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Money, Money, Money

Here are a few suggestions for finding guidance and information if you run a nonprofit

By April Vomfell, ImagineIF Libraries

If you run a nonprofit, this is the time of year when you might be asking for donations and planning for 2015. Here are a few suggestions for finding guidance and information.

The serious stuff: “Every Nonprofit’s Tax Guide: How to Keep Your Tax-Exempt Status & Avoid IRS Problems” by Stephen Fishman. This book provides essential information for any nonprofit, with tips and examples for each tax topic.

Inspiration: “A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity” by Nicholas D. Kristof. What is altruism all about, and how do ordinary people create tremendous change? Find out more in this collection of stories about charities and causes.

Comprehensive how-to: “Fundraising for Social Change” by Kim Klein. As comprehensive as a nonprofit textbook, this book covers every fundraising topic, from direct mail to special events to endowment campaigns.

Asking for money: “The Ask: How to Ask for Support for Your Nonprofit Cause, Creative Project, or Business Venture” by Laura Fredricks. Get guidance with sample dialogues, scripts and scenarios.

In addition, local resources like the Flathead Nonprofit Development Partnership and online sources like the Foundation Center Database (available at ImagineIF Kalispell) can be invaluable to finding support for your nonprofit.

And don’t forget the websites and blogs. Here are a few to explore.

A worldwide crowdblog on fundraising: 101fundraising.org.

Fundraising as an extreme sport: fundraisingcoach.com.

Nonprofit fundraising and marketing strategies with an edge: theagitator.net.

A quick snapshot of multiple blogs and websites, curated by nonprofit marketer Kivi Leroux Miller: my.alltop.com/kivilm.

Now that your brain is teeming with information, go get that money!