For A Good Cause: A Practical Guide to Giving Joyfully

by Diane Lebson

Overview

"For many volunteers, fundraising is a necessary evil, a dirty F-word that compels them to have uncomfortable conversations with their families and friends . . ." Through her work with countless female philanthropists, Diane Lebson discovered that there was no definitive guide volunteers and activists could turn to for guidance in navigating the day-to-day activities associated with doing good in the world—so she wrote one. Leveraging the skills and experiences she cultivated over more than twenty-five years as a nonprofit executive, board member, and consultant, For A Good Cause offers practical tips on how to "do" philanthropy. In chapters divided up by specific activities—such as serving on a board, advocating for a cause, starting your own philanthropic venture, becoming a fearless fundraiser, and more— Diane offers practical advice on how to professionalize your philanthropic engagement and make a greater impact. Rounded out with information about best practices, checklists, and profiles of inspiring leaders, For A Good Cause is the do-gooder's go-to resource for giving joyfully.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781647423049
Publisher:	She Writes Press
Publication date:	07/30/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	264
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Diane grew up as a first-generation American in Milford, Connecticut, the daughter of working-class, Polish immigrants who instilled in her a strong work ethic and desire to "do good." After studying international relations in college, Diane stayed in Washington and began her nonprofit career on the national staff of United Way, the largest charity in the United States. Over the course of seventeen years, she managed United Way's national literacy program, directed the national board of trustees, and built a women's giving program that has to date raised over $1.5 billion and mobilized over 70,000 philanthropists. After leaving United Way, she went on to lead US fundraising operations for an international nongovernmental organization that served orphans and abandoned children, lead a public library foundation, serve as the Chief of Protocol at the US Embassy in Canberra, Australia, and lead the women's giving program for the American Red Cross. In 2018, she and her husband cofounded Evergreen Philanthropic Solutions, a national consultancy that helps nonprofit organizations, individuals, corporations, and foundations achieve their philanthropic goals. For more about Diane, please visit Evergreen's website at www.evergreenphilanthropy.com. She lives in Camden, Maine.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

How This Book is Organized xvii

Finding your way as a nonprofit volunteer.

Chapter 1 Charity is a big space.

What's your place in it? 3

Chapter 2 Falling in love is not enough 9

Chapter 3 Get sensitive 18

Chapter 4 Making your decision 24

Chapter 5 Direct service 29

Chapter 6 Fundraise 34

Chapter 7 Social media 54

Chapter 8 Advocate 62

Chapter 9 Full-time volunteering 67

Chapter 10 Get oriented 73

(Good for board members, too!)

Chapter 11 Your staff partner 78

(Good for board members, too!)

Chapter 12 Communications 84

(Good for board members, too!)

Chapter 13 The personality types of people who generally get involved with charity 92

Chapter 14 I can get paid for this? 101

Chapter 15 Defining your philanthropic brand 111

(Good for all types of philanthropists)

Chapter 16 Twelve ways you can make a difference when you don't have time 118

Chapter 17 Drawing boundaries to avoid burnout 120

Investing in what's important to you as a donor.

Chapter 18 Your invitation to give 129

Chapter 19 I can make money by doing good? 135

Chapter 20 Putting your money where your values are 142

Leading with your heart as a board member.

Chapter 21 Before you sit at the adult table 147

Chapter 22 Lead 153

Chapter 23 The law 163

Starting your own nonprofit.

Chapter 24 Develop your business plan 169

Chapter 25 Recruit a powerful board 173

Chapter 26 Register your organization 178

Chapter 27 Build your case for support 184

Chapter 28 Create an engaging website 190

Chapter 29 The keys to successful volunteer management 196

Chapter 30 Crises-your time to shine 202

Chapter 31 I never promised you a rose garden 208

Chapter 32 Learn 214

Gratitude 219

Endnotes 226

About the Author 235

Editorial Reviews

As a trailblazer in women’s philanthropy, Diane Lebson provides insightful advice on how to be intentional in your generosity. For A Good Cause illustrates what research at the Women’s Philanthropy Institute has demonstrated—that women are drawn to an expanded definition of philanthropy that includes time, expertise, advocacy, networks and money, applying all of their resources to work for good. Readers seeking greater confidence in how to do good will benefit from the real-world lessons and decades of experience shared through Lebson’s stories.”
—Jeannie Infante Sager, Director of Indiana University Women’s Philanthropy Institute

“We know from research that women don’t resonate with the word “philanthropist” as it can be perceived as primarily the donation of money. Women know that they provide so much more than just treasure when they care about a good cause – they also give their time, talent, testimony and ties. Yet this broader definition of philanthropy is rarely celebrated, leaving women to believe that their full support is not valued. Lebson’s practical guide for women’s engagement with charities lifts up and honors what women bring to the table as talented and thoughtful volunteers, leaders, donors and amplifiers of the mission. In addition, her plethora of stories and practical advice is a welcome aide to women as they consider the best approaches to benefit any cause they hold dear.”
—Kathleen E. Loehr, author of Gender Matters: A Guide to Growing Women’s Philanthropy

“In every encounter with Diane, I am always impressed (and motivated) by her energy and enthusiasm for supporting individuals to find joy in their philanthropic pursuits. Easier said than done! I am thrilled to see Diane articulate in word through her book, For A Good Cause: A Practical Guide to Giving Joyfully, the passion and practical steps anyone can take to embrace the sentiment of joyful giving. I believe truly that with her practical tips and relatable storytelling, you will feel confident and empowered to explore and expand your own philanthropic journey.”
—Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, President and Board Member, Phi Sigma Sigma, Inc. and Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, and student in giving joyfully

"In my many decades as a nonprofit CEO I can't remember reading a book that so comprehensively addresses all the facets of philanthropy from volunteers to donors to even starting your own nonprofit. Diane's contribution to the discourse reminds me that women have always worked hard to make the world a better place, now with For A Good Cause we have a guidebook to do it well and most important to do it joyfully. Bravo Diane!” —Lidia Soto-Harmon, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts Nation's Capital “The definition of philanthropy is a desire to promote the welfare of others, yet it has tended to be seen as limited to fundraising for a charitable cause. Diane Lebson’s new book For A Good Cause does a thorough and practical job of helping broaden that definition. She skillfully and with a very comfortably paced writing style introduces the reader to the many different ways you can “do good”...from serving on a board, to advocating for policy change, to making charitable contributions and so much more. What I found especially useful is her understanding of the importance of finding the right “fit” when you choose to engage in philanthropy. I highly recommend For A Good Cause if you are just getting started or if you have been a long-time philanthropist who is thinking of pursuing a new direction.” —Anne Dalton, Community Volunteer, Portland, Maine

From the Publisher