AHP SEPTEMBER LITERATURE REVIEW
Ram Charan, coauthor of "Execution" and armed with a Ph.D. in corporate governance from Harvard Business School, has turned his sights to the board table in his latest management book, Owning Up. In it, Dr. Charan examines 14 vital questions that boards need to ask of themselves and then build solutions. The translation from the corporate board room to the non-profit board room is not hard, particularly when he focuses on questions such as 12. How Can Our Board Self-Evaluation Improve our Functioning and Our Output? with such key points as “Peer evaluation is a chance to reinforce positive behavior and get at issues that are difficult to raise.” Boy, is that the truth! Fairly easy read with call outs and boxed items for emphasis, only caveat would be lessons need very slight translation to the non-profit world for full impact.
―Daphne Halpern, FAHP, Vice President of Development, Monmouth Medical Center Foundation
The “Fundraiser’s Phrase Book” contains a mountain of communications ideas, some good and some that you will want to pass over. The book is well organized with sections noting appropriate choices for print pieces, telemarketing, etc. Each section is then arranged by keyword. One can quickly find ideas for incorporating the word “future” into your appeal letter or “response” in your acknowledgment. Synonyms are offered for commonly used words.
This book is a curative for fundraising writer’s block. Perhaps you may not want to use the example as written, but your imagination will supply you with spin-off phrases. Drawbacks include a pervasive lack of nuance and awkward syntax. Sample appeal letters utilizing the suggested phrases would have been appreciated. As an idea engine, however, this book can’t be beat. For the new fundraiser, this book would be a recommended buy. The seasoned professional may find it a bit obvious, but nonetheless could benefit from the wealth of ideas proposed.
―Laura Meengs, Manager, Annual Giving, St. Joseph Mercy Health System
Writer’s block sometimes stumps the most eloquent of writers, and this Deluxe Edition Fundraiser’s Phrase Book helps get through those blocks with a thesaurus-type set-up that allows one to look up a word that needs elaboration. Example: “Giving: We know you won’t stop giving after your first gift.” This reference book is divided into eight sections of all types of phrases: beginnings and transitions, salutations and signatures, even internet and technology writing elements. If you’ve ever been stumped using the word hope (43 suggested uses), future (49 suggested uses), and help (99! Suggested uses), this would certainly be a welcome addition to your bookshelf.
―Daphne Halpern, FAHP, Vice President of Development, Monmouth Medical Center Foundation
A career coach once told me that creativity was the key to success as a fundraiser. I was told to cultivate creativity and promote my ability to raise money creatively. Throughout the years, prospective employers have asked me how I would creatively solve problems; my ability to do so has resulted in a genuinely satisfying career. From this perspective, one might argue that now when struggling to inspire philanthropy in a deep recession a successful fundraiser needs to be extra-creative. Mal Warwick’s new book takes a contrarian stance: “this is not the time for innovation. Creativity can be costly. Stick with what works” (p. 86). When a professional of Warwick’s caliber offer’s a counter-intuitive argument, it is important to listen carefully. Here is why one should read this book. It is a reminder to focus on the core skills of our profession: clearly communicating your organization’s mission and vision, staying close to donors and top prospects, asking them for their support. It is a book of uncompromising vision and clarity.
―Gary Jaworski, Executive Director, American Hospital of Paris Foundation