Customer Reviews

New Philanthropy Benchmarking: Wisdom for the Passionate

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2 star:		(1)
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Without question, this is the best book available on philanthropic guidance, and I've read dozens in the field. Its rigorously analytical approach is both refreshing and essential. The research on the seven capitalist/philanthropists and their profiles present distinctly unique, high value-added insight directly relevant to the social sector. I found the development of the 7 Wisdom Points alone worth the investment of time.

Moreover, the 7 educational components provide outstanding structure to understand and implement new philanthropy benchmarking.

From a quantitative perspective, the discussion of the multiplier/discount effect and accompanying examples offer a competitive context to measure social sector investments, a tremendously valuable tool in a too-often qualitative environment. Coupled with the appendix' misfortunate situation examples, the benefits of the npb approach become crystal clear.

In fact, the appendices alone are a reference bonanza.

I recommend this resource to anyone serious about philanthropy.

Of the vast wealth of information contained in this book, I've found the material on intersectoral practices the most fertile area for discovery. The disclosure on social enterprise, strategic philanthropy and restructuring, and social capital markets is extraordinary. Scores of examples of social entrepreneurship, capacity building, collaboration, innovative financings, social venture capital, etc. fill the main text and the appendices. The number of illustrative public companies with intersectoral missions will challenge current perceptions. Offering wise balance, the author provides an extensive sampling of social sector misfortunate situations, including NGOs, foundations, the law of unintended consequences, and wasted funds. In fact, the author urges that a risks analysis be completed prior to major social sector initiatives. I expect to be reading and rereading this book for years to come. Highly recommend.

As Enron and Worldcom have become sinister household names, revealing the boggling extent of corporate greed and malfeasance, the timing of "New Philanthropy Benchmarking" could not have been better. This thoughtful and well-researched book does more than demonstrate that there is still much to laud in the ways and means of American business; it charts an ambitious, sometimes visionary, course for socially engaged commerce, in which the core American values of altruism, community give-back and grass-roots empowerment continue to fuel the corporate engine while making perfect business sense as well. As a philanthropy consultant specializing in NGOs, I found "New Philanthropy Benchmarking" to be a refreshingly insightful work, replete with helpful resources and real-world examples making the case for Kazarian's innovative approach. I heartily recommend this book as much to corporate executives as to government agencies, NGOs and anyone involved in the philanthropic community.

At last a text of scholar quality for the social sector. The
innovative research on the seven capitalist philanthropists provides a guiding star of best practices. In depth analysis of the financial information is both revealing and inspiring. These philanthropists really do think and act quite differently than the main stream foundations and NGOs. The benchmarking framework provides the commercial sector tools to those with resources under their command. The book not only provides a series of insightful diagnostic questionnaires but also provides a working book for those with management responsibilities.
The highly quantitative and analytical materials go well beyond
current industry best practices. The NPB Multiplier/Discount ratio and the Blended Return on Investment models challenge the sector to higher level of performance. This book would be ideal for a full year course. Definitely Five stars.

While the author makes some interesting points at times, overall the book is a slog to get through - the book seems to be written as the equivalent of a Master's thesis. Using too many fancy words and complex sentences (and not enough facts and figures) seriously waters down the arguments. In fact, I am not sure the author will convince someone not already pre-disposed to agree with her.

All of this might be forgiven if the author offered more implemenation and tactical ideas. This is not a how-to book on the implementation of new philanthropic ideas. It is more of an opinion piece on why NPB is more effective.

While it makes some valuable points on this front, overall the book suffers from its intended weight, and it is difficult to recommend as an investment of time.

Kristina Kazarian's approach to New Philanthropy Benchmarking is an insightful addition to the world of philanthropy. Her approach of benchmarking the successes and failures of some of our generation's most entrepreneurial capitalists, turned philanthropists, allows some of us less (financially) fortunate souls to generate significant returns on our investments, albeit on a smaller scale.

The text is packed with insights, that I found enlightening and essential. For example, on p. 78, the NPB Tactic Comparison chart outlines the framework for utilizing commercial metrics for NGOs.

And for those with the means, dedication, and desire to optimize their current initiatives, the appendices provide an outstanding scope of resources from benchmarking assessment questions to innovative foundations, capitalist philanthropist profiles, and fundamental concepts like those of Christian stewardship and Jewish "tzedakah."

Highly recommended as an informative initial read and a solid, ongoing companion resource. Overwhelming in the knowledge delivered to philanthropists of all levels.