Realities of Philanthrocapitalism
by Michael Edwards. Free.
Download in PDF format at: www.nonprofitquarterly.org.
Keeping the Record Straight: Introductory Accounting for Not-for-Profit Organizations
Certified General Accountants of Ontario. Free.
A 38-page guide outlining a complete bookkeeping process for a nonprofit organization, including sample forms.
Download in PDF format at: www.cga-ontario.org.
Know Your Audience: A practical guide to media research
by Dennis List. Free.
Visit: www.audiencedialogue.org/kya.html.
- La Relève: Succession in Quebec's Community Sector
La Relève is a combination discussion paper and workbook aimed at raising awareness about succession and workforce demographics in the province’s community sector. While the majority of the statistics found in the document are specific to Quebec, the issues and concepts about succession have broad and universal applications for the sector in provinces and territories outside Quebec.
Download for free in PDF format at: www.hrcouncil.ca.
- Leadership Perspectives: Interviews with leaders of Canada’s charities and nonprofit organizations
by Fataneh Zarinpoush and Michael H. Hall
Published by Imagine Canada, this report summarizes the findings of a research project that asked 32 leaders a series of questions designed to reveal top-of-mind
perspectives on their roles, the impact of their work, and its challenges, now and into the
future.
Downlad for free in PDF format at: nonprofitscan.imaginecanada.ca
- Learning Together: Collaborative Inquiry among Grantmakers and Grantees
Published by GrantCraft
This guide explores an increasingly popular method called "collaborative inquiry." Grantmakers define the practice, consider potential benefits and grapple with common challenges. A mini-case study shows how collaborative inquiry was used to support growth in a new field.
Downlad for free in PDF format at: www.grantcraft.org
- Low-Cost Small-Scale Publishing
by Douglas McKercher
At cost from Volunteer Ontario (416) 236-0588 or Vantage Point (604)
875-9144.
- Legal Risk Management Checklist for Charities
By Terrance S. Carter, B.A., LL.B. and Jacqueline M. Connor, B.A., LL.B. (Carter & Associates)
Download this publication from http://www.carters.ca/pub/checklst/charity.pdf.
(PDF format)
- Legal Risk Management Checklist for Not-for-Profit Organizations
By Terrance S. Carter, B.A., LL.B. and Jacqueline M. Connor, B.A., LL.B. (Carter & Associates)
Download this publication from http://www.carters.ca/pub/checklst/nonprofit.pdf.
(PDF format)
- Lisa Simpson for Nonprofits: What Science Can Teach You About Fundraising, Marketing, and Making Social Change
By Katya Andresen, Alia McKee Scott, and Mark Rovner. Published by Network for Good.
This companion to Homer Simpson for Nonprofits takes scientific frames of thought, including cultural cognition and psychology, and applies them to such basic functions of nonprofit organizations as fundraising, communictions, and advocacy.
Download this publication from http://web.networkforgood.org.
- Lost & Found: A Smart-Practice Guide to Managing Organizational Memory
By Peter Stoyko and Yulin Fang
A 52-page guide to preventing loss of organization information through employee turnover.
Download this publication from www.csps-efpc.gc.ca/Research/publications/pdfs/p137_e.pdf.
(PDF format)
Making of a Nonprofit Merger
Written by John Emmeus Davis, this 48-page guide outlines how to create the right conditions and assess the potential for collaboration, then plan, implement, and evaluate the merger process.
Download this publication in PDF format: nw.org.
Making Measures Work For You: Outcome Measurement
Published by GrantCraft.
This guide looks at tensions that drive the debate about outcomes measurement, as well as common questions about its potential risks and rewards.
Download this publication in PDF format: www.grantcraft.org.
- National Study of Board Governance Practices in the Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector in Canada
By Strategic Leverage Partners in partnership with the Centre for Voluntary Sector Research and Development (CVSRD)
Released in 2006, the study identifies the key issues facing nonprofit boards. It also provides an inventory of proven successful practices that can be shared by organizations across the sector.
Download this publication from http://www.strategicleveragepartners.com/download.html.
- New rules for charities’ fundraising expenses and program spending - questions for directors to ask
By Loris Giusto, CA. Published by the Chartered Accountants of Canada
This six-page document discusses how changes to the Canada Revenue Agency's fundraising guidelines impact the way organizations operate and fundraise, and what this means for directors. The publication includes a number of key questions that directors should ask management and also discuss with other directors.
Download this publication in PDF form at www.rogb.ca/npo/npo-directors-series/director-alerts/item42638.pdf.
New Social Entrepreneurs: The Success, Challenge, and Lessons of Non-Profit Enterprise Creation
A 400-page e-book about nonprofit business development, including perspectives on the practice of nonprofit enterprise and several case studies from the US. Free.
Visit: www.redf.org/publications-nse.htm.
Next Shift: Beyond the Nonprofit Leadership Crisis
In recent years, there has been a rising
sense of alarm in the nonprofit sector about the
future of its leadership. This report discusses new ways to approach these leadership challenges that move away from the current crisis framework seen in many organizational infrastructures.
Download this report free in PDF format: www.aecf.org.
Nonprofit Organizing in 140 Characters or Less
Written by Arielle Holland and Marc Ruben of M+R Strategic Services, this 10-page guidebook provides a quick and easy introduction to how nonprofits can benefit from using Twitter. The writers also provide information for those already using Twitter in a section called "Tactics for Super Tweeters". Free.
Download in PDF format:: www.mrss.com.
Occupation: Change the World
Published by the DreamNow organization.
Raised with volunteer trips abroad, climate change on TV and everything "save the world", today's generation is more aware of the world and doing good than ever before. When it comes to getting jobs, however, they are still trying to figure out one simple thing: how do you make money and change the world?
Download this publication: www.myoccupation.org.
Nonprofit Social Media Decision Guide
Published by Idealware and the New Organizing Institute.
This workbook walks you through a step-by-step process to decide what social media channels make sense for your organization.
Download in PDF format: www.idealware.org.
Online Fundraising Handbook
Published by Groundspring.org to help nonprofits make the most of the web and e-mail to raise more money online. Free.
Download this publication in PDF format: http://www.groundspring.org/techniques/groundspring-handbook.pdf.
Online Fundraising Survival Guide
Published by Network for Good, this free handbook offers 12 strategies for online fundraising in a poor economy. In addition to winning strategies, the guide also outlines common mistakes and pitfalls.
Download this publication in PDF format: www.fundraising123.org.
Organizing Your Corporate Documents: Legal and Ethical Duties of Directors
of Not-for-Profit Organizations
Developed by the Legal Studies Program of the Faculty of Extension,
University of Alberta with funding from The Muttart Foundation. Free.
This workbook is designed to help members of the boards of incorporated not-for-profit
organizations in Alberta understand the legal world in which they operate.
Download this publication in PDF format: www.muttart.org.
Partnerships: Profits and Not-for-profits Together
By Martha Parker. Free.
Download this publication in PDF format: www.muttart.org/sites/default/files/Parker_M_Parthership.pdf.
Perspectives on Fundraising: What Charities Report to the Canada Revenue Agency
By Steven M. Ayer, Michael H. Hall, and Lindsey Vodarek; Commissioned by the Muttart Foundation.
This report evaluates the quality of information that charities are required to file annually with
the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the picture that it provides about fundraising activities,
the reliance of charities on fundraising revenues, and the costs of fundraising.
Download this publication in PDF format: www.muttart.org.
PR 2.0 Essentials
Published by public relations firm Shift Communications, this guide explores different ways to use the web for public relations. Written for PR specialists, PR 2.0 Essentials would be just as helpful to nontechies in nonprofits who want to learn how to interact with external audiences through social bookmarking, RSS, blogs, podcasts, and more. Free.
Download this publication in PDF format: http://www.shiftcomm.com/downloads/pr2essentials.pdf.
Preventing Fraud: From Fiduciary Duty to Practical Strategies
Published by the New Hampshire Bar Journal. Free.
This article helps nonprofits to identify the possibilities for fraud within their organization and understand the steps they need to take to prevent it. The article emphasizes the need for boards of directors to take the lead in crafting policies and procedures that minimize the opportunity for fraud.
Visit: doj.nh.gov/publications/documents/preventing_fraud.pdf.
Primer for Directors of Not-for-Profit Corporations
Edited by Peter Broder. Free.
Visit: strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incilp-pdci.nsf/vwGeneratedInterE/h_cl00688e.html.
Principles of International Charity
Developed by the Treasury Guidelines Working Group of Charitable Sector Organizations
and Advisors. Free.
Download this publication in PDF format: www.usig.org/PDFs/Principles_Final.pdf.
Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence
Developed by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) Free.
The guide provides an outline of best practices in all areas of nonprofit management, including fundraising, governance, community involvement, and strategic planning.
Download this publication in PDF format: www.mncn.org/info/principles_and_practices.pdf.
Real-time evaluations
of humanitarian action
By John Cosgrave, Ben Ramalingam, and Tony Beck.
This comprehensive guide is intended to help both evaluation managers and team
leaders in commissioning, overseeing, and conducting real-time evaluations
(RTEs) of humanitarian operational responses. Drawing on a synthesis of
existing good practices, it is intended as a flexible resource that can be
adapted to a variety of contexts.
Download this publication in PDF format: www.alnap.org.
Real Sustainability for Virtual Projects: A guide to self-financing for nonprofit websites
By Joanna Messing, Nicole Etchart, Nonprofit Enterprise and Self-sustainability Team (NESsT). Free.
Download this publication from: www.politika.lv.
Relationship matters:
Not-for-profit community
organisations and corporate
community investment
Allen Consulting Group Pty Ltd
This publication examines the state of not-for-profit and business partnerships in Australia,
outlines the views of both sectors, and provides detailed discussion with regards to advantages, management concerns, and accounability.
Download this publication from: www.allenconsult.com.au.
Ripples of Difference
Global Volunteer Network
Ripples of Difference is a collection of unique and powerful stories written by volunteers from around the world. From refugee camps in Africa to orphanages in Asia, read about how volunteers are touching the lives of others and making a difference - a ripple of difference.
Download this publication from: www.ripplesofdifference.org. (Free registration is required)
The Road to Retention
By Vinod Rajasekaran. Published by the Public Policy Forum.
Retention is a hot issue among governments and employers across Canada as many struggle to attract and keep young workers. This report explores this challenge and provides employers with ten recommendations to help them attract and retain youth.
Download for free in PDF format: www.ppforum.ca/sites/default/files/The_Road_to_Retention_EN_web.pdf.
Rural Development Handbook: A Guide to Personal, Organization and
Community Development
Created by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Free.
Visit: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/h-bk-pt1.html#part1.
The Seven Challenges Workbook: A Guide to Cooperative Communication Skills for Success at Home and at Work
Written by Dennis Rivers, MA, this workbook is a structured, intensive exploration of seven essential communication skills for
a lifetime of better cooperation in work, family, friendship & community settings. Lessons include improving listening skills, translating criticisms and complaints into requests, and asking more creative and open-ended questions. Free.
Download this publication at: newconversations.net/communication_skills_workbook_summary_and_toc.htm.
Social Enterprise Sourcebook
Written by Jerr Boschee, the Sourcebook contains in-depth interviews with nonprofit executives who have successfully started business ventures (including candid descriptions of their failures along the way). Free.
Download this publication at: www.northlandinst.org/sourcebook.cfm.
Standards for Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector
Published by the Standards for Excellence Institute, this booklet describes how nonprofits should act to be ethical and accountable in their operations, governance, human resources, financial management, and fundraising.
It includes eight guiding principles, coupled with 55 individual standards.
Download this publication at: www.wvhub.org. (PDF)
Starting a Nonprofit Organization
Published by BoardSource, this 28-page guide identifies many of the important questions that founding boards should ask when establishing a new nonprofit. Free.
Download this publication at: www.boardsource.org/dl.asp?document_id=17.
Storytelling for Nonprofits: How to Craft Stories that Inspire Donors
This ebook shows how telling a good story can help you double your donations, the top 4 reasons why fundraising campaigns fail, and the top 7 ways to craft compelling stories that make donors feel an emotional attachment with your organization.
Publication is free with registraton on the site: www.freshfundraising.ca.
Ten campaigning tips for lobbying MPs
Written by Karina Flatt, published by nfpSynergy.
This UK guide provides excellent advice for organizations undertaking a lobbying campaign. Tips include being specific, timing, persistence, and direct contact.
Download this guide at: www.nfpsynergy.net. (PDF)
Ten Deadly Fundraising Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Written by Sandy Rees, CFRE
This special report, written specifically for small nonprofit organizations, gives you ideas to get more support from your executive director and board of directors, allocate more resources to development, get more help in fundraising. Free.
Download this e-book at: www.deadlyfundraisingmistakes.com.
Ten Dimensions that
Shape Your Board
Written by Kim Sundet Vanderwall and Ellen Benavides
This workbook is designed to help you and your board understand the cultural and developmental
context of your organization, recognize strengths and challenges related to how you work together, and
consider alternative strategies that build on your
strengths and guard against your challenges. Free.
Download for free at: mapnp.nonprofitoffice.com. (PDF)
Tool for Assessing Startup Nonprofits: A due diligence supplement for grantmakers
Designed for use by funders assessing a grant application from a startup nonprofit. The publication includes suggested interview questions and worksheets to supplement funders' regular due diligence of startup organizations. Free.
Download this publication in PDF format from: www.lapiana.org.
Top Receipting Mistakes of Canadian Registered Charities and How to Avoid Them
Written by Mark Blumberg and published by the Charity Law Information Program.
This short guide outlines the 16 most common mistakes that charities make when issuing tax receipts to donors. It also includes a short section on how to maintain good receipting practices.
Download this publication in PDF format from: www.capacitybuilders.ca.
Turn Your Organisation into a Volunteer Magnet
Edited by Andy Fryar, Rob Jackson and Fraser Dyer. Free.
Download this publication in PDF format from: www.ozvpm.com.
Treading the boards: A self-assessment framework for board performance
Published by the Housing Corporation. Free.
This guide helps nonprofit boards to assess their own performance and value to their organization. It shows organizations how to prove value of their board based on the organization’s performance - the outcomes - and
assesses these in comparison with received good practice
and softer data about the quality of relationships and team
performance.
Download this publication in PDF format from: www.housingcorp.gov.uk.
Upgrade Your Website's Usability, Enhance Your Bottom Line
By Kent Wakely. Your brand is not your logo or your colour scheme. Ultimately, it’s about experiences - the experiences people have as members, donors and as participants at your events. Learn ways to create online experiences that can benefit your organization in this free guide.
For more information, visit: www.fruitioninteractive.com.
Virtual
Volunteering Guidebook
a free 138-page electronic publication to help you create and run a virtual
volunteer program.
Volunteer Legal Handbook
By James D. DeWitt. Free.
Find this book at: www.iciclesoftware.com/vlh7/.
Wealth and Well-Being / Ownership and Opportunity: New Directions in
Social Policy for Canada
Edited by Jennifer Robson and Peter Nares
This book, which is published by Social and Enterprise Development
Innovations (SEDI), includes essays and arguments by some leading
public policy thinkers exploring asset-based social policy. Free.
Download this publication at: www.sedi.org. (PDF)
What If? The Art of Scenario Thinking for Nonprofits
By Diana Scearce, Katherine Fulton,
and the Global Business Network community. Free.
Find this publication at: www.gbn.com/ArticleDisplayServlet.srv?aid=32655.
Why Bad Ads Happen to Good Causes
Published by Cause Communications.
Created to give nonprofits and foundations the tools they need to create the best possible print ads.
Find this publication at: www.hersheycause.com.
Women on Boards: A Guide to Getting Involved
Published by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity and 2010 Legacies Now. Free.
Find this publication at: www.caaws.ca/e/leadership/boards/documents/WomenOnBoard.pdf. (PDF)
Working with Government: A Guide for Grantmakers
This guide includes case studies, suggestions for finding changemakers in government, and advice on navigating roles and power dynamics. Government partners chime in with ideas for keeping things running smoothly.
Download this publication in PDF here: www.grantcraft.org. (Requires free registration)
Your Project and its Outcomes
By Sally Cupitt with Jean Ellis. Free.
Find this publication at: www.ces-vol.org.uk/index.cfm?format=146.
