Social startup success How the best nonprofits launch, scale up, and make a difference

Grants for nonprofits are soaring as those who apply for them realize that these funds are necessary to keep an organization solvent. Janus, a lecturer at Stanford University, explains the concept of social entrepreneurship (how nonprofit organizations are developed, funded, and implemented) and provides strategies to get the funds needed for survival. Many suggestions may be common sense, such as measuring impact, funding experimentation, working collaboratively, and telling your story. Perhaps the most useful part of this slim volume is the appendix, which provides examples of successful social startups. Organizations such as Blue Engine are highlighted because of their ability to survive on the generosity of others, as is GiveWell, which helps many donors decide where to give. Will be popular in medium-sized to large public libraries that have grant-writing clientele.--Bulson, Christine Copyright 2018 Booklist

Asking why some social-justice startups flourish and others fail, Kelly, cofounder of a nonprofit that promotes gender equality, presents the trends unique to successful organizations in this no-nonsense, energetic guide to building a startup that both does well and does good. Kelly conducted a survey of newly founded organizations and tracked which ones reached organizational sustainability, which she defines as annually raising about $2 million. She found five key strategies responsible for the success of effective nonprofits: they all tested ideas thoroughly before seeking funding, measured impact from day one, funded experimentation through diversification, led collaboratively, and told compelling stories. Surprisingly, none of the successful startups indicated that their success was driven by a single brilliant idea or charismatic founder. Packed with clear, concrete advice and illustrated with profiles of effective leaders, Kelly provides comfort and direction for do-gooders leading startups, such as with reminders that they're not alone in their challenges. Though the audience is necessarily niche, Kelly hits her target perfectly, and this is a must-read for anyone who wants to combine a lucrative career with work for the greater good. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.