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Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy
Nonprofit leadership is messy.
Nonprofits leaders are optimistic by nature. They believe with time, energy, smarts, strategy and sheer will, they can change the world. But as staff or board leader, you know nonprofits present unique challenges. Too many cooks, not enough money, an abundance of passion. It's enough to make you feel overwhelmed and alone. The people you help need you to be successful. But there are so many obstacles: a micromanaging board that doesn't understand its true role; insufficient fundraising and donors who make unreasonable demands; unclear and inconsistent messaging and marketing; a leader who's a star in her sector but a difficult boss...
And yet, many nonprofits do thrive. Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership will show you how to do just that. Funny, honest, intensely actionable, and based on her decades of experience, this is the book Joan Garry wishes she had when she led GLAAD out of a financial crisis in 1997. Joan will teach you how to:
Build a powerhouse board Create an impressive and sustainable fundraising program Become seen as a 'workplace of choice' Be a compelling public face of your nonprofit This book will renew your passion for your mission and organization, and help you make a bigger difference in the world.
Nonprofits leaders are optimistic by nature. They believe with time, energy, smarts, strategy and sheer will, they can change the world. But as staff or board leader, you know nonprofits present unique challenges. Too many cooks, not enough money, an abundance of passion. It's enough to make you feel overwhelmed and alone. The people you help need you to be successful. But there are so many obstacles: a micromanaging board that doesn't understand its true role; insufficient fundraising and donors who make unreasonable demands; unclear and inconsistent messaging and marketing; a leader who's a star in her sector but a difficult boss...
And yet, many nonprofits do thrive. Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership will show you how to do just that. Funny, honest, intensely actionable, and based on her decades of experience, this is the book Joan Garry wishes she had when she led GLAAD out of a financial crisis in 1997. Joan will teach you how to:
Build a powerhouse board Create an impressive and sustainable fundraising program Become seen as a 'workplace of choice' Be a compelling public face of your nonprofit This book will renew your passion for your mission and organization, and help you make a bigger difference in the world.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2017
126 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 6, 2017
Like Joan, I was an executive director for eight years. Like Joan, I made the decision to transition out of that role, but still remain very involved with nonprofit work. And like Joan, I've encountered almost every single problem she highlights in her book while a part of the nonprofit world as staff, senior leadership and/or as a board member. But unlike Joan, I haven't yet written a book that is so funny, so informative, so insightful, that will trigger a cavalcade of the old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs going off. So many went off in the course of my reading this book that it would be a true environmental hazard were so many to be illuminated simultaneously.
Joan's central theme is that nonprofits are inherently messy. So much time is spent, however, in the nonprofit world complaining about the mess: if only we had more money...more staff...more time...more resources. Or decrying the mess: why isn't this getting done? why isn't this person perfect? why isn't there more money in the bank? why isn't the world saved already? As a nonprofit leader, if I had that dollar for every time I kicked myself for why something wasn't better, well, let's just say my nonprofit wouldn't have been nearly so messy. But even though this mess is inherent to the sector, and many nonprofit leaders are drawn to the work because they are especially talented at restoring order from chaos, the relentless and demoralizing fear of failure prevents nonprofit leaders -- staff and board -- from moving forward boldly, from taking inherently risky action, and from accomplishing what is needed to advance their mission. There are only so many hours in the day, and if you can't efficiently focus them on taking positive action instead of wallowing in the mess, then you're losing a real opportunity that you can never regain in the same way.
Joan's book shows you that you're not alone -- that there are millions of other people who have experienced similar fears and concerns -- and there are some simple and practical ways to move forward without the typical paralysis. Boards should make reading this book a requirement of board service, before the meeting attendance, committee service, and fundraising requirements, because all of those will be infinitely better informed once you've had this book to orient you about the world you're a part of, but may not fully understand. And if you're another executive director or senior manager, and you don't have this book read by April Fool's Day, then you're the fool....it might be committing malpractice to have this book at your disposal yet not read it. I nearly killed a set of Post-It note flags tagging each page I want to come back to, or which generated an "a-ha" moment. And I plan to pass my marked-up version on to a colleague so that I can remember to pass on everything I'd like her to think about. (Maybe I should buy her a non-marked-up copy first? Hell, maybe I'll buy one for every board member who agrees to read it in March.)
I couldn't be more honest and genuine when I say that if you want to understand the nonprofit world better, and do your job as a board or staff member better, you have to read this book. And every minute you delay is a minute that you could be spending making your nonprofit better -- which is (or should be) making the world better, right? So many of us in the progressive world have been filled with despair since the election, and feeling like all our efforts have been in vain. But nonprofits don't have the luxury of wallowing or living in denial, and are often staffed by people who are very bad at self-care and boundaries. So read this book, and figure out what you and your tribe can do to support all the very important battles before us, now and in the days ahead.
[I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.]
Joan's central theme is that nonprofits are inherently messy. So much time is spent, however, in the nonprofit world complaining about the mess: if only we had more money...more staff...more time...more resources. Or decrying the mess: why isn't this getting done? why isn't this person perfect? why isn't there more money in the bank? why isn't the world saved already? As a nonprofit leader, if I had that dollar for every time I kicked myself for why something wasn't better, well, let's just say my nonprofit wouldn't have been nearly so messy. But even though this mess is inherent to the sector, and many nonprofit leaders are drawn to the work because they are especially talented at restoring order from chaos, the relentless and demoralizing fear of failure prevents nonprofit leaders -- staff and board -- from moving forward boldly, from taking inherently risky action, and from accomplishing what is needed to advance their mission. There are only so many hours in the day, and if you can't efficiently focus them on taking positive action instead of wallowing in the mess, then you're losing a real opportunity that you can never regain in the same way.
Joan's book shows you that you're not alone -- that there are millions of other people who have experienced similar fears and concerns -- and there are some simple and practical ways to move forward without the typical paralysis. Boards should make reading this book a requirement of board service, before the meeting attendance, committee service, and fundraising requirements, because all of those will be infinitely better informed once you've had this book to orient you about the world you're a part of, but may not fully understand. And if you're another executive director or senior manager, and you don't have this book read by April Fool's Day, then you're the fool....it might be committing malpractice to have this book at your disposal yet not read it. I nearly killed a set of Post-It note flags tagging each page I want to come back to, or which generated an "a-ha" moment. And I plan to pass my marked-up version on to a colleague so that I can remember to pass on everything I'd like her to think about. (Maybe I should buy her a non-marked-up copy first? Hell, maybe I'll buy one for every board member who agrees to read it in March.)
I couldn't be more honest and genuine when I say that if you want to understand the nonprofit world better, and do your job as a board or staff member better, you have to read this book. And every minute you delay is a minute that you could be spending making your nonprofit better -- which is (or should be) making the world better, right? So many of us in the progressive world have been filled with despair since the election, and feeling like all our efforts have been in vain. But nonprofits don't have the luxury of wallowing or living in denial, and are often staffed by people who are very bad at self-care and boundaries. So read this book, and figure out what you and your tribe can do to support all the very important battles before us, now and in the days ahead.
[I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.]
September 6, 2017
Although the messaging of the book felt right and insightful, the sloppy editing and strange formatting gave me the the impression this was a quickly written "brain dump" that sacrificed a deep readability editing process for getting the book out and money in. For example, there are little "excerpt" boxes every few pages that repeat a sentence in a nearby paragraph. Why? This is not a magazine I'm flipping through, trying to decide which article to read by the pull-out quotes. I just read that sentence. Why do I need to read it again, just a little bigger and off to the side? Just make it bold if you want to emphasize it and use those boxes to give me detailed case studies or some interesting facts or something.
On one page, an entire paragraph is repeated. As a reader, that lack of attention to detail makes me question if my source is actually reputable since there wasn't enough of an editing process to catch something as obvious as that.
There were also times it became obvious that sections got moved around: Garry uses slang and phrases that don't get explained when they're first used- and then an explanation shows up three chapters later. A little too late for me.
Finally, I know many people enjoy the personal style Garry has, but for me, that style is strongest is blog form. A book offers the opportunity to go more in depth, provide detailed case studies (not general summaries), explore this angle- then that one- and not mix them together in a confusing way. For example, one minute you're the ED leaving and the next you're the board chair losing the ED. This made tracking the examples and identifying the relevancy of the points being offered difficult.
Again, the advice and messaging seemed right, but the editing left me feeling like someone just printed out a bunch of blog posts and bound them together, which diluted the power of the messaging. I'm sorry that a great resource such as Joan Garry doesn't come through strongly in book form.
On one page, an entire paragraph is repeated. As a reader, that lack of attention to detail makes me question if my source is actually reputable since there wasn't enough of an editing process to catch something as obvious as that.
There were also times it became obvious that sections got moved around: Garry uses slang and phrases that don't get explained when they're first used- and then an explanation shows up three chapters later. A little too late for me.
Finally, I know many people enjoy the personal style Garry has, but for me, that style is strongest is blog form. A book offers the opportunity to go more in depth, provide detailed case studies (not general summaries), explore this angle- then that one- and not mix them together in a confusing way. For example, one minute you're the ED leaving and the next you're the board chair losing the ED. This made tracking the examples and identifying the relevancy of the points being offered difficult.
Again, the advice and messaging seemed right, but the editing left me feeling like someone just printed out a bunch of blog posts and bound them together, which diluted the power of the messaging. I'm sorry that a great resource such as Joan Garry doesn't come through strongly in book form.
March 6, 2017
Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership book is WONDERFUL!
Thank you for telling it like it is but also having practical real-world advice. The tagline is "because nonprofits are messy" but most of the leadership advice is applicable to any industry.
It’s also helped me think about what I need to add to my own leadership skills to be ready to be a Development Director. I very much recognize myself in the Type A superwoman descriptions.
I recommend the book to all of my friends in the nonprofit space!
I promise, it's a book on leadership with actually helpful advice that acknowledges that nonprofits are constantly in scarcity mentality and working with volunteers for board leadership.
Thank you for telling it like it is but also having practical real-world advice. The tagline is "because nonprofits are messy" but most of the leadership advice is applicable to any industry.
It’s also helped me think about what I need to add to my own leadership skills to be ready to be a Development Director. I very much recognize myself in the Type A superwoman descriptions.
I recommend the book to all of my friends in the nonprofit space!
I promise, it's a book on leadership with actually helpful advice that acknowledges that nonprofits are constantly in scarcity mentality and working with volunteers for board leadership.
March 6, 2017
As a former Executive Director (two intense experiences), I say without any hesitation that I wish I had been given this book before (or during) the time that I held these positions. Having these words of insight and wisdom would have been both incredibly helpful and both a wonderful resource and comfort during difficult and challenging times.
Joan Garry, much like Beth Kanter, another leader in the field of non-profit management, is a truth teller and one who shines her lights into the dark corners of how non-profits operate and how they can thrive. She helps show more clearly how things can go off the rails and ways in which non-profits might improve their processes. Joan provides her guidance with levity and through stories that help you understand and absorb the lesson. Learning that you are not alone as you face the struggles that confront all Executive Directors is a great comfort. While we all might want to see ourselves as Superman, Joan correctly points out that we might better aspire to be more like Kermit the Frog, as non-profit management can be messy.
Her book provides tools and approaches to make your work more engaging and meaningful, and your communication more clear and compelling. Just as Beth Kanter helped us understand the impact social media can have in building communities of support and helping organizations achieve greater transparency, Joan shows us the critical importance of the well functioning non-profit. She highlights the relationship between an Executive Director and a Board Chair, and how it can either strengthen the organization or set it off on a lesser path. Both Joan and Beth agree on the need for authenticity.
Joan has been in our shoes and speaks from personal experience both as an Executive Director and as a mentor/trainer who has helped many of the leading lights of the non-profit world achieve greater success. This book is a fun and great how-to guide for new and long-serving Executive Directors on how to improve the functioning of their agencies and their board. She helps inspire us to overcome our fear of asking for money (not an easy task) and does it all with humor and kindness.
Buy this book for your friends who are Executive Directors, who aspire to run non-profit organizations, who chair Boards of Directors or who are considering joining a Board. This book will help them do their job, and do it well. It is a fun fast read with real insights. I highly recommend it.
Joan Garry, much like Beth Kanter, another leader in the field of non-profit management, is a truth teller and one who shines her lights into the dark corners of how non-profits operate and how they can thrive. She helps show more clearly how things can go off the rails and ways in which non-profits might improve their processes. Joan provides her guidance with levity and through stories that help you understand and absorb the lesson. Learning that you are not alone as you face the struggles that confront all Executive Directors is a great comfort. While we all might want to see ourselves as Superman, Joan correctly points out that we might better aspire to be more like Kermit the Frog, as non-profit management can be messy.
Her book provides tools and approaches to make your work more engaging and meaningful, and your communication more clear and compelling. Just as Beth Kanter helped us understand the impact social media can have in building communities of support and helping organizations achieve greater transparency, Joan shows us the critical importance of the well functioning non-profit. She highlights the relationship between an Executive Director and a Board Chair, and how it can either strengthen the organization or set it off on a lesser path. Both Joan and Beth agree on the need for authenticity.
Joan has been in our shoes and speaks from personal experience both as an Executive Director and as a mentor/trainer who has helped many of the leading lights of the non-profit world achieve greater success. This book is a fun and great how-to guide for new and long-serving Executive Directors on how to improve the functioning of their agencies and their board. She helps inspire us to overcome our fear of asking for money (not an easy task) and does it all with humor and kindness.
Buy this book for your friends who are Executive Directors, who aspire to run non-profit organizations, who chair Boards of Directors or who are considering joining a Board. This book will help them do their job, and do it well. It is a fun fast read with real insights. I highly recommend it.
December 25, 2017
Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership is one of the better books on how to become an effective leader. I liked how she opened the book asking who do you, the Reader, believe would make the better leader: Superman, Spiderman, Gumby or Kermit the Frog. You’d be surprised at what your answer will yield.
January 2, 2022
I listened to this as an audiobook and found it good as the author's voice is very commanding and in that it gave a feeling of being solid and strong advice.
If I was to read it I think I would put it down and not pick it up again as the first few chapters seem like she is trying to warm up to you. That said the second part of the book tends to have tangible advice and examples which I found helpful.
I have not read other nonprofit books, therefore I cannot judge this against others.
If I was to read it I think I would put it down and not pick it up again as the first few chapters seem like she is trying to warm up to you. That said the second part of the book tends to have tangible advice and examples which I found helpful.
I have not read other nonprofit books, therefore I cannot judge this against others.
March 7, 2017
Joan Garry. Have you heard of her? I hadn’t until very recently. Stefanie, fellow board member and chair at Triad Ladder of Hope, had shared one of Joan’s blog posts with me. I remember thinking to myself, "This is spot-on! She's right!" I had to know WHO this woman was! I immediately clicked over to her website, and after browsing a bit, I realized she was offering (at no charge) something I was looking for: wisdom gleaned from years in the trenches of leadership—both corporate and nonprofit.
Y’all know how much I love to learn from others, especially experts in their field, so I “liked” her Facebook page, followed her on Twitter, and soon began receiving tidbits of wisdom that were both enjoyable to read and seemed to hit the mark regarding the ups and downs of volunteer leadership. Every. Single. Time.
Following her closely afforded me a neat opportunity: I was invited to receive a pre-release copy of her new book Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy
in exchange for an honest review. Sign me up! 
Nonprofits Are Messy
Joan Garry is a compassionate truth teller who holds her wisdom with an open hand. She entered the nonprofit arena after fourteen years in executive positions in corporate entertainment (she was part of the management team who launched MTV back when I was in high school). The decision to leave corporate America and take on a leadership position at a struggling nonprofit (GLAAD) shocked many, but her passion for the cause and her amazing skills were exactly what the organization needed. Not only did she grow the organization’s bottom line from only $360 in its checking account to over $1.5 million in cash reserves and an $8 million budget—which is pretty amazing for someone who had ZERO fundraising experience—she also leveraged her leadership skills to exponentially expand the organization’s influence by effectively managing volunteer corps, leadership teams, and a paid staff of 40 employees. The organization became an internationally-recognized force to be reckoned with!
Joan currently consults with nonprofit leaders coaching them through crisis management, providing executive coaching, and building strong management teams to support the work of the CEO. She also teaches nonprofit media strategy at the University of Pennsylvania, and is a blogger for The Huffington Post.
Wisdom Gleaned from Years of Experience
Now, isn’t she someone you’d love to meet and pick her brain for ideas that might work in your own organization? To get input about a recurring conflict within your Board? To ask her how she found success as an Executive Director of a nonprofit when she’d had NO fundraising experience? To learn if she’d do anything differently? Well, guess what? You can!
Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy is Joan’s gift to the nonprofit leader (current or aspiring). It is written in such a way that you feel like you’re sitting right across the table from her having a conversation about your own organization. She anticipates your questions and answers them with candor and compassion. Offering insights from both her own personal experience and her experience as a nonprofit consultant, she will explain why certain practices work and others fail miserably. Read it with a highlighter at the ready. You’ll be highlighting nuggets like this:
“The board you have is the board you build.” (p. 57)
“A great strategy conversation should breathe life into the organization.” (p. 71)
“Fundraising is about an invitation to join you in the remarkable work you do.” (p. 89)
“Don’t ever assume that a person with capacity should give to your cause.” (p. 98)
“Leadership is not about making people happy—it’s about making decisions that are in clear alignment with the mission and values of your organization. And a lack of clarity can ignite a crisis.” (p. 163)
Joan’s advice to nonprofit leaders is founded on bedrock principles of integrity, respect, authenticity, transparency, and proactivity—all of which are guaranteed to move your mission forward in the most ethical manner possible. As a supplement to her book, Joan has provided a slew of free downloads on her website (referenced throughout) which will allow the reader to immediately implement many of her recommendations.
Practical, Proven Leadership Techniques
Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy an excellent resource and a “must read” for anyone who intends to step into leadership in ANY nonprofit organization (including churches)! If you’re easily offended, put on your Depends® and read it anyway—seeing life through someone else’s eyes can be beneficial and keep us humble. Joan’s authenticity and compassion shine through her writing. You can tell she lives what she believes. And what she believes is this:
And she’s right. Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy is the best “thank you” I’ve received in a long time because it’s filled with tips to make my leadership much more effective. I highly recommend it.
Side note: There are a few typos and formatting issues that I would recommend they fix before reprinting (and I’m positive this book will go into reprint), but none of them are obtrusive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Y’all know how much I love to learn from others, especially experts in their field, so I “liked” her Facebook page, followed her on Twitter, and soon began receiving tidbits of wisdom that were both enjoyable to read and seemed to hit the mark regarding the ups and downs of volunteer leadership. Every. Single. Time.
Following her closely afforded me a neat opportunity: I was invited to receive a pre-release copy of her new book Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy
in exchange for an honest review. Sign me up! Nonprofits Are Messy
I’ve just finished reading Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy
Joan Garry is a compassionate truth teller who holds her wisdom with an open hand. She entered the nonprofit arena after fourteen years in executive positions in corporate entertainment (she was part of the management team who launched MTV back when I was in high school). The decision to leave corporate America and take on a leadership position at a struggling nonprofit (GLAAD) shocked many, but her passion for the cause and her amazing skills were exactly what the organization needed. Not only did she grow the organization’s bottom line from only $360 in its checking account to over $1.5 million in cash reserves and an $8 million budget—which is pretty amazing for someone who had ZERO fundraising experience—she also leveraged her leadership skills to exponentially expand the organization’s influence by effectively managing volunteer corps, leadership teams, and a paid staff of 40 employees. The organization became an internationally-recognized force to be reckoned with!
Joan currently consults with nonprofit leaders coaching them through crisis management, providing executive coaching, and building strong management teams to support the work of the CEO. She also teaches nonprofit media strategy at the University of Pennsylvania, and is a blogger for The Huffington Post.
Wisdom Gleaned from Years of Experience
Now, isn’t she someone you’d love to meet and pick her brain for ideas that might work in your own organization? To get input about a recurring conflict within your Board? To ask her how she found success as an Executive Director of a nonprofit when she’d had NO fundraising experience? To learn if she’d do anything differently? Well, guess what? You can!
Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy
is Joan’s gift to the nonprofit leader (current or aspiring). It is written in such a way that you feel like you’re sitting right across the table from her having a conversation about your own organization. She anticipates your questions and answers them with candor and compassion. Offering insights from both her own personal experience and her experience as a nonprofit consultant, she will explain why certain practices work and others fail miserably. Read it with a highlighter at the ready. You’ll be highlighting nuggets like this:“The board you have is the board you build.” (p. 57)
“A great strategy conversation should breathe life into the organization.” (p. 71)
“Fundraising is about an invitation to join you in the remarkable work you do.” (p. 89)
“Don’t ever assume that a person with capacity should give to your cause.” (p. 98)
“Leadership is not about making people happy—it’s about making decisions that are in clear alignment with the mission and values of your organization. And a lack of clarity can ignite a crisis.” (p. 163)
Joan’s advice to nonprofit leaders is founded on bedrock principles of integrity, respect, authenticity, transparency, and proactivity—all of which are guaranteed to move your mission forward in the most ethical manner possible. As a supplement to her book, Joan has provided a slew of free downloads on her website (referenced throughout) which will allow the reader to immediately implement many of her recommendations.
Practical, Proven Leadership Techniques
Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy
an excellent resource and a “must read” for anyone who intends to step into leadership in ANY nonprofit organization (including churches)! If you’re easily offended, put on your Depends® and read it anyway—seeing life through someone else’s eyes can be beneficial and keep us humble. Joan’s authenticity and compassion shine through her writing. You can tell she lives what she believes. And what she believes is this:"It is a privilege to have a leadership role in a nonprofit. It is a joy to have the opportunity to dedicate your skills, life experience, time, energy, and passion to a cause you care deeply about…the work is tough and often thankless." (pg.211)
And she’s right. Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because Nonprofits Are Messy
is the best “thank you” I’ve received in a long time because it’s filled with tips to make my leadership much more effective. I highly recommend it.Side note: There are a few typos and formatting issues that I would recommend they fix before reprinting (and I’m positive this book will go into reprint), but none of them are obtrusive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 17, 2025
Joan is an expert and her advice stands the test of time. I’m a fan. Required reading for Spertus MAJPS.
October 10, 2017
I think there was a lot of beneficial insight provided by Joan in this book which I will definitely be taking to heart. However, my biggest issue was the general lack of specific information - and perhaps my ask is a little too much. I felt she was able to identify issues I deeply feel and identify with from my experiences with non-profits but then she didn't necessarily provide much of a solution. For example, she discusses a non-profit that has very little funds and then suggests the non-profit diversify its revenue. This is a little "101" in my mind but definitely something to take to heart...but then... that's it. No real additional follow-up to how you diversify your revenue. No tangible, concrete takeaways.
In fairness, at the same time I did find a lot of great ideas like having valued members of the community underwrite events at their home or office and use that smaller, more intimate setting as a way of conversing with potential donors and volunteers. I was reminded that a lot of people feel awkward asking their contacts for money so a good non-profit leader makes sure to remind everyone that they are not alone and that the leader (i.e. Executive Director) can make the ask... they just need an introduction first.
I think Joan's guide is valuable and certainly is an important read for anyone who lives in the world of non-profits. I think the things she does on social media is great! And I definitely think her blog helps point me in the right direction. If you need someone to remind you what the trees look like while you're lost in the forest - this is the book for you. If you're finding yourself in need of more tangible help...maybe a consultant to actually work through your problems would be more valuable (and with that I would recommend looking into Joan - if she's affordable, I'm sure she's wonderful!). This book does not present specifics. This book cannot really give you all the answers you need. But it is very much a good guide.
In fairness, at the same time I did find a lot of great ideas like having valued members of the community underwrite events at their home or office and use that smaller, more intimate setting as a way of conversing with potential donors and volunteers. I was reminded that a lot of people feel awkward asking their contacts for money so a good non-profit leader makes sure to remind everyone that they are not alone and that the leader (i.e. Executive Director) can make the ask... they just need an introduction first.
I think Joan's guide is valuable and certainly is an important read for anyone who lives in the world of non-profits. I think the things she does on social media is great! And I definitely think her blog helps point me in the right direction. If you need someone to remind you what the trees look like while you're lost in the forest - this is the book for you. If you're finding yourself in need of more tangible help...maybe a consultant to actually work through your problems would be more valuable (and with that I would recommend looking into Joan - if she's affordable, I'm sure she's wonderful!). This book does not present specifics. This book cannot really give you all the answers you need. But it is very much a good guide.
January 1, 2022
One of the most challenging aspect as a Nonprofit executive is working with the Board of Directors. This book does a great job with providing usable tips and advices on how to make the process of working with an NGO Board easier. It gives a clear layout of roles and responsibility which believe it or not is not commonly known by Board members within the nonprofit sector. For anyone who is in a CEO or ED role for a nonprofit, this is a must read!
July 24, 2022
Along with Joan Garry's podcast, where many of the topics discussed in the book are discussed in more detail with other nonprofit professionals, this book is an excellent resource for both nonprofit professionals in leadership, nonprofit board members, and those interested in learning more about running a successful nonprofit organization. I highly recommend keeping this book close by for reference in tough situations. 10/10 read!
August 10, 2018
Joan has some incredibly salient points and tips in this book about reconnecting to your organization's mission (even FedEx staff have a meaningful mission with personal stories to share about it!) and the crucial role a nonprofit board plays in any organization's success.
This will serve as a reference book for me as I develop my work as a fundraiser.
This will serve as a reference book for me as I develop my work as a fundraiser.
April 24, 2020
Indispensable wisdom for the nonprofit world
Oh how I wish I'd had this book and Joan's blog when I moved into nonprofit leadership. This is deeply insightful wisdom from the field. And besides being chock full of great, actionable advice, it's absolutely hilarious. Joan is the role model you really want to have lunch with.
Oh how I wish I'd had this book and Joan's blog when I moved into nonprofit leadership. This is deeply insightful wisdom from the field. And besides being chock full of great, actionable advice, it's absolutely hilarious. Joan is the role model you really want to have lunch with.
December 10, 2019
as a co-founder and leader of a small non-profit, this book has been inspiring and reassuring, with tons of great ideas for me to bring back to my board.
July 30, 2017
Insightful and useful
I'm currently serving on a board, am a staff person for another board, and have served on two other national boards in the past. But it's sad to admit that this is my first time reading anything about non-profit boards. Typically my participation on boards has involved attending meetings, carrying out responsibilities, and doing presentation. I never read about how boards should function and how they can improve.
Because of the role I've taken on my present board, I need to learn more about marketing strategies for nonprofits, but I'm glad I read this book first because it provides me insight about what boards should be doing, and what are the challenges non-profit boards face.
Though this book is mainly for executive directors, anyone who works with or serves on a board will gain some insight from this book, especially if your board is dealing many of the challenges Garry describes.
The various anecdotes she shares make the book very readable, but sometimes I wanted more straight forward recommendations. Nonetheless, this guide is very useful.
I'm currently serving on a board, am a staff person for another board, and have served on two other national boards in the past. But it's sad to admit that this is my first time reading anything about non-profit boards. Typically my participation on boards has involved attending meetings, carrying out responsibilities, and doing presentation. I never read about how boards should function and how they can improve.
Because of the role I've taken on my present board, I need to learn more about marketing strategies for nonprofits, but I'm glad I read this book first because it provides me insight about what boards should be doing, and what are the challenges non-profit boards face.
Though this book is mainly for executive directors, anyone who works with or serves on a board will gain some insight from this book, especially if your board is dealing many of the challenges Garry describes.
The various anecdotes she shares make the book very readable, but sometimes I wanted more straight forward recommendations. Nonetheless, this guide is very useful.
November 25, 2019
This is a phenomenal resource, be you an executive leader or on a nonprofit board. Garry covers every pertinent topic needed to run a nonprofit well. Her writing style is personable and approachable. She is not afraid to share the good, bad & ugly of her experiences. Grounding everything in real life examples is incredibly satisfying. This book ought to be given to every ED/CEO as well as every board chair!
December 28, 2020
Highlight recommended reading for all non-profit leaders. Joan's blogs, non-profit leadership lab group, and podcasts are often very useful and insightful, and the book is a practical addition with everything in one place for Executive Directors and board members of non-profits - or those considering one of these leadership roles.
May 16, 2021
I love Joan Garry - she is funny, real and practical. This is a must-read for any nonprofit leader. I wish we had more books like this with genuine care and valuable time-tested advice, specifically about board service. I believe she recently updated this to a new edition, and I am excited to check it out. Joan also has a podcast that is great, too!
July 10, 2021
I'm always looking for great resources for small business owners and nonprofit leaders. As a Business Librarian, I want to make sure I lead people toward resources that are growth-oriented. This book is a great source for learning about organizational evaluation and sustainability while keeping the heart of nonprofit work front and center.
March 17, 2023
After feeling overwhelmed by board work and how to succeed in my role - this book was the breath I needed to reinspire me and help me find direction. Garry makes the reader feel like they're not alone, no matter how bad the situation seems, and gives tangible and feasible suggestions to find and move in a better directions.
February 6, 2018
Clear, concise and full of useful information
Worth the time investment. Thoughtful approach to an important topic that professionals and lay leaders alike can benefit from over time.
Worth the time investment. Thoughtful approach to an important topic that professionals and lay leaders alike can benefit from over time.
June 24, 2019
Good leadership and affirmation of decision-making for board chairs and EDs, but sometimes I couldn't tell to which audience the advice was directed--the distinction & delineation which is, after all, at the heart of the book's intent.
July 17, 2020
Non fiction and work related are not my usual vacation reads but this was funny, engaging, and prompted me to take notes! I have ideas for my next two meetings thanks to this one, it was worth giving it space in my vacation.
May 8, 2022
This was interesting and full of helpful tips. As other reviewers have mentioned, it is a bit disorganized and topics can veer off in surprising directions at times. It is still valuable, but not straightforward.
December 10, 2024
This book is very narrowly written for executive directors and development managers. If you’re not either of the above with a lot of fundraising and board management demands, you’re better suited picking up a book on coaching or systems thinking.
June 6, 2017
Direct, solid, practical advice for board chairs and executive directors. Bonus: good templates.
July 25, 2018
I loved the humor, honesty, and support woven into the stories and practical applications provided in this book that is sure to help any nonprofit leader be a rock star.
September 6, 2018
Think I may end up buying this one! Took a ton of notes
October 30, 2018
Joan Garry proves that she truly is a nonprofit expert. Great tips for newbies and those who have worked in the nonprofit sector for years.
August 26, 2019
Clear, engaging writing with interesting anecdotes and practical advice. I love Joan Garry!
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