Best Links: Transformational Giving and Nonprofit Strategies for 2010

• GuideStar sponsors a free webinar on Jan 20: "Stay Ahead of the eight Ball in 2010, Tips from the Experts." Some big names here with Katya Andresen of Network for Good, Larry Checco, branding guru, and Terry Axelrod from Benevon. More info and registration.

• As we get ready for next year's fundraising campaigns, it is useful to remember what giving should be all about. The Reverend Eric Foley of the Transformational Giving blog writes about the differences between transformational gifts where "the head, heart, and hand come attached to the check" and a transactional gift that is simply a "financial transaction" and where "what changes hands can fit on a receipt."

• In a similar way, Jacob Harold writes on The Case Foundation blog that you should, "Pick issues with your heart; choose organizations with your head." Harold has more suggestions for the donor who really thinks about how to make a donation count.

• If you are confused by all the labels popping up around philanthopy lately, don't feel alone. I found this post by Amy Carol Wolff on SocialEarth to be helpful in explaining the differences between the terms "microfinance" and "peer-to-peer." This is one resource you might want to bookmark for future reference when the terms get confusing again.

• Allyson Kapin of Frogloop has rounded up some of the bigget names in nonprofit thinking and asked them for the "Best Nonprofit Strategies to Utilize in 2010." Check out what Jocelyn Harmon, Beth Kanter, and Mal Warwick have to say.

• Finally, for the December Carnival of Nonprofit Blogs, Jeff Brooks has compiled advice from the experts that will help you fundraise better and more efficiently in 2010. Read about ostrich budgeting, charity photos that grab you without using tears, and fundraising by the numbers.

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