RESOURCES

The BEST Project has a long list of resources about every aspect of nonprofit management, many of which are available online. Links to electronic resources are provided throughout this website. In addition there are many print resources available in the BEST office in the YWCA of Greater Flint. The bibliography is constantly being updated with new acquisitions. BEST staff, participating consultants, funders and agencies are welcome to check out resources during office hours. In addition, all community nonprofits are welcome to visit the BEST office and use the materials onsite. BEST agencies and consultants can login here to obtain recent workshop and professional development materials.

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BEST Information and Documentation

2007 TCC First and Second Cohort Evaluation Data PowerPoint of the 2007 BEST Project Evaluation including the full Pilot Project evaluation and the Second Cohort Assessment Phase results.
BEST Final Report and Roadmap This document describes the initial research and facilitation process that the FFC members engaged in before implementing BEST.
BEST Mission, Vision and Goals 2005-2007
FAQ: Administration This FAQ provides information about the administration of BEST.
FAQ: BEST This FAQ provides information about the structure of BEST programming.
FAQ: Consultants This FAQ provides information for potential consultants about BEST.
FAQ: Evaluation This FAQ provides information about the BEST approach to both micro- and macro-evaluation.
FAQ: Flint Funders Collaborative This FAQ provides information about the formation and current roles and responsiblities of the FFC.
FAQ: General Overview This document addresses frequently asked questions about the BEST Project.
FAQ: Nonprofits This FAQ provides information about eligibility and program structure for nonprofits in Genesee County.
Genesee County Nonprofit Survey Presentation 2007 PowerPoint presentation including a summary of the Nonprofit Survey administered by BEST in 2007.

BEST Tools and Templates

BEST Workshop: Due Diligence

The Due Diligence Tool Produced by LaPiana Associates, Inc. and sponsored by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations. This is a useful tool for Program Officers and Consultants.

Helpful Links for Agencies

Alliance for Nonprofit Management The Alliance for Nonprofit Management is the professional association of individuals and organizations devoted to improving the management and governance capacity of nonprofits - to assist nonprofits in fulfilling their mission.
Center for Nonprofit Management The Center for Nonprofit Management is a nonprofit organization committed to helping nonprofits enhance their results by providing education, consulting, research, performance evaluation, and recognition. At the Center, we focus on turning knowledge into action. CNM administers the internal and external quantitative survey for participating BEST agencies.
CompassPoint Nonprofit Services CompassPoint Nonprofit Services is a consulting, research, and training organization providing nonprofits with management tools, strategies, and resources to lead change in their communities.
Fieldstone Alliance Fielstone Alliance, formerly known as the Amhert H. Wilder Foundation, delivers consulting, publishing, training, network development, demonstration projects, and capacity building services for nonprofits and their communities.
Independent Sector Independent Sector is the leadership forum for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs committed to advancing the common good in America and around the world. This is a great resource for information about legislative changes that impact nonprofits and funders.
Larson Allen Public Service Group LarsonAllen's certified public accountants, consultants, and advisors are dedicated to providing quality results to you. They offer assurance, accounting, tax, consulting, and advisory services tailored to the needs of your industry.
Michigan Nonprofit Association The Michigan Nonprofit Association enhances the effectiveness of the Michigan nonprofit sector in serving society. The Michigan Nonprofit Association will be the premier organization advancing the nonprofit sector in Michigan.
NEW Center NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work) is a nonprofit organization located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that provides a variety of support services and resources to nonprofits in southeast Michigan. ResourceConnect is their online database for training and nonprofit management referrals and resources.
Society for Nonprofit Organization Since 1983, the Society has been providing nonprofit staff members, volunteers, and board members with affordable resources and information to work more effectively and efficiently towards accomplishing their mission.
TCC Group TCC Group is responsible for the evaluation of the BEST Project. Their mission is to develop strategies and programs that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations, philanthropies, and corporate citizenship programs to achieve social impact.

Helpful Links for Consultants

Alliance for Nonprofit Management The Alliance for Nonprofit Management is the professional association of individuals and organizations devoted to improving the management and governance capacity of nonprofits - to assist nonprofits in fulfilling their mission.

Helpful Links for Funders

Council on Foundations The Council on Foundations (COF) is a membership organization of more than 2,000 grantmaking foundations and giving programs worldwide. They provide leadership expertise, legal services and networking opportunities - among other services - to our members and to the general public.
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations Believing that grantmakers can only succeed when the nonprofits they support achieve meaningful results, GEO provides philanthropy's change agents with the resources, ideas and connections they need to make the greatest contribution to the nonprofits they invest in.
Independent Sector Independent Sector is the leadership forum for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs committed to advancing the common good in America and around the world. This is a great resource for information about legislative changes that impact nonprofits and funders.
Mary Reynolds Babcock (MRBF) Foundation Organizational Development Program The MRBF ssists people in the Southeastern US to build just and caring communities that nurture people, spur enterprise, bridge differences and foster fairness. Their grant programs were a part of the original research that formed the BESt Project.
Organizational Capacity Grants Initiative (OCGI) The mission of Peninsula Community Foundation® (PCF) is to connect people, ideas and resources for the common good. Today, PCF is one of the largest and fastest-growing community foundations in the country. They offer you the philanthropic, grantmaking, financial and tax expertise needed to engage in effective, inspired charitable giving. Their OCGI program was part of the initial research for the BEST Project.
Pew Cultural Management Initiative (PCMI) The Philadelphia Cultural Management Initiative (PCMI) offers access to knowledge and resources to strengthen the management and operations of cultural organizations in the five-county Philadelphia metropolitan area. Supported by Pew Charitable Trust, PCMI was a part of the initial research that formed the BEST Project.
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation: Nonprofit Management Fund The purposes of the Nonprofit Management Fund are to improve the management effectiveness and efficiency of nonprofit organizations and to increase the resources for nonprofit management in the greater Milwaukee area. Their programs were included in the initial research that formed the BEST Project.
The Unity Foundation of Maine The Unity Foundation is committed to building the management capacity of its three designated organizations and other nonprofits that are working in collaboration with them. Their work was included in the original research that formed the BEST Project.

Opportunities for Agencies

MICHIGAN NOW! Announces Grants for Agencies The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) will deliver training, technical assistance, and sub-grant awards to nonprofits throughout the state of Michigan through Michigan NOW!(Nonprofit Organizations Work!), a three-year federal Compassion Capital Fund grant to build the capacity of community-based and faith-based organizations with budgets of up to $500,000 per year.

Opportunities for Consultants

Alliance 2008 in Dearborn, MI: Call for Proposals Website link for Alliance Conference presenter proposals. Deadline for submissions is November 1, 2007.
Kellogg Action Lab College of Consultants Application Form