Non profit blogs/sites you should read – part one
The internet has become the equivalent of having more than the city library at your fingertips such are the resources available to you at the click of a mouse. If you operate a nonprofit the fountain of knowledge online can be overwhelming or contradictory but ultimately if you learn to filter out the information that is most pertinent and ‘fresh’ the internet can drive forward ideas. Appealing to 
a donor base and drawing upon focused and consistent fundraising are the core needs for a successful non profit, I think you’ll find my unofficial list of the ten best non profit resource blogs or sites of great use.
I’ve selected blogs and sites that have a diverse focus and a topical approach, also considered are ease of navigation, site activity and access to information. The blogs are not listed in terms of preference and each is worth a visit as there is so much information contained within you can see which appeals to you. I welcome your feedback.
A very easy to navigate and information look at the entire world of philanthropy news, views and ideas. An informative ‘news’ section explores recent events and announcement and takes an interactive look at what others are actively trying. The articles are well written and will help you develop a plan that is more cohesive and clear as you explore the message you want to convey to donors.
This is a remarkable site for a wide number of reasons. If front line opinions are what you seek look no further than this site that is a constantly updated source of information. Read first accounts by non profits’ clients and volunteers to see how things really are. Site contributors share stories about how a nonprofit has helped them, or read what working for a specific non profit is actually like. A wonderfully active message board allows you to explore what works and what doesn’t for other non profits. A site full of ideas and optimism.
In depth articles that examine the art of exploring and growing your donor base. Strategies range from grassroots campaigns all the way through to complete restructure of your crowdsourcing technigues, intelligent and well written analysis about the methods that apply best in 2010. The entire blog does a stunning job at examining the most recent merger of technologies and strategies both of which are changing on such a rapid basis that being one step ahead of the curve is more vital than ever.
Guy Kawaski’s blog is online democracy at its best. A decent place to start for fundraising ideas and developing an overall strategy. Ideas/themes are posted and requests are sought, strong readership and comments make for an active forum and exchange of ideas. Read what other people have tried and seen to succeed, methods to best incorporate graphics and statistics, how to best use social media and case studies. Blog is updated 3-5 times per week, not written exclusively for non profits but the approach to marketing is good information to take on board.
Grant Writing Confidential –
The titles says it all in truth. Seliger + Associates provides comprehensive grant writing, grant source research and related services for public and nonprofit agencies throughout the United States. They have been in business since 1993 and have had over 500 clients in 40 states. This blog is maintained by Isaac and Jake Seliger. Isaac has been working in nonprofit and public agencies for more than 35 years, and in that time he’s written hundreds of proposals. The site is full of observations, reminiscences and anecdotes, while picking up useful tips gleaned from a lifetime of staring down proposal deadlines.
I’ll add more sites in the days ahead and sincerely feel you’ll benefit from some of those already mentioned. At Miratel we provide superior fundraising and lottery telephone support service for non-profits and hope this information will help your expansion.
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