smelliek's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative inspiring fast-paced

3.5

traceyreads2's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative medium-paced

5.0

pattytims's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

4.5

lattelibrarian's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was so intriguing.  I know that there's a lot I don't know about in this world, but I didn't realize just how little I knew about non-profit organizations.  As with any other grant-writing institutions, they must lay out exactly what they want to request, and why.  However, not many money-granting institutions are going to just give money away to the most radical and anti-establishment organizations.  So in that way--they must scale back, be more centrist in their activism.  Which...what does that really do, anyways?  In that way, they can only affect others in small ways. 

Additionally, there's a chapter in here on philanthropy, which is in itself hugely problematic when it comes to non-profits.  Philanthropy for the arts?  Sure!  Awesome!  Philanthropy for activism and humans?  That's a little....weird, to say the least.  With that, there comes an expectation where non-profit organizations must fit a certain mold in order to be acceptable, to have others want to give money to them. 

Overall, this is such a necessary book that critiques the ways in which non-profit organizations are forced to dial back and become more acceptable in the eyes of the money-holders.  It's perfect for today's climate, and for better understanding how lobbying and grants and philanthropy work in regards to activism.

Review cross-listed here!

rachelhrieman's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

abbypetersen's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

cheyison's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

wwiillddeerr's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

read this for class but 10/10 suggest!! i love collection of essay books and this was soooo interesting (and you can kinda skim to get the point!). all my homies had capitalism

jessicaps's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This is a collection of essays describing what the writers call ‘the non-profit industrial complex’, and how governments and the wealthy use non-profits to stifle and control social justice movements.

I learned more about organizing through these essays, like what it is and what it isn’t, and what it really takes. Some of the essays were more impactful to me than others. (A couple were jargony.) One essay particularly struck me, reminding me that most people aren’t *actually* willing to do the work it takes to create real change. This made me think about myself and what I’m willing to do, what I’m willing to sacrifice to fight for change. I will be thinking about this text for some time.

yungoctavio's review

Go to review page

5.0

This book is no doubt my Bible. I think about it often and recommend it to anyone who has become disillusioned about nonprofits and philanthropy.