Book Review: Generosity Crisis

In 1982, Tom Peters and Robert H. Waterman Jr. launched the business book, “In Search of Excellence.” This treatise rewrote the book on what top companies should do when it comes to customer engagement and best practices for maximum success. “In Search of Excellence” became a required reading for every business executive and every business school. 

Fast forward 40 years to “The Generosity Crisis.” Its authors Nathan Chappell, Brian Crimmins and Michael Asley are bringing a must-read book for every nonprofit leader, nonprofit board leader and nonprofit school. The book succinctly articulates the challenges every nonprofit faces in today's complex donor landscape, and provides insights and solutions for consideration for the nonprofit community.

“The Generosity Crisis” identifies how the nonprofit world is in a battle for survival against many competitive, deep-pocketed and unsuspecting forces. To survive in this dynamically changing environment, nonprofits must rethink how they do what they do today with their community of supporters and donors.

Once the authors set the scene, they powerfully work to provide a roadmap for nonprofits to turn the tide on declining donor engagement, add enthusiasm and mind share through a concept they have coined, called “radical connection.” Through rich examples and case studies, “The Generosity Crisis” provides ideas and concepts on leveraging big data and market segmentation solutions to change the way nonprofits think about their connections with board members, volunteers and donors.

Just like “In Search of Excellence” is for the business world, “The Generosity Crisis” is a required reading for our generation of professionals in the nonprofit sector. The book goes on sale on National Philanthropy Day, Nov. 15, but is available to preorder now.