Coping With Cutbacks: The Nonprofit Guide to Success When Times Are Tight

Rating:
Summary: Coping With Cutbacks: The Nonprofit Guide to Success
Review: This book was published several years ago, when shifts in funding began to indicate a new perspective was needed as nonprofits faced funding cutbacks. The authors note that they originally thought these cutbacks would be similar to those experienced in the 1980's, but quickly realized that changes in the 1990's were due to devolution - the delegation of power from the federal government to state, county, and local governments. They perceived this to be a fundamental shift in how Americans want to solve long-standing social problems. Thus, the book became a new way for nonprofits to think about solutions to these changes and new ways to meet mission goals.

The book is divided into chapters that address the steps in identifying current situations, models for alternative approaches to the challenges identified, and strategies for change and growth. Comprehensive worksheets are provided to assist in working through the steps each nonprofit will need to address if they are to survive. The results of their survey of nonprofits are presented in detail, showing the differences and similarities in thought processes throughout the nonprofit community. It is a very practical and easy to follow system for identifying the issues and challenges your nonprofit faces and steps in planning for a positive and proactive future.

The authors found that when they queried nonprofits, very few considered such options as modifying their mission, collaboration or advocacy. Most focused on cutbacks in staff or programs, or identifying new ways of raising money. While not eliminating these strategies, the book focuses on thinking outside the box - moving beyond basic cuts and fund raising. They believed that these typical responses simply won't work - and explain why. They focus on two broad categories of response they feel nonprofits overlook, Structural Strategies and Engagement Strategies. A large section of the book explains these concepts and outlines ways to achieve a more positive future, for your nonprofit and your community. Information is presented on dealing with engaging your community by identifying arenas of influence and using this information in strategic planning; generating alternative strategies; selecting strategies appropriate in your environment and implementation through collaborative efforts. For those wanting to focus on more traditional approaches, there is a section that details how to identify when to make cuts and effective methods for making efficient cuts.

Emil Angelica came to Orlando in May 2002 to discuss the book and new strategies he has developed since publication. It was very interesting and informative to have the opportunity to reread the book and then listen to his updated concepts. Attending the lecture was an opportunity to have words turned into an animated, personal presentation. Mr. Angelica is a fun, fascinating and organized speaker. His manner compels you to take notes, so as not to miss a single concept. The amount of information offered was almost too much to absorb, but so fascinating you couldn't disengage. Exhausted but exhilarated, was the reaction when he was finished.

Mr. Angelica presented much of the material contained in the book, using a fresh, new approach. He stressed thinking outside the box and involving your entire community. Many of his definitions are new and unexpected ways of approaching old issues. A large amount of the second part of the lecture was focused on the details of identifying, forming and working with collaboratives. Actually, the section on collaboration seemed too detailed and over stressed, more information on the topic than many of the attendees wanted.

I had read the book when it first came out, at that time it was a lot to absorb. Rereading now made so much more sense, hindsight is a great learning tool! The exciting element was having the author present his concepts and beliefs in an energetic, refreshing way, reinforcing the philosophy and adding his dynamic personality to the mix. Thanks, Emil!

Rating:
Summary: Coping With Cutbacks: The Nonprofit Guide to Success
Review: This book was published several years ago, when shifts in funding began to indicate a new perspective was needed as nonprofits faced funding cutbacks. The authors note that they originally thought these cutbacks would be similar to those experienced in the 1980's, but quickly realized that changes in the 1990's were due to devolution - the delegation of power from the federal government to state, county, and local governments. They perceived this to be a fundamental shift in how Americans want to solve long-standing social problems. Thus, the book became a new way for nonprofits to think about solutions to these changes and new ways to meet mission goals.

The book is divided into chapters that address the steps in identifying current situations, models for alternative approaches to the challenges identified, and strategies for change and growth. Comprehensive worksheets are provided to assist in working through the steps each nonprofit will need to address if they are to survive. The results of their survey of nonprofits are presented in detail, showing the differences and similarities in thought processes throughout the nonprofit community. It is a very practical and easy to follow system for identifying the issues and challenges your nonprofit faces and steps in planning for a positive and proactive future.

The authors found that when they queried nonprofits, very few considered such options as modifying their mission, collaboration or advocacy. Most focused on cutbacks in staff or programs, or identifying new ways of raising money. While not eliminating these strategies, the book focuses on thinking outside the box - moving beyond basic cuts and fund raising. They believed that these typical responses simply won't work - and explain why. They focus on two broad categories of response they feel nonprofits overlook, Structural Strategies and Engagement Strategies. A large section of the book explains these concepts and outlines ways to achieve a more positive future, for your nonprofit and your community. Information is presented on dealing with engaging your community by identifying arenas of influence and using this information in strategic planning; generating alternative strategies; selecting strategies appropriate in your environment and implementation through collaborative efforts. For those wanting to focus on more traditional approaches, there is a section that details how to identify when to make cuts and effective methods for making efficient cuts.

Emil Angelica came to Orlando in May 2002 to discuss the book and new strategies he has developed since publication. It was very interesting and informative to have the opportunity to reread the book and then listen to his updated concepts. Attending the lecture was an opportunity to have words turned into an animated, personal presentation. Mr. Angelica is a fun, fascinating and organized speaker. His manner compels you to take notes, so as not to miss a single concept. The amount of information offered was almost too much to absorb, but so fascinating you couldn't disengage. Exhausted but exhilarated, was the reaction when he was finished.

Mr. Angelica presented much of the material contained in the book, using a fresh, new approach. He stressed thinking outside the box and involving your entire community. Many of his definitions are new and unexpected ways of approaching old issues. A large amount of the second part of the lecture was focused on the details of identifying, forming and working with collaboratives. Actually, the section on collaboration seemed too detailed and over stressed, more information on the topic than many of the attendees wanted.

I had read the book when it first came out, at that time it was a lot to absorb. Rereading now made so much more sense, hindsight is a great learning tool! The exciting element was having the author present his concepts and beliefs in an energetic, refreshing way, reinforcing the philosophy and adding his dynamic personality to the mix. Thanks, Emil!