Business books

"Nonprofit Nonsense & Common Sense" is probably the best thing written on the subject, and the pragmatic advice for anyone interested is compelling.”
- Dick Voell, Former President & Chief Executive Officer, The Rockefeller Group, Former Chariman, The Business Council for the United Nations

"Finally someone writes an honest book about what's really happening in many nonprofits today. It avoids the vague answers associated with political correctness and offers wonderfully constructive advice on resolving some of the most sensitive of problems." - Michael Stoops, Executive Director, National Coalition for the Homeless

Nonprofit Nonsense and Common Sense is about “in the trenches” experiences that may bring some “Ahaa” moments or “And I thought I was the only one” epiphanies to those now in the nonprofit field (including church work).

The book offers composites of some of the nonsense carried on in nonprofit organizations but then offers alternatives to correcting the nonsense with some common sense alternatives. The author avoids politically correctness, steps on some sensitive toes and confronts some sacred cows. But it’s done with a sense of honesty and a desire for understanding and healing, with more than a touch of humor.

It faces off the too common tensions in nonprofit organization staffs, between the CEO and the board, between the fundraisers and their donors and all the things that can (and frequently do) go wrong. It speaks to the common sense of humility vs. arrogance, the need to listen, and the need for conversational sensitivity.

Marshall McNott in his new book Nonprofit Nonsense and Common Sense has provided a valuable service to the Leadership Staff and Board of Directors of Non Profit organizations, to the supporters of these programs, and to Foundations considering applications for grants.

McNott has chosen to use composite examples and sometimes fictional illustrations to provide suggestions for successful guidelines and principles.

He begins by providing donors with “enlightenment questions” to ask. I appreciated Marshall’s candid approach in guiding the reader through the many sides of fundraising, motivation, ethics of stewardship, and absolute integrity in every area of operation.

A long career in Management in working with non-profit organizations, as well as a wide variety of related roles—board member, consultant, and “servant”—Marshall McNott knows every facet of non-profit organizations and faith-based ministries. He gives insights from a staff perspective, from the Board room, and as an outsider looking in, offering constructive, practical advice for getting to the bottom of critical and significant issues being faced by non-profit organizations today.

I found the chapter dealing with the Board of Directors and their commitment to the CEO of the organization was significant. A number of suggested direct and pertinent questions provide the opportunity for accountability and the “iron to sharpening iron” concept.

Nonprofit Nonsense & Common Sense is an important and timely book. Everyone involved in a non profit organization or ministry whether serving as a volunteer, a board member, as an executive, a staff member, or donor, will find insights and answers regarding their role in serving others.

Marshall McNott spent 40 years as president/CEO/Executive Director of several nonprofit organizations, most serving the poor (including faith-based organizations).

He led the successful startups of new 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and raised millions of dollars for programs serving the poor. In his (non-fundraising) management positions, he brought them all increased stability and respect, earning both an organizational and personal reputation for integrity.

Nonprofit Nonsense & Common Sense by Marshall McNott ~ ISBN: 978-1-931741-99-6, soft cover, 6 x 9, 124 pages, $14.95