N E W S L E T T E R S

Volume 3, Issue 4 - Fall 2001

 

In This Issue:

Announcing a New Book on Board Development

Grant Writing De-Mystified

More Great Internet Resources for Nonprofits

Inventory Reduction Sale on Fast Fundraising Facts for Fame and Fortune

On-Line Order Form

My Mission

What People Say About Jean Block


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"I love your newsletter! It's refreshing, fun 
and filled with helpful hints"
Toni Paglia,
Director of Development, The ARC
Syracuse, New York

Announcing a New Book on Board Development

Much has been written about board development for nonprofits, so why do I think we need another book on the topic?

Because much of what I have read is dry, long-winded, full of theory and light on practical applications. After more than 40 years in the nonprofit sector, I believe that I have gained invaluable insights on what works—and what doesn’t—and I want to share it with as many of you as possible.

Announcing my new book, THE ABCs OF BUILDING BETTER BOARDS, ready in October of this year.

This book is filled with practical, useful, real-life examples. Learn how to prepare for Board volunteers, how to identify what types of Board members you need to advance your agency’s mission, where to find them, how to recruit them, how and when to train them, keys to effective Board management, keys to retaining them and ways to recognize them.

You will learn how to deal with unproductive Board members and recognize and manage those with burn out. Find concise descriptions of Board roles and responsibilities...including the all-important fundraising responsibilities.

The book has sample Board job descriptions and annual commitment letters for you to copy and use. Learn how their use will have a dramatic effect on your Board’s performance.

Read chapters on financial and fiduciary responsibilities. Help your Board members understand the line between policy and administration.

Learn how to hold effective meetings to make the most of Board time and talents. See how managing by effective committees will improve your Board’s performance. There is even a chapter on easy parliamentary procedure.

Want to reserve your copy now? Visit my web site at www.jblockinc.com to order your copy today and I’ll send yours the minute it arrives from the printer.

The ABCs of Building Better Boards will sell for only $24.95 plus $4.50 shipping and handling. Volume discounts are available so every member of your Board can have a copy. Call me to discuss special pricing.

And here’s another great deal. To make room for The ABCs, from now until 12/31/01 get Fast Fundraising Facts at 35% off the regular price.

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Grant Writing De-Mystified

I am often asked how to write winning grants, so let me pass along to you some practical thoughts and some links to more information.

There is no real mystery to writing good grants, especially when you use marketing principles as a foundation. Simply research the funder’s priorities and granting guidelines and then match your request to their priorities and follow the funder’s directions! Don’t give the funder more than he asks for but Do give him exactly what he requires. If you can’t, explain why you can’t. Don’t try to squeeze your proposal to fit something that clearly doesn’t fit—the Cinderella’s Slipper Syndrome!

How do you research a funder? The easiest way it to use the Internet. Look at companies in your area or that are likely targets for your proposal. Or pick up the phone and call, asking for giving guidelines and policies. Don’t just send a letter asking a corporation or foundation asking for money without research. Few proposals will hit the mark without this basic research.

Of course, the Grantsmanship Center is the definitive source on grant writing. Visit their site at www.TGCIgrantproposals.com  to browse through more than 600 proposal abstracts to read some excellent examples. There is a wealth of other information at this site. Get the Daily Federal Register online at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/.

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More Great Internet Resources for Nonprofits

Ever wonder how to find the exact requirements for charitable solicitation in your state or another state? Go to www.raffa.com  and click on the particular state to find a listing and referral to the state’s regulatory body for further information.

I recently stumbled upon an interesting resource aimed specifically at nonprofit development officers. It is called My 1-TO-1. It promotes itself at a “comprehensive, interactive and vibrant online community designed exclusively for fund raising professionals. Looked interested when I browsed it. Access this resource via email at mail@my1-to-1.org.

Here’s an other interesting resource. Produced by Target America and CharityChannel, the E-Philanthropy-Review brings articles and issues from a panel of international experts in the nonprofit and voluntary sector to your emailbox at no charge. To subscribe, send a blank email message to E-PHILANTHROPY-REVIEW-SUBSCRIBE-REQUEST@CharityChannel.com.

Thinking about a capital campaign? Visit www.CapitalCampaigns.com  to learn the nuts and bolts , how tos, and what you need to do to prepare for a capital campaign. This is a group I can personally endorse! Bill Krueger knows his stuff and the firm makes a terrific presentation that any Board member can understand.

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Inventory Reduction Sale on Fast Fundraising Facts For Fame & Fortune!

This book puts the FUN into FUNDraising! First published in 1997 and now in its second printing, this book “teaches the basics and helps the seasoned professional remember what works.” I need to make room for my newest book so for a limited time (until 12/31/01) get this great book for only $13.00 plus shipping & handling—a 35% discount off the regular price of $19.95!

Call (505) 899-1520 or Email me at to discuss volume discounts for staff or volunteers.

Order Now So You Don't Forget!

Go to the Order Form to order your copy of
Fast Fundraising Facts For Fame & Fortune ©

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My Mission:

To strengthen the base of support for America's worthwhile nonprofit agencies and organizations, from school PTAs to multi-million dollar national and international agencies.

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What People Say About Jean Block

"I attended [your workshop] and thought it was one of the best I have been to. The day was full of great information that I could actually use!" 
Marlene Lewis, Alton, IL

" Normally I'm not big on fundraising, but what you said made me feel empowered."
Callie Heyl, Greensboro, NC

"If all teachers could be this motivating, we'd all be more productive." 
Libba Skarnulis, Houston, TX

Jean Block Consulting, Inc.
7915 Cliff Road NW
Albuquerque NM 87120

(505) 899-1520
Fax (505) 890-5285
Email:

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"I love your newsletter! It's refreshing, fun 
and filled with helpful hints"
Toni Paglia,
Director of Development, The ARC
Syracuse, New York

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