Endowment

Public schools in the United States are faced with all kinds of funding challenges. Many are seeking creative ways to harness community support and increase funding availability, especially to fund "non-core" areas such as arts, in-service professional and paraprofessional training, athletics, and capital expenditures.

Over the last 20 years or so, about one-fourth of America's 16,000 school districts have established some form of endowment or private foundation (either district-wide or school-specific) to supplement other school revenue to meet identified needs and expand opportunities for students and teachers.

Rarely have I found a book on a specialized subject so accessible and easy to use. The book's authors take the reader through the process of conceptualizing, developing, and implementing a public school foundation, often using a plausible question and answer format to communicate concepts and steps in an almost conversational way.

The book assumes that the reader is an individual who is interested in starting a public school foundation -- a teacher, administrator, PTA or school board member. Two excellent points are made very early in the book. First, it doesn't take a lot of money to make a real impact in a school district -- $10 or $20 per student can translate into some very useful, innovative, and change-provoking projects. Second, it's not necessary to "front-load" a school foundation with lots of money in order to generate a trickle of grant awards. The enthusiasm of the anticipated reader is matched and bolstered by the authors' enthusiasm for the subject.

Creating Foundations for American Schools also addresses the issue of existing foundations that have lost momentum or otherwise failed to meet expectations. One of the real keys to success is building and maintaining interest and momentum behind the foundation and its mission. The importance of coordinating foundation activities with alumni associations and other school-based fundraising is discussed as well.

The appendices include a wealth of forms, checklists, sample letters, etc., to use in the foundation-building process. Appendix E was a real surprise -- an annual survey of state laws governing charitable solicitation, complete with contact information for each state's regulators.

This is a well-executed book on a timely subject. It deserves to be used -- not just on the shelf -- wherever public school foundations are in place or contemplated.

Public schools in the United States are faced with all kinds of funding challenges. Many are seeking creative ways to harness community support and increase funding availability, especially to fund "non-core" areas such as arts, in-service professional and paraprofessional training, athletics, and capital expenditures.

Over the last 20 years or so, about one-fourth of America's 16,000 school districts have established some form of endowment or private foundation (either district-wide or school-specific) to supplement other school revenue to meet identified needs and expand opportunities for students and teachers.

Rarely have I found a book on a specialized subject so accessible and easy to use. The book's authors take the reader through the process of conceptualizing, developing, and implementing a public school foundation, often using a plausible question and answer format to communicate concepts and steps in an almost conversational way.

The book assumes that the reader is an individual who is interested in starting a public school foundation -- a teacher, administrator, PTA or school board member. Two excellent points are made very early in the book. First, it doesn't take a lot of money to make a real impact in a school district -- $10 or $20 per student can translate into some very useful, innovative, and change-provoking projects. Second, it's not necessary to "front-load" a school foundation with lots of money in order to generate a trickle of grant awards. The enthusiasm of the anticipated reader is matched and bolstered by the authors' enthusiasm for the subject.

Creating Foundations for American Schools also addresses the issue of existing foundations that have lost momentum or otherwise failed to meet expectations. One of the real keys to success is building and maintaining interest and momentum behind the foundation and its mission. The importance of coordinating foundation activities with alumni associations and other school-based fundraising is discussed as well.

The appendices include a wealth of forms, checklists, sample letters, etc., to use in the foundation-building process. Appendix E was a real surprise -- an annual survey of state laws governing charitable solicitation, complete with contact information for each state's regulators.

This is a well-executed book on a timely subject. It deserves to be used -- not just on the shelf -- wherever public school foundations are in place or contemplated.

An absolutely wonderful and useful guide. Would highly recommend to anyone looking into philanthropy. How anyone can not have this is beyond me.

This is an invaluable reference work for anyone looking for information on the philanthropic world. However, there is 1 glaring omission: My brother, David G. Jacobs, is the Editor of this book, and is credited as such on the inside front cover. I don't know who this Jeffrey Falkenstein is, or why he is listed as "compiler". I felt I had to set the record straight on this item.

The book is very well written and strikes the right balance between portfolio math and a discussion of the various ideas in investment performance. I specialize in automating financial reports and this book explained what many of these reports were trying to do (but which, I now see, could do better). I spent ($$$) for this book (...) and it was well worth it. This book isn't about beating the market, it's about understanding the components of one's investment return. How much is related to the balance of the portfolio, the stock selection, the market's broad movement. Was the manager taking unnecessary risks? If he did well was it due more to the portfolio's balance or the market's movement. I also keep going back to this book, it's a great reference.

I've read a dozen grant writing books, and this one offers the whole package. Notable strengths of this book include:

1) Get the organization behind your fund raising effort. Barber hits where others miss by consistently illustrating the importance building support for your grant internally, throughout the organization. Only experienced grant writers know how important this is.

2) The dreaded budget. The bottom line in proposal evaluation is the budget. It must be easy to comprehend, be realistic and professional-looking. This book offers important tips on calculating overhead, in direct costs, and bottom-up budgeting that I have seen in no other grant writing text.

3) "Comprehensive Guide": This book (and accompanying disk) offers template materials as well as the historical and philosophical back ground of public funding and philanthropic giving. The book as a whole is important to understanding the nature of fund raising through grants while providing practical advice on how to get that important project funded.

I keep this book nearby and use often for reference.

This is a tiny book, but it is packed chock full of humor. I appreciate this book as one of the funniest I have ever read, and recommend it for anyone. The title is a bit unfortunate, as I think that it may scare off some potential readers (but...hey, I didn't see "Romancing the Stone" for a month after it came out for the same reason, so what do I know...!) There are even some actual hints for cleaning, from which men might actually benefit.

A must have for a humor minded bachelor, or a husband who refuses to clean....

Compiled and edited by Kief Schladweiler, The Foundation Center's Guide To Grantseeking On The Web 2003 Edition is a massively extensive, 852-page resource of 3,00 grantmaker websites, and offers up a wealth of information concerning corporate grantmaking, searchable databases, government funding sources, online journals and newsletters, guidance for seeking individual donors online, and so much more. A thoroughly accessible guidebook enhanced with screenshots, illustrations, and explicit instructions, The Foundation Center's Guide To Grantseeking On The Web 2003 Edition is justifiably a very highly recommended reference for both amateur and professional grant-seekers.

Newly revised and updated in a 2001 edition, The Foundation Center's Guide To Grantseeking On The Web is a massive, authoritative, all-encompassing reference, sporting 700+ pages densely packed with valuable information. Half of the volume is dedicated to teaching readers about how to take advantage of corporate giving information on the Web, and the second half lists countless foundations and charities on the Web that accept applications for grants and donations. Black-and-white illustrations of web sites and the like round out this unique and exceptional reference, which is a "must" for any grant-seeker in today's modern, technology-driven world.

This book is thorough and comprehensive in scope. It tells you exactly what you need to know to apply for a grant from the many organizations it lists. A good measure of its worth is that it's in its 11th update.

A must read for any activists. Easy to understand and yet effective.

This is the how-to book I wish I had written. It's perfect for activists, charities, government agencies, even PTAs! No one can sell an idea or cause better than the person who believes in it--this book gives you the basics and more on how to get your campaign or event in the news.

The most difficult task for any activist or organization is getting noticed. With an influx of so many news agencies and mediums it's hard getting noticed by reporters and editors.

This book shows you how to make your cause 'interesting' to those who matter in getting your message across: the Media.

You'll learn how to do several things like give speeches, create an identity, use props & mascots and more.

Although it could have probablly included more in-depth detail and 'how-to' it was certainly worth the investment.

Bottom Line: Worthwhile addition for any activist or their organization. Invaluable for the person in charge of making causes and campaigns noticed!

I've been a grantmaker for approximately five years now. During the course of my on-the-job training, I've heard certain maxims over and over again until they've become ingrained in my mind and in my responses to applicants for grant funds -- now, after reading this book, I actually understand the philosophies behind them.

Every grantseeker who bemoans the fact that foundations don't want to fund ongoing operating expenses should read this book simply for the explanation of the difference between charity and philanthropy and where foundations fit in.

Likewise, the tips on meeting etiquette, attributes of a good grant proposal, and top four reasons proposals are denied will benefit professionals on both sides of the proposal.

Had the opportunity to see the author speak -- if you get the same opportunity, don't pass it by.

Dr. Joel Orosz continues his tireless efforts on behalf of philanthropy and those interested in philanthropy in his current book.

The Insider's Guide to Grantmaking is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in seeking funds from a foundation, or anyone interested in a career in a foundation. His years of experience give both experienced and inexperienced readers a window into a sometimes-shadowy world. Orosz lets the light shine in a way that is understandable and justifiable.

This long over due body of work is a must have for everyone in the third sector and especially should be required reading for those working in and leading foundations.

It's an art, it's a science, and it doesn't need to be a mystery -- since there's no academic training for a career in philanthropy (it's harder than you think!) Insider Orosz bridges the gap with this warm and rewarding User's Guide.

Outsiders will read it for its clear-cut description of philanthropy worklife and practice; insiders will find themselves affirmed or inspired. Both will enjoy the author's mix of humor and scholarship. Sure to be a classic in its field.