How to Save the World in Six (Not So Easy) Steps
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How to Save the World in Six (Not So Easy) Steps

Bringing Out the Best in Nonprofits

David Schizer
Post Hill, 2023
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8

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  • Eye Opening
  • Insider's Take
  • Inspiring

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The nonprofit sector plays an integral part in building a better world, as humanity attempts to navigate threats such as climate change. But many nonprofits are stymied by issues such as mediocrity, stagnation and even corruption, writes leading nonprofit scholar David Schizer. Fortunately, you can lead your nonprofit organization toward embodying its mission with the six steps laid out in Schizer’s inspiring guide. Learn how to leverage a clear strategic process, maintain momentum, choose the right projects to focus on, respond flexibly in the face of uncertainty, embrace transparency and create strong relationships with funders who believe in your cause. 

Summary

Nonprofits are crucial to “saving the world,” yet many are in need of a major transformation. 

“Saving the world” amid the complex challenges and distressing problems facing humanity today requires supporting nonprofits to do their best work. Nonprofits are critical players in helping societies navigate burning issues, ranging from climate change to racial justice. In the United States alone, nonprofits spend over $2.5 trillion each year, supported by the donations of millions of Americans, who find fulfillment in aligning themselves with organizations whose values and missions they believe in. However, many problems plague nonprofits today, ranging from professional misconduct to stagnation and mediocrity. 

Failing to advance your mission in the nonprofit sector is heartbreaking, but fortunately, not inevitable. If you’re a leader in the nonprofit sector, triggering the change needed to effectively pursue your mission can be achieved with a six-step process: plan, persevere, prioritize, pivot, publicize, and partner. Enacting these six steps may require a culture shift – it’s essential...

About the Author

David M. Schizer is a faculty member of Columbia Law School, where he became the youngest dean at 35. As a leading scholar of business law, nonprofits, tax and energy, he’s taught at Harvard, Yale, Hebrew University, the University of Tokyo, and other institutions. He has 25 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector, and served as CEO of the humanitarian organization JDC.

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