This case focuses on the development of information systems for not-for-profit volunteer-based organizations. Specifically, we discuss an information system project for the Volunteer Center of Racine (VCR). This case targets the analysis and design phase of the project using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) methodology, database modeling, and aspects of project management including scope and risk management. Students must decide how to proceed, including recommending an IT solution, managing risk, managing scope, projecting a schedule, and managing personnel. The rewards and special issues involved with systems for not-for-profit organizations will be revealed. This case can be used in a variety of courses, including systems analysis and design, database management systems, and project management.

Here is a GREAT little book I read: Order From Chaos by Liz Davenport

Is your office a mess? Are your files totally disorganized? Perhaps you are setting up your office for the first time?

This book will definitely help you get organized! Keep it close so you can refer back to it often!

Since it was first published in 1988, Fundraising for Social Change has become one of the most widely used books on fundraising in the United States. Fundraising practitioners and activists rely on it for hands-on, specific, and accessible fundraising techniques, and it has become a required text in dozens of college courses around the country. This fifth edition offers the information that has made the book a classic: proven know-how on asking for money, planning and conducting major gifts campaigns, using direct mail effectively, and much more. The book has been significantly changed to include new technology—e-mail, online giving, and blogs—and contains expanded chapters on capital and endowment campaigns, how to feel comfortable asking for money, how to recruit a team of people to help with fundraising, and how to build meaningful relationships with donors. In addition, this essential resource contains new information on such timely topics as ethics, working across cultural lines, and how to create opportunities for fundraising more systematically and strategically

Fundraisers are often intimidated by the prospect of writing grant proposals. But missing a grant opportunity can mean losing important programs and essential services. For the fundraiser in need of practical skills and guidance, The Grantwriter’s Start-Up Kit shows how to prepare for the process of writing a successful grant proposal.

Nonprofit organizations must employ effective, professional public relations techniques in order to get the recognition, support and dollars they need to fulfill their missions. The Public Relations Handbook for Nonprofits offers you the first comprehensive guide to all the practices organizations need to do well in their efforts to do good. This title examines all the elements, tools and processes involved in an effective nonprofit PR campaign.

Offering a combination of theory and practice, it shows you how to market to your key audiences, both inside and outside of your organization. In addition to helping you understand you target markets and shaping your message for your audience, Feinglass discusses all the key public relations vehicles, including:
news releases, press kits, brochures, newsletters, annual reports, direct mail, advertising, the internet, special events

A final chapter walks you step by step through the process of developing your own comprehensive public relations campaign.

Leveraging Good Will shows how nonprofit organizations can access the extraordinary resources of businesses, and how for-profits can benefit from partnering with nonprofits. Written by Alice Korngold—an expert in matching business professionals with nonprofit organizations—this important resource clearly demonstrates how nonprofits can gain valuable experience, expertise, relationships, and funding that will elevate and advance their organizations while businesses can build stronger relationships with the community and develop the next generation of leaders. Filled with illustrative examples and real-life success stories, Leveraging Good Will is an insider’s guide to what it takes for nonprofits to transform their organizations through partnerships with businesses. Step by step, the book outlines how to create a solid plan based on proven-in-practice techniques.

Any nonprofit that wants to survive beyond the nineties had better be governed by an effective, flexible board of directors. But what role should a nonprofit board play in fulfilling the organization’s mission? How should the board carry out its responsibility to see that funds and other resources are used in the most efficient possible manner? How can the board perform its duties without alienating staff members? What pitfalls can divert a nonprofit board from addressing critical board functions?

Nonprofit Boards: Roles, Responsibilities, and Performance answers these questions and many more. This practical guide is dedicated to helping nonprofit board members, chairpersons, and executive directors develop and manage effective boards, empowered to respond to the special needs of their organizations. Diane J. Duca offers different ways to approach organizing and utilizing a board by presenting different board models. Using case studies and illustrations from real-life situations, she explores every aspect of board management, clarifies the roles of board members and executives, and discusses the board’s legal and ethical obligations.

The Complete Nonprofit Corporation Kit by Mark Warda

If you have ever thought about starting an organization to serve your community, let The Complete Nonprofit Corporation Kit be the first step to making it happen. With over a million active organizations, America has the most advanced system of nonprofits in the world. From local organizations helping clean up neighborhoods to national groups fighting hunger and disease, nonprofit corporations perform vital services to communities and provide jobs for countless people.

Properly setting up your nonprofit corporation is only the first step. The real benefits come from your tax-exempt status and your ability to accept tax-deductible donations. This new edition covers these and formation concerns in detail.

With your talents and skills, plus The Complete Nonprofit Corporation Kit, you are well on your way to making a living and truly making a difference

The guide that helps you help others.

If you want to spend less time worrying about making ends meet and more time focusing on your nonprofit’s mission, this is the book for you! We’ll show you how to stay financially solvent by applying traditional business planning to the unique challenges of a nonprofit.

This practical, easy-to-use guide:

- Provides proven strategies for cash-flow management so your nonprofit doesn’t have to operate hand-to-mouth
- Enhances fundraising efforts and provides the hard numbers and measured outcomes your donors want to see
- Minimizes overhead and maximizes funds for your primary mission

Extensive checklists, forms and work sheets make the business side a breeze so you can improve your organization and fulfill your mission.

Explains how to file for tax exemptions. Identifies nonprofit laws and regulations for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Contains tips for raising money. Addresses necessary start-up procedures. Answers concerns regarding protection of the nonprofit status. Includes types of possible nonprofit organizations. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of a nonprofit corporation.