THE NONPROFIT DILEMMA

Armijo offers a handbook for workers in the nonprofit field.

In his nonfiction debut, the author draws on his years of experience as a nonprofit leader to distill some basic operating principles to guide others seeking to make their mark in that world. Emphasizing the importance of leadership (Armijo sounds the call for “Passionate leaders who thoughtfully motivate their employees and effectively partner to advance their organization and its cause” and “Leaders who are catalysts for change”), the book is aimed at aspiring leaders, established executives, and board members and trustees, providing advice on a range of tough problems nonprofits face. These challenges span governance issues and securing grants to building effective partnerships with allied organizations. Nonprofits with similar goals are all chasing the same finite amount of grant money; Armijo sketches a number of approaches to this competitive endeavor. The author also outlines helpful strategies for changing a nonprofit’s purpose, dealing with nonprofit tax issues, and getting the best results out of workers (including the “brilliant jerk” who seems to crop up in every organization). He effectively breaks down his information with bullet points, graphs and other illustrations, and discussion questions. No matter what level of involvement readers have with nonprofits, they’ll find plenty of persuasive thinking in these pages. A standout element is Armijo’s compassionate tone: He notes that nonprofits attract kind, caring people (which can sometimes constrain organizational effectiveness when it comes to delivering necessary frank feedback) and insists that the key ingredient in effective nonprofit leadership is love, which “will bolster your energy and resilience, and it will drive you to work more purposefully and collaboratively. Your integrity as a leader comes from recognizing and embracing that love.” Readers drawn to the nonprofit world will appreciate this empathetic approach.

Clearly written and compassionate guidance for nonprofit leaders.