Navigating the Nonprofit Rapids

Although intended for nonprofit leaders, “Navigating the Nonprofit Rapids: Strategies and Tactics for Running a Nonprofit Company” is a great read for any nonprofit employee and for any individual in a leadership position.

“Navigating the Nonprofit Rapids” tackles a perplexing question – “how can you lead a nonprofit to success?” Author Ted Edlich takes an accessible approach that combines frank advice with case studies, academic findings, and entertaining personal anecdotes. Mr. Edlich applies his decades of experience leading a successful community action agency, Total Action for Progress, to discuss topics such as leadership, board development, strategic planning, economic accountability, staff motivation, organizational culture, and all-important stress management. Each chapter concludes with a series of tough questions to keep you and your agency on track for success.

As a young professional in the nonprofit sector, I encounter challenging situations daily that leave me wondering if I have what it takes to weather the “rapids” of this industry. It’s inspiring to see a nonprofit leader lay bare his full experience – both the successes and the failures – to illustrate his agency’s journey. He shows that leadership isn't always smooth sailing, yet rough weather can be an opportunity for growth. This frank discussion of nonprofit management paints a fascinating, and realistic, portrait of what it takes to build an agency that has lasting impact.

I definitely recommend “Navigating the Nonprofit Rapids: Strategies and Tactics for Running a Nonprofit Company” for any individual who wants to refine their professional leadership skills and better see the “big picture” of nonprofit management.

A good textbook with loads of information concerning nonprofits and how TAP is run. Will recommend to at least one in nonprofit leadership.