This is ALWAYS an interesting subject...I believe 100% giving by the board is essential for an organzation to proceed to ask others to contribute. Many organizations say that a set amount is proper, however, if you strive to achieve diversity on your board a set minimum will not work. Not everyone has the ability to contribute the same monetary amounts just as not all can contribute the same time amounts. There are more polite ways to put this but a board member should give so it hurts just slightly. I also believe that the staff should have 100% giving but at a different level than the board...just give something, anything to contribute to the organzation and its mission. A lot is demanded of staff in the nonprofit world, just think of how proudly they could announce there is 100% giving throughout the organization.

We all know that community benefit organizations always have lean, mean expense budgets, but now's definitely the time to just double-check and make sure you've explored all of your options. Here are some resources we've found that include some traditional and not-so-traditional ideas for cost savings.

Nonprofit Cost Analysis Toolkit: Links and Resources from the Bridgespan Group

20 Cost Cutting Ideas for Nonprofits from Fieldstone Alliance

Expense Reduction Opportunities for Nonprofits Looking to Cut Back from Cherry & Holland, CPAs

10 Ways for Nonprofits to Cut Costs from About. com

Cost Reduction Ideas from The Cost Reduction Consultant

Cost Cutting Tips for Nonprofit Entrepreneurs

Managing in a Tough Economy from Bridgestar

Do you know of other resources or have some strategies and tactics that haven't been mentioned? Log on in and add a comment!

Here are a few resources that nonprofits and NGOs may find helpful if you're considering blogging:

Nonprofit Blogging: Goals, Strategy and Tactics to Crush it from NetWits Think Tank

8 Ways Nonprofits Can Use Blogs from Have Fun, Do Good

Blog Heaven, why nonprofit organizations absolutely should be blogging ... and some sobering reality checks. From Fundraising Success Magazine

Should your organization blog? From Donor Power Blog

Why add a blog to a nonprofit website? From Suite 101

Anatomy of a blog from About.com

Blogging Best Practices Checklist from Capture the Conversation

10 Elements of an Effective Nonprofit or Do-Good Blog by Have Fun, Do Good

A Nonprofit's Guide to the Blogosphere from TechSoup

These are just a few resources. Do you know of others? Leave a comment with link(s)!

Know of any good resources for good commute-time learning like podcasts or books on tape? We're pulling together a growing list, so post them here and we'll add them to our list!

I've been having a robust discussion with some colleagues about the many ways that nonprofit/NGOs approach board giving. How do you approach it in your organization or those for whom you consult? Is everyone required to give at least a minimum dollar amount? If so, is it the same amount for all board members?

From Facebook:
Mamadou Ibrahima Fall: Hope this new platform will help volunteers across the world to better challenge the future and impact the world social sector.MIF

Hi - We've just updated our list of free websites with how-to tips for newbie or rusty grant writers (or those just looking for inspiration). It now includes the 79 Grant Writing Resources Blog by Ruth Wahtera!

Awesome, Ruth. It's fun and different, and I've added it to our list! Thanks for your support, too!

--Laura

You might like to take a look at the blog I write called 79 Grant Writing Resources . It's not the usual guide -- there are plenty of those around, as your "How-to" shows. It's a more eccentric collection of tips and a few ramblings about the field.

I welcome your comments and feedback.

Congratulations on your new venture, Laura. Sharing resources and ideas will help us strengthen our work.

Hi - I've pulled together this quick resource with free websites that have good tips or information for beginning grant writers. It's intended for a beginner or as a refresher for those who've gotten a bit rusty. Please leave a reply and let me know if you find it valuable and also alert me if I've missed any that you've found helpful. I can easily update this list at any time!

Warm regards,
--Laura