Michigan State University Libraries - Nonprofit Virtual Library

Nonprofit Virtual Library

This web site focuses on nonprofit directories and other web sites (over 100 in all) providing advice or information about running nonprofits. For a directory of organizations providing assistance to nonprofit managers, see Nonprofit Resource Guide.

Databases

Catalog of Nonprofit Literature
Chronicle of Philanthropy
GuideStar 990 Nonprofit Search Engine
IRS List of Tax-Exempt Organizations
IssueLab : A Repository of Foundation-Sponsored Reports
Nonprofit Literature Blog
NOZA 990-PF Search Engine
Philanthropic Studies Index (PSI)
Philanthropy Resources Online (PRO)
Worldwide NGO Directory

Additional Resources

Source Links With Annotations

7 Essential Tips for Starting a Nonprofit
http://nonprofit.about.com/od/gettingstarted/tp/tipsstartup.htm
The number of new nonprofits has proliferated in recent years. Unfortunately, not everyone who starts a nonprofit has thought out his or her enterprise. Don't make the mistake of just jumping into the nonprofit arena. Think hard before starting your nonprofit. Article by Joanne Fritz, About.Com.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

About.Com Guide to Nonprofitable Charitable Organizations
http://nonprofit.about.com/
A compilation of web resources on nonprofits, fundraising, and related issues by Stan Hutton. Current categories include:

Find Jobs in the Nonprofit Sector

Information About Starting a Nonprofit

Fundraising Help and Information

Fundraising on the Web

Help with Grant Proposals

Information about Foundations

Information about Boards of Directors

Search for Nonprofit Organizations

Online Donation Sites

Evaluating Charities

Links to Government Resources

International Nonprofit Links

Legal Resources

Listservs and Discussion Groups

Nonprofit Education and Training

Nonprofit Management Information

Nonprofit News Sources

Management Consultants for NPOs

Organizations Serving Nonprofits

Planned Giving

Public Relations

Software for Nonprofits

Technical Computer Support for NPOs

Venture Philanthropy

Information About Nonprofit Accounting

Information for Volunteers

World Humanitarian Relief Organizations
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Ahern Communications, Ink.
http://www.aherncomm.com
Free how-to newsletter by one of North America's recognized authorities on effective nonprofit communications, Tom Ahern. Samples of fundraising materials (case statements, solicitation letters) he has written for organizations like yours. Check out Tom's Love Thy Reader workshop handout in the PDF Archive under Miscellaneous.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Are You Ready for Enterprise?
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/124/fundraising.html
Ten questions to ask yourself before starting a nonprofit venture. Article by Andy Robinson, Shelterforce Online, # 124, July/August 2002.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Business Planning (for nonprofits or for-profits)
http://managementhelp.org/businessplanning/index.htm
Advice and examples from the Free Management Library.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Catalog of Nonprofit Literature
http://cnl.foundationcenter.org/search.html
A searchable database covering the literature of philanthropy. It incorporates the unique contents of the Foundation Center's five libraries and contains more than 24,900 full bibliographic citations, of which more than 17,000 have descriptive abstracts. Updated daily. Items covered deal with everything from the theory and philosophy of philanthropy, biographies of philanthropists, administration and management of nonprofits, and materials issued by foundations or nonprofit organizations.
Periodicals Covered.
For a discussion of the latest trends in published works about philanthropy, consult a new spinoff called the Nonprofit Literature Blog.
The Catalog was formerly known as Literature of the Nonprofit Sector (LNPS).
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Changing Our World, Inc.
http://www.changingourworld.com/
Changing Our World Inc. is the publisher of the CW Network, a leading online resource for non-profit and philanthropy professionals. CW publishes some of the largest and best-read e-mail newsletters in the sector. A few are available free, including : Observations in Philanthropy, Inside Corporate Philanthropy, and The Internet Fundraiser.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest
http://www.clpi.org/
Offers advice on how to lobby and explains the federal laws that govern lobbying and voter-education activities by charities. It also features six essays by charity leaders and volunteers on why they think lobbying is an important way for charities to fulfill their missions. Additional contents include:

IRS Letter Alleviates Charities' Concern About Lobbying

About Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest

Charity Lobbying: Its the Right Thing to Do

Getting Started

Lobby Legally! A step-by-step guide for following federal law governing charity lobbying.

Educate Voters and Candidates

What's New in Charity Lobbying and Voter Education

Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest Advisory Committee Members and Staff

Training and Workshops on Lobbying and Advocacy

Links to Other Organizations Working to Help Charities Participate in Democracy
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Charity.notcom
http://www.fund-online.com/musings/notcom.html
Watch out for tempting offers by dotcoms. Advice from Adam Corson-Finnerty of the Online Fundraising Resources Center.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Checklist of Nonprofit Organizational Indicators
http://managementhelp.org/organizationalperformance/nonprofits/index.htm
The following checklist is a resource developed by staff and volunteers of the United Way of Minneapolis Area for internal use by nonprofit organizations. Management can use the checklist to identify their organization's administrative strengths and weaknesses. United Way staff and community volunteers intend this too to strengthen their administrative capabilities. It is believed that widespread use of the checklist ultimately results in a more effective and efficient nonprofit community. The checklist is not intended to be used as a tool for external evaluation, or by grantmakers in making funding decisions. This tool will be used to assist nonprofit organizations to gain a better understanding of their management needs and/or make improvements to management operations. Prepared by Carter McNamara, PhD, February 23, 1998.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Chronicle of Philanthropy
http://philanthropy.com/
Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Craigslist Foundation Nonprofit Boot Camp Online
http://www.craigslistfoundation.org/index.php?page=Nonprofit_Boot_Camp_Online
Nonprofit Boot Camp Online offers you free access to presentations, handouts, podcasts, and session notes from Nonprofit Boot Camp. All podcasts are listed by Boot Camp below, or by browing through various categories such as: Keynotes, Big Ideas, Board Governance, Board of Directors, Fundraising, Generations, Legal & Accounting, Lobbying & Advocacy, Lunch Discussion Forums, Marketing, Nonprofit Basics, Social Entrepreneurship, and Technology.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Crain’s Detroit Business : Nonprofit News
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=nonprofit
Features news stories compiled by Crain's about nonprofits and philanthropy targeted to a Michigan audience of nonprofit managers, foundation executives, business leaders, and philanthropists.
(Last checked 05/10/06)

DMOZ Open Directory's Nonprofit Resources Links
http://dmoz.org/Society/Organizations/Nonprofit_Resources/
With the motto "humans do it better", this organization is relying on humans to pick out outstanding resources on the web.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Establishing a Nonprofit Organization : Foundation Center Tutorial
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/establish/
This tutorial describes 12 tasks you will need to accomplish as part of the process of establishing a nonprofit organization.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Establishing a Nonprofit Organization: Foundation Center FAQs
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/section_4a.html
A collection of Foundation Center FAQs with answers.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Filling out the IRS Forms for Nonprofit Status
http://www.cpcwnc.org/Toolbox/irsforms.html
Guide by by Paul Castelloe, Center for Participatory Change.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Foundation Center FAQs
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/
Provides questions and answers on the following topics: the Foundation Center, Funding Research, Individual Grantseekers, Nonprofit Organizations, and Corporate Philanthropy.
(Last checked 03/16/06)

Free Management Library for For-Profit and Nonprofit Organizations
http://www.managementhelp.org/topics.htm
The Nonprofit Manager's library has increased almost ten fold. Developed by Carter McNamara, PhD, and hosted by the Management Assistant Program for Nonprofits, this online library offers tools and resources for topics such as career development, legal information, program management, public and media relations, starting an organization, training basics, and many more. The second link provides an index of topics covered.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

GuideStar : Donors' Guide to Charities and Nonprofits
http://www.guidestar.org/
Donors and philanthropists can now more easily compare and monitor organizations to which they may contribute, while nonprofit organizations can perhaps spend less of their resources on fundraising. These are the goals of Philanthropic Research, Inc's GuideStar, a clearinghouse of information on more than 600,000 charities and nonprofit organizations. GuideStar hosts a searchable database, a newsletter, employment and volunteer opportunity listings, and valuable articles in addition to lists of links for both donors and nonprofit organizations. Database information includes brief descriptions of the charities/nonprofits and their programs, funding sources, geographic location(s), and income/asset statements. GuideStar derives its information from 990 tax submissions to the IRS as well as directly from the nonprofit organizations themselves. For more information, contact Kim Reardon, kreardon@seva.net; (804) 229-4631. [Also listed under Charities; Nonprofit Resource Guide]
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Help4Nonprofits Nonprofit Library
http://www.help4nonprofits.com/H4NP.htm
Practical advice from Hildy Gottlieb, Help 4 Nonprofits : Community-Driven Institute, features articles on board governance and mechanics, fundraising, marketing, personnel, startup and program development, and more.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

History of Nonprofit Boards in the United States
http://www.boardsource.org/dl.asp?document_id=11
Part of the BoardSource E-Book Series, Peter Dobkin Hall transcends the history of the nonprofit board to answer “Why Do Boards Exist?” The 30-page E-Book discusses various eras throughout US history and the boards needed during that particular time and why.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

How Do I Start a Nonprofit Organization?
http://www.grantspace.org/Tools/Knowledge-Base/Nonprofit-Management/Establishment/Starting-a-nonprofit
A frequently asked question (with answers) from the Foundation Center / Grant Space. Contains a short list of web links and a short bibliography to additional resources addressing this issue.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

How Do I Start A Nonprofit (In Michigan)?
http://www.mnaonline.org/startinganonprofit.aspx
Advice from the Michigan Nonprofit Association.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

How Donors Can Keep a Lid on Charity Costs
http://philanthropy.com/article/How-Donors-Can-Keep-a-Lid-on/51260/
Online article from October 21, 1999 issue of Chronicle of Philanthropy. The Chronicle of Philanthropy requires an ID and Password. MSU faculty and students can gain access in Main Library Reference; a paper copy of the Chronicle of Philanthropy is also available in the Funding Center.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Idealist.org
http://www.idealist.org/
Over the last ten years, Idealist has connected millions of people with thousands of organizations around the world. Now we are going a step further by building a global network of people who want to work together to change their communities and the world, online and face-to-face. Right now, 36,030 of us are involved in this project, and we invite you to make it 36,030+1.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

IKNOW : Interactive Knowledge for Nonprofits Worldwide
http://www.iknow.org
IKNOW is a free source of information on the web, expressly designed to give the nonprofit community information it can use. Unlike using a major search engine, the careful selection and organization of content on IKNOW is designed to save time usually spent weeding through tens and hundreds of pages that are not exactly what you were looking for. The editors of IKNOW seek out, identify, and organize only the best available information of concern to the nonprofit community into a dozen major categories: business services, education, fringe benefits, fundraising, governance, human resources, legal issues, legislation, marketing and media, strategic planning and volunteerism. The site has recently added a new category of information on state requirements for charitable solicitations. [Also listed under Nonprofit Resource Directory.]
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Innovation Network (InnoNet): Helping Agencies Succeed
http://www.innonet.org/
InnoNet, a six-year-old nonprofit offering free online tools that other nonprofits can use to create and assess their own programs, has added budgeting and fundraising plans to its self-help toolkit. Founded in 1993, InnoNet initially helped grass-roots service agencies identify the best practices in their field of interest. Based on that work, one year later the group began helping nonprofits evaluate their own programs. While InnoNet generates significant revenue through consulting fees, its self-management tools are available free at its recently expanded website. At InnoNet's site, visitors will find a "workstation" they can use to create their own plans for programs, including how to structure them and put them into place, as well as plans for evaluating those programs. InnoNet then reviews those plans for free. The site also features a "repair center" that visitors can use for quick answers on topics ranging from how to collect data to how to revamp old survey forms! For more information, call 202/728-0727.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Internet Resources for Nonprofit Organizations
http://www.infotoday.com/searcher/feb04/cameron.shtml
Article from InfoToday.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Internet Resources for Nonprofit Organizations
http://www.actiondonation.org/articles/internet-resources-for-non-profits.html
Another compilation of resources by Action Donation Services, which seeks donations of cars and boats to fund charity work around the country.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

IRS List of Tax Exempt Organizations
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96136,00.html
The IRS has mounted a search engine on its web site to allow donors and others to search electronically to find out whether a charity or a foundation is considered by the government to be a legitimate non-profit organization. By filling in a simple form, you can search through a list of nearly 500,000 nonprofit groups to find a specific organization or to locate all groups in a particular city or state. Information will be updated quarterly. Similar information is available in the Cumulative List of Organizations described in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenune Code of 1986. The books are also referred to as Publication 78. [Also listed under Charities]
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

IssueLab
http://www.issuelab.org/home
An annotated collection of approximately 12,000 foundation-sponsored reports, case studies, white papers, evaluations, fact sheets, issue briefs, annual reports, and toolkits from social sector organizations, foundations, or university-based research centers. Represents the merger of PubHub and IssueLab. Each report can be downloadeded in pdf format.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Job Information
http://staff.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/jobs.htm
Looking for job information? Try out this web page which lists both web sites and books.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Labyrinth Inc.
http://www.labyrinthinc.com/index.asp
If you are going to solicit funds you will likely have to register in each state in which you intend to solicit funds. This useful site directs you to the registration contacts for each state. This web site also contains a list of the public disclosure statements which must appear on all solicitation materials. Plus it has a link to may web sites of interest to nonprofit organizations.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Life Cycle of a Private Foundation
http://www.irs.gov/charities/foundations/article/0,,id=127912,00.html
The IRS has released a new web-based tool to help private foundations navigate federal tax rules throughout their various stages of development. Called "The Life Cycle of a Private Foundation," the tool was launched in October and provides information pertaining to five stages of a foundation's growth. The lifecycle information starts with creating an organization and filing for tax-exempt status, then moves to filing requirements and ongoing compliance and finishes with information for closing down organizations. Specific issues addressed include obtaining a employer identification number, protecting a group's charitable status and meeting disclosure requirements.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Michael Stein's Online Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations Blog
Also called Web Sites for Fundraising
http://michaelstein.typepad.com/
Since the creation of the World Wide Web in the late 1990s, organizations of all shapes and sizes have struggled with a few constant questions: Is our Web site as effective as it can possibly be? Is it helping us meet our goals for information dissemination and community engagement? More recently, online fundraising has become a part of organizations’ development strategy, and this has added some complexity to the Web equation. Now people are also asking: How do we raise money with our Web site? Is the structure and content of our Web site effective in encouraging potential donors to give gifts online? Advice from Michael Stein, California consultant.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

National Directory of Service/Product Providers
http://www.snpo.org/directory/directory.pdf
The nonprofit sector is served by a host of leading companies offering a wide range of products and services of use to the board members, paid staff, and volunteers of nonprofit organizations. The following are featured in the most recent issue of the "National Directory of Service/Product Providers," as published in the Society's Nonprofit World journal. Courtesy of the Society for Nonprofit Organizations.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Network for Good
http://www1.networkforgood.org/
Imagine what the world would be like if every time you were inspired to help someone or something, you could -- with just a few clicks of a mouse, anywhere online. That’s the mission of Network for Good. We make it as easy to donate and volunteer online as it is to shop online, and we make it simple and affordable for all nonprofits, of any size, to recruit donors and volunteers via the Internet.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit Advisory Boards
http://nonprofit.about.com/business/nonprofit/library/weekly/aa072899.htm
An active and effective advisory board can be a true asset to an organization but creating and maintaining such a board takes time and work. An online article by Stan Hutton, editor of the About.Com Guide to Nonprofit Organizations.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit Expert . Com's Starting a Nonprofit Web Page
http://www.nonprofitexpert.com/starting_a_nonprofit.htm
Contains links to a number of sites offering advice.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit Fundraising and Accounting Software
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/software.html
A collection of resources compiled by the Foundation Center / Grant Space.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit Good Practice Guide
http://www.npgoodpractice.org
Made possible by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, this web site is a project of the Philanthropic and Nonprofit Knowledge Management Initiative at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University. The Nonprofit Good Practice Guide captures and organizes good practices to assist nonprofits and foundations in improving their efficiency and effectiveness. The free online Guide provides nearly 7,000 tips and resources organized within ten topic areas including Accountability and Evaluation, Advocacy, Communications and Marketing, Foundations and Grantmaking, Fundraising and Financial Sustainability, Governance, Management and Leadership, Staff Development and Organizational Capacity, Technology, and Volunteer Management. "Training Essentials" within each topic area offers a framework for capacity building and staff training.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit Internships Search Engine
http://www.idealist.org/
Select from menu. Provides a search engine allowing one to restrict search by location, skills, or areas of interest. Sponsored by Action Without Borders (formerly called the Contact Center Network).
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit Law Resource Library
http://www.hurwitassociates.com
Hurwit & Associates announces a new website which includes the Nonprofit Law Resource Library. The library includes topics on pertinent nonprofit and foundation legal issues including: nonprofit governance; mergers; risk management; charitable contributions; executive compensation; lobbying and advocacy; and taxes.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit Matrix
http://www.nonprofitmatrix.com/
Guide to ASPs and Portals for the nonprofit sector.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit Start-Up Resources by State
http://foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge/map/start-up-map.html
The Nonprofit Startup Map provides links to helpful state resources such as nonprofit associations, legal support organizations and government agencies. Courtesy of the Foundation Center.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

The NonProfit Times : The Leading Publication for Nonprofit Management
http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/
A monthly trade journal by the Davis Information Group, Inc. focusing on current events and issues affecting the nonprofit industry. The online version offers selected articles from current and back issues, a directory of service providers and consultants in the nonprofit area, and links to other nonprofit sites on the web. Sample paper copies are available for examination in the Social Sciences/Humanities Reference Foundation Collection. A one-year subscription -- twelve issues -- costs $59. The NonProfit Times is also distributed free of charge in the U.S. only to qualified non-profit executives. To find out if you qualify, send an e-mail to nptimes@haven.ios.com or call 201-734-1700. [Also listed under Current Awareness Tools]
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit Times Resource Marketplace
http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/marketplace
A collection of links provided by the publishers of Nonprofit Times.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Nonprofit World Article Index
http://www.snpo.org/publications/articles.php
The Society For Nonprofit Organizations began publishing Nonprofit World in 1983. This web page sorts the articles into the following categories: accounting, boards, communications, computers, enterprise, ethics, finance, fundraising, future trends, global thinking, law and taxation, management, personnel, planning, profiles in excellence, public relations/marketing, relevant reviews, volunteers, case files. MSU faculty, staff, and students can access articles from Nonprofit World via the MSU Library Home Page, Electronic Resources, Electronic Journals Page.
(Last checked 08/29/2012))

North Carolina Center for Nonprofits
http://www.ncnonprofits.org/
Check out the extensive set of resources and FAQs.
(Last checked 07/28/06)

OMB Watch Nonprofit News
News and Analysis on Issues Affecting Nonprofits
http://www.ombwatch.org/npadv/
OMB Watch was created when the Reagan Office of Management and Budget proposed a rule, first hatched by the Heritage Foundation, that would have "defunded the left," and in the process, a substantial segment of the nonprofit community generally. Since then OMB Watch has been a leader in the fight against proposals that would limit nonprofit advocacy rights. OMB Watch now co-chairs the Let America Speak Coalition along with Independent Sector and Alliance for Justice to fight such proposals. OMB Watch's involvement in nonprofit issues, however, is no longer limited to nonprofit advocacy. OMB Watch also works to increase nonprofit access to the latest communications technology, including the Internet. Nonprofit America is the latest initiative OMB Watch is engaged in to further this goal.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Online Compendium of Federal and State Regulations for U.S. Nonprofit Organizations
http://www.muridae.com/nporegulation/main.html
This Web site provides a central resource for nonprofit organization (NPO) administrators, regulators and the interested public to find information about the laws and regulations controlling NPOs in the U.S. The site has three major sections: a set of informational pages about various general topics, a section of pages each dedicated to an individual jurisdiction (e.g. states) that describe the regulations of those jurisdictions, and a section devoted to current issues in NPO regulation and the efforts being made to minimize the regulatory burden that NPOs face. This Web site is very new and many parts still exist only in outline form. Compiled by Eric Mercer.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Open Directory's Nonprofit Resources Links
http://dmoz.org/Society/Organizations/Nonprofit_Resources/
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Philanthropic Studies Index
http://cheever.ulib.iupui.edu/psipublicsearch/
The Philanthropic Studies Index (PSI), which indexes the growing body of articles written on topics and issues concerning the nonprofit sector, is compiled and produced by the Joseph and Matthew Payton Philanthropic Studies Library staff. PSI is published to serve as a resource for helping people study philanthropy.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Philanthropy Resources Online (PRO)
http://ulib.iupui.edu/collections/special/psl/pro
PRO is a digital library of primary and secondary sources that supports teaching and learning about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Although providing access to the content of materials is our primary goal, the project also serves to preserve the ideas contained in rapidly deteriorating texts. The PRO collection is made up of images of the pages in the books, journals, and pamphlets. What you see is a scanned image of the actual pages of the original volume. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) has been performed on the images to enhance searching and accessing the texts. Compiled and produced by the Joseph and Matthew Payton Philanthropic Studies Library, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Philanthropy.Org
http://www.philanthropy.org/
Philanthropy.org is your source for information on the world of philanthropy: what is happening, who is making it happen, and where the action is. Sponsored by the City University of New York, Center for the Study of Philanthropy.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Public Confidence in Michigan Nonprofit Organizations
http://ippsr.msu.edu/Publications/bp9730.pdf
A SOSS Briefing Paper, November 1997, by Mark I. Wilson and Neal R. Hegarty of the Nonprofit Michigan Project. Describes how Michigan residents view the overall performance of Michigan nonprofits.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Public Perceptions of Nonprofit Organizations in Michigan
http://ippsr.msu.edu/Publications/bp9728.pdf
A SOSS Briefing Paper by Mark I. Wilson and Neal R. Hegarty. Identifies how Michigan residents perceive nonprofit organizations and analyzes differences in view among different population groups.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Public Support of the Nonprofit Community in Michigan
http://ippsr.msu.edu/Publications/bp9729.pdf
A SOSS Briefing Paper by Mark I. Wilson and Neal R. Hegarty of the Nonprofit Michigan Project at Michigan State University.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Reference Guide for Starting a Nonprofit
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/guides/nonprofit.html
If you are considering establishing a nonprofit organization, the Foundation Center / Grant Space has identified a number of useful resources. The following is a list of resources that discuss how to incorporate as a nonprofit organization. Some technical assistance organizations provide assistance in starting a nonprofit organization. Check with your local bar association or the Alliance for Nonprofit Management.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Should Your Organization Use Social Networking Sites?
Signs that a social networking site might work — or not work — for you
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page7935.cfm
Who is likely to get the most value out of social networking sites? To answer this question, Idealware spoke to a number of nonprofit technologists working with social networking tools. We searched beyond the success stories to discover tales of only middling success, or even of disappointment. What resulted were two sets of guidelines: first, how to know if social networking isn't right for you and second, some of the ways that social networking might benefit your organization. Posted by Brett Bonfield in TechSoup, January 8, 2008.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Starting a Nonprofit Organization
http://managementhelp.org/startingorganizations/start-nonprofit.htm
This topic in the Library provides comprehensive advice and materials for anyone who is considering starting a nonprofit organization. The reader can use the free information in this Library topic, along with other Library topics that are referenced later on below. In addition, the reader can utilize a range of publications that provide highly practical, step-by-step guidelines and materials about all of the most important activities in starting and managing a nonprofit. The publications include the following and are applicable in the USA and Canada. Courtesy of Carter McNamara, Management Assistance Program for Nonprofits, 1999.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Starting a Nonprofit Organization
http://www.boardsource.org/dl.asp?document_id=17
Compliments of Board Source.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Starting a Non-Profit Organization : A Resource List
http://staff.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znpbib.htm
Identifies organizations and book resources that can assist in starting a nonprofit organization.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Strategic Solutions
http://www.lapiana.org/
A five-year, foundation-funded initiative dedicated to achieving a major and lasting positive impact on the nonprofit sector’s perception, understanding and use of strategic restructuring, thereby increasing the capacity of organizations to advance their missions. A collaborative effort of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and La Piana Associates, a management consulting firm specializing in the issues faced by nonprofit organizations in today’s challenging and ever-changing world.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

TechSoup.org
http://www.techsoup.org/
TechSoup Learning Center
Designed as a one-stop portal for nonprofit technical assistance needs - software, hardware, humanware, technology planning, and technology recommendations, TechSoup.org, a project powered by ComuMentor, began in May 2000. TechSoup.org offers resources and advice to nonprofit professionals so that they can become proficient, effective, and efficient users of technology. Also offers a free subscription to "By The Cup", TechSoup.org's electronic newsletter delivered via email once each month. "By The Cup" offers: links to nonprofit technology news; stories about technology in action at NPOs; a feature article from one of their specialists; quick answers to pressing questions; and links to recommended resources. Visit the TechSoup.org portal and subscribe online to "By The Cup."
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

The Top Five Myths Regarding Nonprofits
http://users.livejournal.com/_greenlights_/1721.html

Myth #1 -- Nonprofits Cannot Make a Profit

Myth #2 -- Nonprofits Are Small in Number and Size

Myth #3 -- Nonprofits Deal With Charity

Myth #4 -- Gifts Account for Most Nonprofit Revenue

Myth #5 -- Most Gifts Come from Corporations and Foundations

Adapted from commentary by Kathleen S. Kelly, Ph.D.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

TransitionGuides.com
http://www.transitionguides.com
A change in executive leadership is one of the most important, challenging and powerful opportunities a nonprofit organization will face. On average, more than one in 10 executive director jobs turns over each year. That number is projected to climb by 15 percent or more as baby boomers retire. TransitionGuides is a website developed by seasoned consultants, management support organizations and others who specialize in working with nonprofit organizations. Supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the site includes a helpful overview of executive transitions for boards and nonprofit leaders, plus resources. You can ask questions and receive targeted information through the "Need Help Now" section.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

University of Wisconsin Extension
Learner Resource Center
Nonprofit Management Educational Resources
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/nonprofits/management/sites.cfm
A compilation of resources by the University of Wisconsin Extension, Learning Institute for Nonprofit Organizations. Categories include:

Board Development/Governance

Foundation Information

Fund-raising & Grant Writing

Getting Your Nonprofit Noticed On the Internet

Giving/Philanthropy

How To Start a Nonprofit Organization

Marketing

Nonprofit Employment

Outcome Measurement

Strategic Planning/Program Planning

Publications (Electronic & Print)

Social Entrepreneurship/Nonprofit Enterprise

State & Federal Government

Strategic Alliances

Volunteer Resources/Service Learning Centers

Other Nonprofit Links & Resources
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

USA.gov for Businesses & Nonprofits
http://www.usa.gov/Business/Business_Gateway.shtml
Provides a convenient directory of services and resources provided by the federal government.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

W. K. Kellogg Foundation Evaluation Handbook
http://www.wkkf.org/knowledge-center/resources/2010/W-K-Kellogg-Foundation-Evaluation-Handbook.aspx
This handbook provides a framework for thinking about evaluation as a relevant and useful program tool. It was written primarily for project directors who have direct responsibility for the ongoing evaluation of W. K. Kellogg Foundation-funded projects.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

What Are the Advantages/Disadvantages of Becoming a Nonprofit Organization?
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/np_pro_con.html
A frequently asked question (with answers) from the Foundation Center / Grant Space.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

What It Takes to Be A Good Nonprofit Director
http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/1997/12/29/editorial3.html
Some sound advice from the Portland, Oregon Business Journal.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Where Can I Find Information on Nonprofit Boards
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/nonprofit_boards.html
A frequently asked question (with answers) from the Foundation Center / Grant Space.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Where Can I Find Information On Starting a Foundation?
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/start_foundation.html
A frequently asked question (with answers) from the Foundation Center / Grant Space.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Working With a Consultant or Technical Assistance Provider: A Resource List
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/topical/consult.html
If you are considering hiring a consultant or a technical assistance provider to assist your nonprofit organization with a particular project or problem, you'll find this resource list a useful tool in gathering information about how to make a selection, how to assess credentials and experience, how to structure fees, and other issues. If you are interested in becoming a consultant to nonprofits, there are materials to assist in your planning, as well. Bibliography by the Foundation Center.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

WorldLawDirect.com
http://www.worldlawdirect.com/
Check out the Nonprofit Law Directory for practical advice on starting a nonprofit organizations and other related topics.
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Worldwide NGO Directory
http://www.wango.org/resources.aspx?section=ngodir
Sponsored by the World Association of Non-Governmental NGOs (WANGO).
(Last checked 08/29/2012)

Ownership Statement Jon Harrison : Page Editor Funding Center Supervisor Social Sciences Collections Coordinator Michigan State University Libraries 366 W. Circle Drive, W301J E. Lansing, MI 48824 E-mail: harris23@mail.lib.msu.edu Voice mail: (517) 884-0855 Last revised 08/29/2012