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The goal of this section is to provide you with tools that we think will be of value to you - both personally and for your organization.

As it continues to evolve, the lists and links will grow and change, so you'll want to check back frequently! 

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Articles - Becoming educated and staying on top of not only the world around us, but best practices within that world, can help us to succeed in what we do.

Books - This list will continue to grow - eventually warranting its own page, so this is just to get your reading list started!

Resources - Links, organizations, free fundraising, it's all out there for us to use! - we just have to find it  We've provided just a small taste here. 

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Articles (back to top)

Every headline seems to scream "Economic Crisis" - so what does that mean to those who rely on donations?  Check out this article which shares "Strategies for Overcoming the Global Financial Crisis".  It provides not only results from a recent study, but some practical "to dos" for today.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals offers a great article on "Thoughts and Guidance on Addressing the Current Economic Environment: Fundraising in a Difficult Economy."  Sound advice for the good and tough times alike.   Check out their site for other valuable research and resources.

"Giving Generously or Living Generously" is a great article about perspective on giving and living generously.  Author Jay Link provides three characteristics that he as identified of individuals who model a life of living generously.

 Books (back to top)

	Generations: The Challenge of a Lifetime for Your Nonprofit by Peter C. Brinckerhoff Whether you are working with a Board, a Nonprofit staff, or consumers of Nonprofit services, this book will both frustrate and reward you.  "Generational change presents as many opportunities for nonprofits as challenges. In Generations: The Challenge of a Lifetime for Your Nonprofit, nonprofit mission expert Peter Brinckerhoff tells you what to expect and how to plan for it. From iPod policies to recruiting younger board members, Brinckerhoff shows how you can address generational trends, today, to keep your nonprofit organization relevant and able to meet the changing needs of your staff, volunteers, donors, and the community you serve."
	Innovation in Mission - Insights into Practical Innovations Creating Kingdom Impact by Jim Reapsome & Jon Hirst This book is a must read!  While your mission will stay the same, the vehicles and strategies utilized to work toward or achieve it must adjust and adapt with our changing world and environment - using innovation!  At one point in time, when the mission was transportation, trains were the tool and strategy utilized.  If focus had been on innovation and changing with the times and technology, might Delta Airlines instead have been known as B&O Airlines?
	A Faith & Culture Devotional by Kelly Monroe Kullberg & Lael Arrington "Kelly Monroe Kullberg and Lael Arrington weave together inspiration and illumination, engaging both heart and mind with each daily devotion. In this collection of short, accessible readings, Kullberg and Arrington explore significant ideas, people, and events from a Christian worldview, causing readers to wonder at the genius, power, and beauty of Jesus.  Learn and Grow with Christian Thought Leaders including: Dallas Willard, John Eldredge, Michael Behe, Frederica Matthews-Green, Darrell Bock, William Lane Craig, R. C. Sproul, Randy Alcorn. Scot McKnight"

Resources  (back to top)

• Fundraising

Today more than ever, we all need help with fundraising! You'll want to visit www.GoodSearch.com and take advantage of their FREE offer.  Utilizing the Yahoo search engine, 501c3 non-profits are able to utilize this site so that they are the beneficiary of advertising dollars!  After setting your organization up, direct everyone you know to go there, choose your organization as their "designated cause", and then each time they do a web search from GoodSearch, money will be donated back your direction!  Generate free money just for using a different site to do your searches!  It's just a little bit each time, but as we know, lots of littles equals a lot!

The CLiF Network (Christian Leaders in Fundraising Network) was established to unite the body of Christ by helping Christian organizations expand their good work and by providing an environment for fundraisers to encourage and assist one another in their roles.  CLiF is more than just a monthly meeting. It is an organization of people committed to seeing God’s name proclaimed throughout the earth. There are countless churches and Christian organizations committed to bringing gory to God in their own unique way. We want to learn from them!  CLiF seeks to be a place where fundraisers for Christian ministries meet together, pray together, partner together, and come together in ways not yet conceived to further God’s glory!

The mission of The Association of Fundraising Professionals is to advanced philanthropy through education, training, and advocacy.  While the National site is full of great resources, local chapters provide the opportunity for networking with leaders in your local fundraising community.  Most have monthly meetings with keynote speakers on a variety of topics and welcome visitors.