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Rating: 
Summary: The Timing Could Not Have Been Better
Review: As Enron and Worldcom have become sinister household names, revealing the boggling extent of corporate greed and malfeasance, the timing of "New Philanthropy Benchmarking" could not have been better. This thoughtful and well-researched book does more than demonstrate that there is still much to laud in the ways and means of American business; it charts an ambitious, sometimes visionary, course for socially engaged commerce, in which the core American values of altruism, community give-back and grass-roots empowerment continue to fuel the corporate engine while making perfect business sense as well. As a philanthropy consultant specializing in NGOs, I found "New Philanthropy Benchmarking" to be a refreshingly insightful work, replete with helpful resources and real-world examples making the case for Kazarian's innovative approach. I heartily recommend this book as much to corporate executives as to government agencies, NGOs and anyone involved in the philanthropic community.
Rating:
Summary: The Timing Could Not Have Been Better
Review: As Enron and Worldcom have become sinister household names, revealing the boggling extent of corporate greed and malfeasance, the timing of "New Philanthropy Benchmarking" could not have been better. This thoughtful and well-researched book does more than demonstrate that there is still much to laud in the ways and means of American business; it charts an ambitious, sometimes visionary, course for socially engaged commerce, in which the core American values of altruism, community give-back and grass-roots empowerment continue to fuel the corporate engine while making perfect business sense as well. As a philanthropy consultant specializing in NGOs, I found "New Philanthropy Benchmarking" to be a refreshingly insightful work, replete with helpful resources and real-world examples making the case for Kazarian's innovative approach. I heartily recommend this book as much to corporate executives as to government agencies, NGOs and anyone involved in the philanthropic community.
Rating:
Summary: Enlightening insights and a solid resource
Review: Kristina Kazarian's approach to New Philanthropy Benchmarking is an insightful addition to the world of philanthropy. Her approach of benchmarking the successes and failures of some of our generation's most entrepreneurial capitalists, turned philanthropists, allows some of us less (financially) fortunate souls to generate significant returns on our investments, albeit on a smaller scale.The text is packed with insights, that I found enlightening and essential. For example, on p. 78, the NPB Tactic Comparison chart outlines the framework for utilizing commercial metrics for NGOs.
And for those with the means, dedication, and desire to optimize their current initiatives, the appendices provide an outstanding scope of resources from benchmarking assessment questions to innovative foundations, capitalist philanthropist profiles, and fundamental concepts like those of Christian stewardship and Jewish "tzedakah." Highly recommended as an informative initial read and a solid, ongoing companion resource. Overwhelming in the knowledge delivered to philanthropists of all levels.
Rating:
Summary: Very helpful and practical
Review: Of the vast wealth of information contained in this book, I've found the material on intersectoral practices the most fertile area for discovery. The disclosure on social enterprise, strategic philanthropy and restructuring, and social capital markets is extraordinary. Scores of examples of social entrepreneurship, capacity building, collaboration, innovative financings, social venture capital, etc. fill the main text and the appendices. The number of illustrative public companies with intersectoral missions will challenge current perceptions. Offering wise balance, the author provides an extensive sampling of social sector misfortunate situations, including NGOs, foundations, the law of unintended consequences, and wasted funds. In fact, the author urges that a risks analysis be completed prior to major social sector initiatives. I expect to be reading and rereading this book for years to come. Highly recommend.
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