Nonprofit Management All-in-One For Dummies

Introduction

It may sound corny, but we feel a certain sense of mission when it comes to nonprofits. We’ve started them, directed them, raised funds for them, consulted for them, volunteered for them, given money to them, and written about them. We’ve worked with nonprofits in one way or another for more years than we care to remember.

Why have we continued to work for nonprofit organizations? Yes, we care about others and want to see the world become a better place — our values are important to us. But, to be honest, that’s not the only reason we’ve worked for nonprofit organizations for so many years. We believe the reason is that we can’t think of anything more interesting or more challenging to do.

Starting a new program is exciting. Securing your first grant is thrilling. Working with the multifaceted personalities that come together on a board of directors is fascinating. Learning a new skill because no one else is there to do it (even bookkeeping!) is fun. Seeing the faces of satisfied clients, walking along a restored lakeshore, hearing the applause of audiences — all are gratifying.

That’s why we do it.

About This Book

This book is a generous conglomeration of material from a number of For Dummies books, carefully selected to cover the gamut of nonprofit management — everything you need to know to start and manage a charitable organization, from applying for your tax exemption to raising money to pay for your programs to handling the accounting to feeling comfortable ...