Product Description
Giving That Gets Things Done
“All outstanding philanthropic successes have one thing in common: They started with a smart strategic plan,” say authors Paul Brest, president of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Hal Harvey, president of ClimateWorks.
Money Well Spent explains how to create and implement a strategy that ensures meaningful results. Components of a smart strategy include:
–Achieving great clarity about one’s philanthropic goals
–Specifying indicators of success before beginning a project
–Designing and implementing a plan commensurate with available resources
–Evidence based understanding of the world in which the plan will operate
–Paying careful attention to milestones to determine if you are on the path to success or if midcourse corrections are necessary
Drawing on examples from over 100 foundations and non-profits, Money Well Spent gives readers the framework they need to design a smart strategy. This is a book for everyone who wants to get the most from a philanthropic dollar: donors, foundations, and non-profits.
- Details
- ISBN13: 9781576603123
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Money Well Spent: A Strategic Plan for Smart Philanthropy
Brest and Harvey has written an excellent critique of the cross-currents in many philanthropic activities. Practical, conceptual, bristling with advantages and disadvantages that reveal the complexity in a profound way – all with the spirit of welcome and the size of the jargon. Essential reading for anyone in the game of “giving” a lot of volunteer work or participation of donors. Rating: 5 / 5
not for profit sector is an economy of billions of U.S. dollars but funding decisions are often taken in the dark. Committed many errors. Investments that at first seemed inspired not produce positive and measurable. Paul Brest and Hal Harvey aim to change all that. His “strategic philanthropy” aligns the objectives of the process, strategy and execution, and includes responsibility and action. His book is full of relevant real-world examples that can make their points. While the guide is theoretical and abstract in some areas, getAbstract recommends that the directors of the Foundation and programs that are tired of spending money for their organizations. Rating: 5 / 5
I ran an important basis for 18 years. I ran a nonprofit for the last 8 years. I wish I had this book when I started Brest and Harvey. . . or at any time. He is the best guide to philanthropy than ever lu.La the main reason for its usefulness is that it is the neutral object. You can run a foundation focusing on major brain research or a small nonprofit to deliver meals on wheels – or a profitable undertaking for this question. Why? Because the authors seek a holistic approach where the emphasis is on knowledge of what you think, what you do and how you do. You can keep your passion. You can keep your theories of the universe. What we can not do – and this book tells why – is to ignore the strategies that lead to greater clarity, smart decisions and a greater likelihood that these elections will take place. And the strategy includes the construction of feedback loops, so that you can change direction halfway. (Full details: I have read and commented on the draft of this book.) The book is divided into three parts: the first is a framework for strategic philanthropy, the second contains the tools of the trade talks of others on how to structure the organization and use their dollars (or euros or any other currency for that matter). For my money, the first part is the best. For example, early in the book, which introduces three central themes that are the basis for the decisions you make philanthropy. First, “The problem that affects the quality of life, or endanger life itself? Secondly,” How long persists evil? “Finally,” How big is the problem? ” Then they organize the three questions on the form of a cube in three dimensions that illustrate the consequences of place-based philanthropy in the axis that decides to read his argent.Mais. You will see the value and difficulties in defining its objectives , mission and, perhaps most importantly, the “theory of change.” This latter term is in vogue today, but everything is a theory of causation – if you do (a) and (b) is to happen. If you believe that giving everyone in your city for $ 1,000. 00 to cure poverty, is likely to have an erroneous theory of change. If you think a great novel will lead to more great novels, it is undoubtedly imperfect, too. Connect your theory of change in a strategic plan (or, in common parlance, its “logic model”) to determine the risks of choosing one strategy or another and you’re on your way. And in the end will have a framework knowledge (through the “Settings” develop) if and how successful efforts degré.Vers the end of the book tour is a bit wobbly and lift a little as it is increasingly detailed and focused on philanthropy strategic. Whatever. What – a rich private individual, a program officer of a foundation, a CEO of an organization requesting a grant, a philanthropy consultant, board member – to obtain a roadmap that guides the user how to use their money wisely and well. Finally, there must be a genius to “get” it. So smart enough to put down a small sum of money (low risk) for a large practical approach to philanthropy and doing (high efficiency). – Edward Skloot (Duke University, Durham, North Carolina) Rating: 5 / 5
The book gives a clear picture of how the authors conduct public subsidies, something that I think is relatively rare in the area, I would like to see more people in this area, on their approach and their positions on key debates (which summarized below), as Brest and Harvey ont.Je recommend this book to donors interested in a summary of good practices of subsidies in general. Note that the general approach (subsidization policy in the abstract) and not on specific topics (for example, that are the most promising programs.) Concise and arguments supported by examples show the principles, including: “The importance of having a clear theory of change (ie when a particular program by the chain of causation necessary to achieve the desired results, and what evidence there is that each link in the chain functions as a hypothesis) .- The case of the provision of operational support in general (Brest and Harvey admit there are times of limited resources, but in general I feel that more donations must be free) .- The importance (and meaning) of a rigoureuse evaluation. Why is the “charity” can be as good use of the funds as “philanthropy” .- The case of quantifying the “cost” of different approaches (although I disagree with the authors focus on “social return on investment” measured in dollars, precisely) .- Most importantly, a way to “consider how failure can contribute to the knowledge base” and publish the public impact studies, including failed projects. (A good example of these studies are scattered throughout the book.) Are also discussed many other topics of interest to large donors, which are less important to me because of my professional interest. I am co-founder of GiveWell (www. GiveWell. Net), an independent evaluator of charity which aims to help donors with their individual decisions donnant.Holden Karnofskywww. GiveWell. net Rating: 4 / 5
I received my money well spent specimen, the new book on strategic philanthropy by Paul Brest and Hal Harvey, back in August. I sat down and read the book, but waited to write this review to align the timing of public availability of the book. Since there was a “slight” change in our financial structures since August, I’m glad I did not. Harvey and Brest can not rewrite the book before it hits the shelves to reflect the changing economic fortunes of the United States or the new landscape of investment banking, Wall Street and mortgage lenders (not to mention taxpayers and Homeowners without a mortgage). We can not (this issue) the book to consider the implications of these changes led crisis in the financial sector and regulatory systems in the industry I can philanthropique.Mais. I take the opportunity of this review of the book to remind us that the gift is a business capital finance and the vagaries of regulation. I have always maintained that philanthropy is a regulated industry. Three forces determine the contours of philanthropy as we know – the markets are the first structures and the regulation of personal taxes and tax exemptions are the second institutional. The third concern for others is the only one of these forces resulting in humanity, and it is beyond human institutions and systèmes.Permet to proceed. This book is a landmark in the commercialization of philanthropy. It is, in his own words: “… The intention of the philanthropists of the best books on business strategy for entrepreneurs and executives ago: Readers of providing the necessary concepts to develop a strategy to achieve its objectives – in this case, charitable goals. “(Preface, p. XI examination paper) Why ask? Because of this “manual” could not have been published on 10, maybe even make 5 years. Why? At least three reasons: first, there was insufficient material, the discussion was not enough, not enough current development of technology and strategic thinking. Although the Foundation’s philanthropy – including the two most famous authors of the many forms of philanthropy – has been around for almost 100 years, there was, until recently, the commitment of an industry, implementation of the strategy, a term challenges the status quo, or a considerable amount of players, thinkers, vehicles of the institutions and experience in the philanthropic act of informing a book as ci.Deuxièmement and perhaps most importantly, there was no visible demand. The market for people who could be philanthropic, and that could become strategic philanthropists, and counselors who want to sell to this market, and financial companies wishing to manage the assets of these people – they were too fragmented, also under radar, and very quiet. Only in the boom of the last six or seven years are a critical number of each evolved to the point where there was an identifiable group, accessible.Enfin target market, the book is published by Bloomberg, which is an example of the changes that have produced in the market and future philanthropy. This press a financial success, this first guide for the mass market is saying – to their readers care about these things, they see philanthropy as a core business competence and the business press has said servir.Cela intention, what about the content of the book? The authors divide the work into three sections – Marco, tools and organization of their resources. The first two are of interest to all target audiences – is best for individual donors and their financial and legal advisors. Foundation staff work (a small group, about 18,000 or so nationwide, including two of the authors) may be less interested in logical sections section.La third important – Brest and Harvey go very far from ideology, strategy, or the non-issue. His frame of mind, its recommendations on strategy development, program approach, asset allocation, valuation, structure, and so are strongly issue-agnostic. No matter, say the authors, if you are interested in the arts or health, if you are pro-life or pro-choice, if you want your philanthropic support to micro finance in Zimbabwe and studied Zen in Michigan – the advice are much pertinents.Et offer is. In particular, the use is the framework that the author provide to help locate a donor objectives. Present a framework for thinking about the scale of philanthropic objectives which I think is really important. This scale has three dimensions to consider: * The problem of quality of life or is a threat to life itself? * How long the disease persists? * What is the scope of the problem? (Pp 22-28 review copy) are three routes stop without allowing the customer to articulate their objectives and avoid the “zero sum” for “children or immigrants, or the arts AIDS.” This is valuable, effectively “de-escalation” off “to the values that often paralyze gens.A of this analysis in three dimensions, Brest and Harvey have readers through carefully selected and well-documented stories that illustrate a real life choice to define a problem, develop a funding strategy and to assess the help provided. Provide accessible and relevant discussions, technical, such as grants liability costs, awards, and reimbursement rates to help donors make better decisions about their philanthropy. In other words, the advice in this book will help people make more tips intelligemment.Aussi, I was still two ironies that I think “I finished my reading. The irony is that the former rather than the book succeeds where I also it is not so. No doubt, Brest and Harvey have been synthesized and presented the key elements of the rational, that strategic position. The chapters together in the objective, strategy and evaluation, of course, lead to the final section on organization of resources – the book takes seriously the idea that form should follow function. What Do neglects the heart. philanthropy is an industry, firms that compete in that business, and becomes increasingly rational, measurable and visible results. These are good things. philanthropy is a labor of love. is perhaps the only business where passion and volunteerism play a role. No matter how strategic a donor becomes foundation or, even may be continuing what some regard as silly goals, frivolous, or redundant. No matter how strategic or effective (or not), a foundation may be, at any time and for any number of reasons (some rational, others may not be) the donor may pull the plug, redirect resources, or simply choose not to participate. There is little that an endowed foundation out of business, not to mention a client “does not, is actually harmful,” or little that can prevent someone pack their toys and go home philanthropic. The more strategic basis, the strategy of the program to evaluate carefully the most goals will always be weighted, as defined by the interests of donors – whether environmental, health related, artistic , justice-oriented pursuit of equality, or any of the above. Thus, while the emphasis on strategy and measurement are in phase with the definition of two forces of philanthropy (markets and regulation), not synchronized the third, the heart and nature humaine.La second irony of the book is about the time of its release. As this book would not have been published 10 or five years, is a bit normal that is published in the middle of a restructuring caused by the financial crisis in U.S. markets and public systems that monitor. The book was written during a boom that seemed endless, he was informed by a mindset that philanthropy as a industry continue to grow in size and sophistication and is expected to report strategic growth. Only hindsight will tell whether this moment of transformation for the markets and regulation is also a time of transformation for the company donner.On can easily see the need for more strategically with the decline in philanthropic resources, such as Brest and Harvey expose the need to be more strategic in boom times. Whether or not that happens, however, only God knows. If so, is likely to depend only amorphous, irrational, non-strategic force for the third, the heart of philanthropy, functions and forms of markets and regulation are reconstitués.Le Calendar Published by the money well spent will be very deeply ironic or very prescient. In both cases , since any valid strategy for charities in mind the context of relations between the independent actions of public and private markets, Brest and Harvey’s message remains important, we can not predict how it will entendue.La Full disclosure: I had several occasions to discuss the book in development with writers and comments on a penultimate version of the manuscript. I must say that my love of blogging and RSS feeds and read news on my iPhone, it’s always exciting to see a book turned into a book (as in the real device, coated paper with a beautiful cover, table of contents, indexes, the whole thing). But of course, a web site. ([...]) Rating: 4 / 5