For A Good Cause: A Practical Guide to Giving Joyfully

(Paperback)

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For many volunteers, fundraising is a necessary evil, a dirty F-word that compels them to have uncomfortable conversations with their families and friends . . .
Through her work with countless female philanthropists, Diane Lebson discovered that there was no definitive guide volunteers and activists could turn to for guidance in navigating the day-to-day activities associated with doing good in the worldso she wrote one. Leveraging the skills and experiences she cultivated over more than twenty-five years as a nonprofit executive, board member, and consultant, For A Good Cause offers practical tips on how to do philanthropy. In chapters divided up by specific activitiessuch as serving on a board, advocating for a cause, starting your own philanthropic venture, becoming a fearless fundraiser, and more Diane offers practical advice on how to professionalize your philanthropic engagement and make a greater impact. Rounded out with information about best practices, checklists, and profiles of inspiring leaders, For A Good Cause is the do-gooders go-to resource for giving joyfully.

Reviews

As a trailblazer in womens philanthropy, Diane Lebson provides insightful advice on how to be intentional in your generosity. For A Good Cause illustrates what research at the Womens Philanthropy Institute has demonstrated--that women are drawn to an expanded definition of philanthropy that includes time, expertise, advocacy, networks and money, applying all of their resources to work for good. Readers seeking greater confidence in how to do good will benefit from the real-world lessons and decades of experience shared through Lebsons stories. Jeannie Infante Sager, Director of Indiana University Womens Philanthropy Institute We know from research that women dont resonate with the word philanthropist as it can be perceived as primarily the donation of money. Women know that they provide so much more than just treasure when they care about a good cause they also give their time, talent, testimony and ties. Yet this broader definition of philanthropy is rarely celebrated, leaving women to believe that their full support is not valued. Lebsons practical guide for womens engagement with charities lifts up and honors what women bring to the table as talented and thoughtful volunteers, leaders, donors and amplifiers of the mission. In addition, her plethora of stories and practical advice is a welcome aide to women as they consider the best approaches to benefit any cause they hold dear. Kathleen E. Loehr, author of Gender Matters: A Guide to Growing Womens Philanthropy In every encounter with Diane, I am always impressed (and motivated) by her energy and enthusiasm for supporting individuals to find joy in their philanthropic pursuits. Easier said than done! I am thrilled to see Diane articulate in word through her book, For A Good Cause: A Practical Guide to Giving Joyfully, the passion and practical steps anyone can take to embrace the sentiment of joyful giving. I believe truly that with her practical tips and relatable storytelling, you will feel confident and empowered to explore and expand your own philanthropic journey. Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, President and Board Member, Phi Sigma Sigma, Inc. and Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, and student in giving joyfully "In my many decades as a nonprofit CEO I can't remember reading a book that so comprehensively addresses all the facets of philanthropy from volunteers to donors to even starting your own nonprofit. Diane's contribution to the discourse reminds me that women have always worked hard to make the world a better place, now with For A Good Cause we have a guidebook to do it well and most important to do it joyfully. Bravo Diane! Lidia Soto-Harmon, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts Nation's Capital The definition of philanthropy is a desire to promote the welfare of others, yet it has tended to be seen as limited to fundraising for a charitable cause. Diane Lebsons new book For A Good Cause does a thorough and practical job of helping broaden that definition. She skillfully and with a very comfortably paced writing style introduces the reader to the many different ways you can do goodfrom serving on a board, to advocating for policy change, to making charitable contributions and so much more. What I found especially useful is her understanding of the importance of finding the right fit when you choose to engage in philanthropy. I highly recommend For A Good Cause if you are just getting started or if you have been a long-time philanthropist who is thinking of pursuing a new direction. Anne Dalton, Community Volunteer, Portland, Maine

Author Bio

Diane grew up as a first-generation American in Milford, Connecticut, the daughter of working-class, Polish immigrants who instilled in her a strong work ethic and desire to do good. After studying international relations in college, Diane stayed in Washington and began her nonprofit career on the national staff of United Way, the largest charity in the United States. Over the course of seventeen years, she managed United Ways national literacy program, directed the national board of trustees, and built a womens giving program that has to date raised over $1.5 billion and mobilized over 70,000 philanthropists. After leaving United Way, she went on to lead US fundraising operations for an international nongovernmental organization that served orphans and abandoned children, lead a public library foundation, serve as the Chief of Protocol at the US Embassy in Canberra, Australia, and lead the womens giving program for the American Red Cross. In 2018, she and her husband cofounded Evergreen Philanthropic Solutions, a national consultancy that helps nonprofit organizations, individuals, corporations, and foundations achieve their philanthropic goals. For more about Diane, please visit Evergreens website at www.evergreenphilanthropy.com. She lives in Camden, Maine.