Planning Business Strategy

There are people who “get it” and then there’s everyone else. 8 years ago, Dale and I found ourselves in partnership with Andy & Charles Bronfman as we started a not-for-profit. We were comfortable doing this as we had worked as Board Members with many small 501c3s in the arts and I’d chaired several boards. The first thing I realized was that we had a huge advantage as we worked out of the ACBP office, had all facilities in place,could “pay as we went” and had “bumping into each other time” with Charles and Jeff and Jason Soloway and Steve Novick and John Hoover………and a staff of terrific people who were always prepared to help.

I am delighted that Jeff & Charles have written this book. It’s terrific…………and I’m taking one to a meeting I’m having tomorrow with a Development Director who could have saved herself this breakfast meeting had she listened to what I’d already told her……….but people often don’t listen and we are amongst that small group of people who are really clear as to where we fit into the world of philanthropy. Having hung out with Jeff and Charles all these years has made us look deeply into ourselves, find our niche, find great partners and then GO FOR IT.

Now…………buy the book and then read it.

Rating: 5 / 5

I can’t tell you why I picked up this book. I am not wealthy and my donation history is modest at best. But as someone who has worked in non-profits, I am aware of the stellar reputation of the authors’ organization, and was intrigued to learn what a healthy relationship between a non-profit administrator and philanthropist might be like.

The book reads easily, but don’t let that fool you. The authors pack a lot of information into this volume. If you want to know how to find the cause that ignites your passion, why it must, the politics of board management relations, how to give, how and why to measure results… and understand a lot of sophisticated financial mechanisms for giving in the process (which the authors explain in laymen’s terms with the greatest of ease)… this is the book for you.

But what I love most about this book is the openness and honesty with which the authors share their professional journey. Their mistakes and successes are offered readily, and their passion and dedication leaps off the page. The result for me was a sense of intimacy and inspiration that pressed me to look at my own life, and what I would like to do for others to mark my time here.

If you’re a donor thinking of how to give, a developer attempting to understand your clients, an administrator steering your organization, a board member attempting to honor your responsibilities, or anyone who just feels the need to share their gifts with others in hopes of making the world a little better off, read this book.

WARNING – A word of caution about reading the “Art of Giving” on public transportation. I became so engrossed in this book while reading on the train that I missed my station by three stops last night.

Rating: 5 / 5