GIA Reader (2000-present)

Many funders face a paradox: while some of the most creative strategies for positive social change live at the intersections of sectors, disciplines, cultures, and generations, the practices and structures of philanthropy can create silos and disconnect funders from their cultures, their grantees, and their full selves.

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   Why Do Balance Sheets Matter? (2.3Mb)

The presentation of the National Capitalization Project (NCP) engendered a robust discussion at the October 2010 GIA conference in Chicago. GIA heard a range of responses from attendees. While some were very positive — agreeing that capitalization principles are a critical consideration in grantmaking — others felt differently. They wondered whether a discussion of capitalization was only relevant to large foundations or to large arts institutions.

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   Common Practices Illustrated (7.5Mb)

Arts nonprofits working with youth are often asked, “What impact does your program have on the youth you serve?” They respond that youth keep coming. They bring friends. They’re proud of what they create. Some even make careers in the arts. But how often can youth-serving arts organizations really make the case that it was their program that made a difference in life outcomes of their youth? Can a case be made on more than attendance figures and anecdotes? Since 2008, the Boston Youth Arts Evaluation Project (BYAEP) has been working on these very questions.

2010, 216 pages, Penguin Press, New York and London

In this follow-up book to Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing without Organizations, NYU professor and Internet guru Clay Shirky continues his exploration of the ways groups are now successfully using new media and communication tools and the vast potential of these applications.

Illustrated by Jennifer Williams, 2010, 100 pages, Triarchy Press, Station Offices, Station Yard, Axminster, Devon EX13 5PF UK, triarchypress.com

2010, 202 pages, The Feminist Press at the City University of New York

Mix two parts choreographer with two parts daredevil, then season well with science and philosophy, and you’ll have the recipe for Elizabeth Streb’s new book, How to Become an Extreme Action Hero.