Reviews (47)

Worst writing I've read in a long time
You decide for yourself what you think about Mortenson.I think the subtitle of the book should be "How One Man Became a Dhimmi."
Put so simply...
No doubt this story seemed like an inspiring one. The question for me was, could the writer do a good job conveying it? The answer is- yes!! There are no words to describe how this story made me feel. I was moved to tears more than once. It's about time that we had something to read or listen to that speaks to the humanity of the majority of Muslims. Until now it seemed like we were given no option but to lump them all into the "fanatic" category. There was no one to speak up for the rest of the population. The story of the poor village women of Pakistan giving eggs to Greg to honor 9/11 widows was heart-wrenching. The speech by a supreme Shia ruler to a local village after 9/11 was equally gut-wrenching. Thank you to Greg Mortenson for shining a light on the region. His work building schools by working WITH tribal people of Afghanistan and Pakistan is incredibly brave. The effort taken to learn the local languages and customs is phenomenal. Thank you David Oliver Relin for bringing the story to us and for providing so much background information to help round out the story! This book helped fill so many holes in my understanding of the region. What the heck are the Taliban? Why can't Islamabad just take control of its northern region? What drives many people to choose death via "jihad" over life? I am inspired to read and understand even more about the fascinating people of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Is America more secure than on 9/11?
Besides being an exciting and courageous mission story, Three Cups of Tea is an effective alternative to Bush's so-called "compassionate conservatism" and "war on terror".
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Subjects:  1. Afghanistan    2. Education    3. Education Of Specific Cultural Groups    4. General    5. Girls' schools    6. History - General History    7. Humanitarian assistance, American    8. Middle East - General    9. Pakistan    10. Philanthropy & Charity    11. Students & Student Life    12. U.S. - Middle East Relations    13. History / Middle East   

Reviews (10)

Inspiring and Enlightening
Melissa Fay Greene's book is a voice for the millions of orphans unable to speak or understand the brutal reality that is their everyday life. Her diligent research and personal observation has given us insight to a devastation so alarming that it seems incomprehensible that humanity hasn't moved beyond the table talk to actively control the "pandemic". The author introduces us to a woman of remarkable courage, service and commitment as she struggles to heal from her personal losses by opening her heart to orphaned children with a renewed spirit and purpose. I am grateful to the author for tackling a social issue of perplexing magnitude with respect, sincerity and fact.

Heartbreaking, powerful & moving
For years, I have thought about adopting a child from Africa, and this book confirmed for me that this is something I will, and need to do in the near future.This book was heartbreaking, heartfelt, and also showed the power of what simple woman with endless love in her heart can do.Haregewoin Teferra is a true angel here on earth - she took in orphans, some of them infected with HIV, in a country where such a disease is stigmatized.She overcame her own personal heartbreak over losing her husband and daughter and transformed that pain into something amazing and beautiful. She is a true inspiration to me.To hear the statistics of poverty and disease in Africa is mind-boggling.It humbles me and makes me want to do more.We should all want to do more.

Fantastic page turner
First, a confession:My family, joined together through adoption, is mentioned in this book.I admit to wanting to like this book, beginning to read with a certain prejudice, wanting the book to be good.Instead I discovered that Melissa Fay Greene's latest book is fantastic, a page turner, a book that I began one night and then continued to read into the wee hours, finding myself unable to put it down.You will laugh, you will cry, you will be amazed and depressed and convicted and yet you will be so glad you read this book.
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Subjects:  1. Addis Ababa    2. Aids (Psychosocial Aspects)    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Children of AIDS patients    5. Children's Studies    6. Diseases - AIDS & HIV    7. Ethiopia    8. Health & Fitness    9. Health/Fitness    10. Humanitarians    11. Orphans    12. Philanthropy & Charity    13. Services For Children    14. Services for    15. Social conditions    16. Women    17. Social Science / General   

Reviews (2)

Highly Recommend this Book!!!
I just received this book in the mail and it is beautiful. If you know a knitter or someone who aspires to learn knitting (although this is not a "how-to" book for those who can't knit), or just want to buy a great inspirational book, I can't recommend this book enough!! It is a beautiful, inspiring book. It has quotes, photos and stories of organizations that knit for others---orphans, refugees, preemies, animal shelter pets, and a host of other highly inspiring organizations. I discovered that knitting for peace and for others is a part of our heritage and pure Americana. I commend the author for this beautiful, inspiring, well-written book. I plan on buying several for holiday gifts. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I would!
so inspiring yet simple
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is full of information and inspiring stories. It also has some great historical anecdotes. In addition, it's gorgeous!!
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Subjects:  1. Charity    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    8. Patterns    9. Philanthropy & Charity    10. Reference    11. Social aspects    12. Crafts & Hobbies / General    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (3)

Very helpful
I loved this book! The Seven Faces of Philanthropy offers a very helpful donor-centered approach to interacting with donors. Who are you asking?
This is a very important read for the not-for-profit person planning to ask for money. It is important to understand the motivations for giving and incorporate that into your "ask". Real Useful Information for Real Non-Profit Professionals
Prince and File really did a number on this book. It contains valuableinformation about how to friend raise, how best to serve friends of yournon-profit, and how to keep them on board with your organization. The bookdescribes seven philanthropic "personalities" and allows thereader to think about his or her own constituents and how they might fit inwith these personalities. A remarkable work, that is insightful yet easy tounderstand and apply. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    4. Philanthropy & Charity    5. Sociology    6. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    7. Charities & voluntary services    8. Finance   

Reviews (6)

Excellent and Proven Expertise in Fundraising
Kim Klein is a nationally known expert in the area of fundraising, and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of fundraising in the book.She presents the information in an easy to understand format, and shares her expertise in a motivational manner.I highly recommend this book, even if you have been in fundraising for a number of years.

A must read for any progressive organization staff member
This is a must read for any staff member of a small not for profit organization. It's a bit freeky how she knows so much about my group, and then cuts to the chase on how to address the problems identified.

Excellent resource
This is the best all-around book I have read on the subject.It explains to you in down to earth language how to handle the many facets of starting or improving your Board. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Finance    4. Fund raising    5. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    6. Nonprofit organizations    7. Philanthropy & Charity    8. Sociology    9. United States    10. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    11. Charities & voluntary services    12. Non-profitmaking organizations   

Reviews (3)

Well-researched and nicely executed
Like many in the Jossey Bass series, Tempel's work is thorough and well-written, covering all important aspects of fundraising. A great introductory guide.

A must read for the fundraising professional!
Whether you've been in the fundraising profession for 10 minutes or 10 years, do yourself a favour and read this book. It will make you proud to be part of the tradition of philanthropy. It will inspire and guide you. You will see yourself and the volunteers and donors you work with in a whole new light. Don't put it in your library. Keep it on your desk. The first time you read it, and you will read it joyfully from cover to cover, keep pen and paper handy. You will find yourself making a list of things you need and want to do. Achieving Excellence in Fundraising is thoughtful and thought-provoking. It is the place where the theory, practice, philosophy and spirituality of a great tradition meet.

Review for the Golden Gate Chapter of AFP Newsletter
On my fundraising shelf stood just two books and a binder: "Designs for Fundraising" by Harold Seymour � 1966; "The Raising of Money" by James Gregory Lord � 1987, and my collected monthly newsletters of tips from Taft. Not a lot to go on, but Seymour's classic helped me enormously, imparting such nuggets as, "At best, with few exceptions, people don't pay close or careful attention to anything."Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Fund Raising And Grants (General)    5. Fund raising    6. Non-Profit Organizations Management    7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    8. Philanthropy & Charity    9. Small Business - Capital Generation    10. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    11. Business & Management   

Reviews (18)

Pragmatic worksheets
If you come in to our nonprofit management support organization and ask for a book on grant proposal writing, there are two we'll pull out right away: Grassroots Grants and Winning Grants Step by Step. We're often asked which to choose. Of all the books we see, these are the two we most often recommend, but they do have different approaches. good, basic overview but don't use alone
I am a consultant, grantwriter, and trainer who specializes in technical assistance and training for HIV/AIDS services.I provide a copy of this workbook to participants in my grantwriting ("Bringing Home the Money!) workshops, because it's a good, basic overview of many of the different parts of the request for funding proposal. Good for foundation grants, not so good for gov't grants
The information contained in this book primarily applies to non-governmental entities soliciting grants from non-profit foundations.Organizations like the NSF, NIH, etc., have fairly strict guidelines and don't permit the "excesses" encouraged in this book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Writing    4. Finance    5. Grants In Specific Fields    6. Non-Profit Organizations Management    7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    8. Nonprofit organizations    9. Philanthropy & Charity    10. Proposal writing for grants    11. Test Prep    12. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    13. Charities & voluntary services    14. Non-profitmaking organizations   

Reviews (3)

Finally - Access to the inside story on CSR!
Having spent the last 2 years researching the CSR arena, it is a miracle to find a collection of such provocative, inspiring and well-told stories of the world's biggest corporations' commitment to the community.Each chapter pulls back the curtain on the real story of CSR in a different Fortune 500 company, focusing not only on the benefit to the community, but importantly, on the benefit to the company as well.I have yet to find a resource as valuable on the subject of CSR. It is a must-read for anyone working in a corporation - big or small.

Truly inspiring! A Must Read!
This book has totally inspired both me and my sister.My sister started her own business last year, and she has been trying to think of an effective way to give back to the community.Until reading Benioff's book, I thought one would have to wait until the company was more financially secure.But, his "one percent model," which states that 1% of time, equity and product can be directed towards philanthropy, is a terrific - and manageable - way for her small shop to become an instrument of change.She is putting this plan into effect ASAP.Not everyone can be Bill Gates, but we can certainly play a part!

Inspiring...
It is inspiring to see that so many CEOs are focused on more than just the bottom line. Many REALLY DO give back to their communities (outside of PR photo opps with a big check!). Doesn't matter if you work at a small boutique or multi-national business, I think this book will give you insight into what works - and what doesn't - when it comes to corporate philanthropy. It's like sitting down to dinner with 20 CEOs and picking their brain. Each chapter is essentially a case study. A quick easy, feel-good read that actually might do this world some good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Ethics    4. Business/Economics    5. Charitable contributions    6. Corporations    7. General    8. Leadership    9. Philanthropy & Charity    10. Business & Economics / General    11. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (5)

Capital Campaign bible...
Kent Dove's book is the bible for how to do capital fund raising.I have been asked as a development officer and consultant to do it other ways, and his is the ONLY way that works.I'm buying the updated book with joy that it has been published.

The Best Guide for Plannind Major Gift Campaigns
In the short time I've had this book, I've used it extensivly to plan a forthcoming $25 million campaign in a college within a university. After 15 years of experience in major gift fund raising, I've finally found the book that includes ALMOST everything we need to launch a very successful effort. I deeply appreciate Mr. Dove's efforts to update his work and provide this useful guide.

Useful but disappointing
Although there is useful information in this book, I found it disappointing compared with the recommendations that I read. Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Finance    4. Fund Raising And Grants (General)    5. Fund raising    6. Management - General    7. Non-Profit Organizations Management    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Philanthropy & Charity    11. Small Business - Capital Generation    12. Social Science    13. United States    14. Budgeting & financial management    15. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    16. Business strategy    17. Charities & voluntary services   

Reviews (2)

A needed tool for anyone thinking about a campaign
Bancel lays out the information an aorganization needs in order to have a successful campaign. Before the case statement, before the quiest phase, even before the vote to have a campaign, Bancel focuses on the people, donors, staff and budget you need. A must-have for fundraisers
Ms. Bancel does an amazing job of leading the novice -- or even the not-so-novice -- fundraiser through a step-by-step process of preparing for that daunting event that every successful non-profit must eventually face: the capital campaign.Few books of this type are as pragmatic, and none have the carefully crafted, detailed "how-to" advice that Ms. Bancel provides... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Finance    5. Fund Raising And Grants (General)    6. Fund raising    7. Non-Profit Organizations Management    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Philanthropy & Charity    11. Small Business - Capital Generation    12. Budgeting & financial management    13. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    14. Charities & voluntary services    15. Non-profitmaking organizations   

Reviews (2)

A fundraising book for the small nonprofit, or one that is not well organized!
This is a great book for the small nonprofit that does not know much about fundraising. If it were for a more established nonprofit, then it would not have referred to major gifts as those starting at $500. I'm used to major gifts starting at $10,000 and going up well into the 6 figures.
Clear and Simple Explanations of What Works
There are a tremendous number of non-profits around. There are also a tremendous number of funding organizations. Your job as the fundraising manager (whatever your exact job title may be) is to put your particular non-profit together with one or more funding organizations to raise the money you need.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Finance    5. Fund Raising And Grants (General)    6. Fund raising    7. Non-Profit Organizations Management    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Philanthropy & Charity    11. Small Business - Capital Generation    12. Taxation    13. United States   

Reviews (1)

A wonderful book for donors who want to be (or are) engaged in philanthropy
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is good, well written, and includes lots of thought. Clearly much time was spent writing it.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Charitable contributions    4. Charities    5. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    6. Nonprofit organizations    7. Philanthropists    8. Philanthropy & Charity    9. Sociology    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    12. Charities & voluntary services   

Reviews (25)

A historical and biographical account of social entrepreneurial heros and heroines
I found it inspiring and at the same time intimidating to contemplate the brilliant, hardworking people who inhabit this book.All of them committed their lives, talents, and fortunes to tackle seemingly endemic and chronic social problems, starting small and eventually spreading their good works throughout their nations and even globally.I recommend the book for anyone trying to improve their communities' health and welfare.

Feel better about the world
The book has several good stories about good things going on in the world.It's mostly a collection of anectodal items on people in different countries and the challenges they faces.I was surprised on how sometimes such common sense ideas become revolutionary movements.Because the book covers so many countries and problem solvers you don't find out about the people that came before that failed.Its clear that these people are building on others but just now how.
A few good people . . .
This account of one man's efforts to revise the defintion of "entrepreneur" demonstrates the capacity of what can be achieved from small beginnings.Bill Drayton has created a "consulting" firm that girdles the world.Creator and promoter of Ashoka, a foundation dedicated to social change, Drayton uses a highly selective arrangement to locate and encourage people desiring social change.Their efforts, rarely, if ever, depicted in either mainstream media or even specialty publications, are here explained and endorsed.As is Drayton's unorthodox methods.Yet those methods, and the people adapting them to local conditions, have been demonstrably successful.They need further study and application.
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Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Entrepreneurship    3. Philanthropy & Charity    4. Social Science    5. Social action    6. Social reformers    7. Social service    8. Social work    9. Sociology    10. Volunteer Work    11. Social Science / Volunteer Work    12. Sociology | Social Movement, Social Change    13. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (1)

Great Book, Slow Delivery
Book new and in perfect condition. Delivery slow, did not meet expectations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Charities    4. Finance    5. Fund Raising And Grants (General)    6. Fund raising    7. Non-Profit Organizations Management    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Philanthropy & Charity    11. Small Business - Capital Generation    12. Social Science    13. Budgeting & financial management    14. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    15. Charities & voluntary services    16. Non-profitmaking organizations    17. Project management   

Reviews (2)

Mega Gifts - Mega Helpful
This book was almost like listening to a professional and highly experienced fund raiser give his unvarnished perspective on the motivations and realities of raising Mega Gifts. A nice peak into the human nature of those fortunate enough to be in a position to make large gifts to worthy and perhaps not so worthy causes. I found the book to be very helpful being new to the field of fund raising, though experienced in dealing with powerful and wealthy people in other professional settings. Not a "How To" book in the strictest sense, but more a what is and what motivates type of book. Worth the read.

Well Researched and Well Written
This book was first published in 1984 and quickly became a classic. Panas calls up the experiences of well-known philanthropists, volunteers, educators, religious leaders, fund-raising experts, and others tounderscore a primary principle of successful fundraising: technique is nosubstitute for a committed heart. Having said that, be sure to check outhis 65 Tenets for Success. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Consumer Behavior - General    4. Endowments    5. General    6. Gifts    7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    8. Philanthropy & Charity    9. Sociology    10. United States   

Reviews (3)

Gives a Strategic View of Every Aspect of Fundraising
I picked up this book just as the board of directors of the local theater group sent me to set up a campaign to raise capital for a new building. All of a sudden I was faced with the idea of raising lots of money instead of just the small amounts we need to put on individual productions.
Great book for an non profit!
This book, is well presented and provides excellent information for any non profit.

This book will transform your work!
Kay Sprinkel Grace is a wonderfully warm person whose personal mission is to help others develop their non-profit organizations to make the world a little better.
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Subjects:  1. Accounting - General    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Finance    6. Fund Raising And Grants (General)    7. Non-Profit Organizations Management    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Philanthropy & Charity    11. Small Business - Capital Generation    12. Business & Economics / Accounting / General    13. Charities & voluntary services    14. Ownership & organization of enterprises   

Reviews (1)

Must Have if considering your own foundation
This book comes with a hefty price - I was hesitant.If you are considering the establishment of your own private foundation, this book is a must.It is fairly heavy with the legaleze, but required whenconsidering the thorough discussions of establishing and maintaining afoundation with respect to the applicable IRS tax code.Each topic isdocumented and sample tax forms are illustrated.Highly recommended -needs to be a little more user friendly for the 5th star. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Charitable uses, trusts, and f    4. Charitable uses, trusts, and foundations    5. Foundations (Endowments)    6. Law and legislation    7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    8. Nonprofit organizations    9. Philanthropy & Charity    10. Reference - Directories    11. Social Science    12. Tax Law    13. Taxation    14. United States    15. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    16. Taxation law    17. USA   

Reviews (1)

A real kick-in-the-church-pew book!
In his Foreword, former President Bill Clinton states: Hunger affects 300 million children and really one billion people worldwide, mostly in Asia and Africa. Women and children suffer the most.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    3. Christianity - Theology - Ethics    4. Faith    5. Hunger    6. Philanthropy & Charity    7. Religion    8. Religion - Contemporary Issues    9. Religion - Socialissues    10. Religious aspects    11. Religious social & pastoral thought & activity   

Editorial Review

The world-famous volunteer organization Habitat for Humanity now offers its best nuts-and-bolts expertise in an easy-to-follow home construction handbook. Whether the reader contemplates building his or her own house or plans on volunteering to build for others, Read more

Reviews (10)

A Complete Novice's Perspective
I am a complete novice and therefore I have looked at many books. Three things stood out about this book that I did not see anywhere else:
Great Book
I have bought and reviewed many books on building your own home. This is so far my favorite! It doesn't go into plumbing, wiring or even evacuation of the land, but what it does cover is clear and concise and I gained a ton of understanding reading this book. I basically knew nothing when I began and have never done any building...this book is a must have addition to your library if you are considering building your own home, not only that it is well illustrated, fun and easy to read.

excellent book
this is so far the best house building book . It went into the details of house construction, one thing though is Habitat is a charitable organization therefore it does not go into too much business management stuff about O-B. and as most experienced O-B knows, the success or failure of a project is not the technical details but rather it is the budget and time control and management stuff. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Construction - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Habitat for Humanity, inc    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. House construction    9. Philanthropy & Charity    10. Building construction & materials    11. House & Home / Design & Construction    12. Housing & property for the individual