To order any of these resources, use the Giving Resources Order Form.

Minnesota Toolkit for Giving - Print Version
Minnesota Council on Foundations, 2000.
Limit 1 free copy per person; multiple copies available for a fee (see Order Form).
The Toolkit's print version contains much of the same information provided at this site, in an easy-to-use booklet and folder.

Inspired Philanthropy: Creating a Giving Plan
Chardon Press, 1998. $20.
In this workbook, authors Tracy Gary and Melissa Kohner show donors of all types how to develop personal charitable giving plans that are, in their words, "thoughtfully developed and conscientiously implemented."

Smart & Caring: A Donor’s Guide to Major Gifting
RDL Publishing, 1999. $5.
In this paperback book, Richard and Linda Livingston share the process they went through to move from being detached citizens of the community to deeply involved donors and volunteers. They also take a look at the technical and financial sides of becoming a donor.

First Steps in Starting a Foundation, Fourth Edition
Council on Foundations, 1998. $45.
This popular publication covers the basics of starting a foundation. It can help you understand which types of foundations will help you achieve your philanthropic goals, as well as the legal requirements you need to know when establishing a foundation. You'll learn about public versus private foundations, community foundations, the three types of public charities, and the six types of private foundations.

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Please check back for information about resources for community foundations.

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The Foundation Desk Reference:
A Compendium of Private Foundation Rules
Southeastern Council of Foundations, 1995. $30.
A booklet summarizing the rules in the federal tax code that govern the operation of private foundations in the United States.

A Founder’s Guide to the Family Foundation:
How to Use, Govern and Enjoy Your Family Foundation
Council on Foundations, 1996. $25.
In this journal, two advisors offer their insights to help you maximize your family philanthropy and your satisfaction. They address several critical areas, including foundation governance, gift requests, grantmaking, board responsibilities and roles of the founder.

Starting a Private Foundation, Third Edition
New Ventures in Philanthropy, 1999. Free.
This booklet describes, in non-technical language, some basic information on private foundations, including a summary of federal and state regulations governing private foundations and the tax benefits and limitations that private foundations offer donors.

Starting a Private Foundation: Carrying Out The Donor’s Intent
The Philanthropy Roundtable, 1993. $15.
This publication seeks to help individuals establish private foundations in ways that can best carry out a founding donor’s intent. The authors emphasize the need for philanthropists to make sure their goals and vision are reflected throughout their foundations' governing instruments.

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Creating a Giving Program: A Guide for Small and Mid-Sized Companies
New Ventures in Philanthropy, 2000. Free.
This booklet covers some of the basic steps to take, and issues to consider, when starting a corporate giving program in a small or mid-sized business.

Creating Smaller Corporate Giving Programs:
Positions, Roles and Strategies
Council on Foundations, 1994. $25.
Learn how to establish a professionally managed giving program in a smaller company and explore ways to better organize and operate such a program. Includes sample mission statements, giving guidelines and grant applications.

Organizing Corporate Contributions: Options & Strategies
Council on Foundations, 1996. $60.
This resource provides you with a step-by-step outline of the issues to consider in formalizing a corporate giving program, including: legal and fiscal aspects of corporate foundations and charitable giving programs, the why’s and how’s of developing a plan, and a framework for making grant decisions.

When Corporate Foundations Make Sense
Council on Foundations, 1994. $25.
This publication highlights the basics of establishing a corporate foundation, and outlines the role of a corporate foundation in the community.

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JOIN OR FORM A GIVING CIRCLE

Building Community, Creating Justice:
A Guide for Organizing Tzedakah Collectives
The Shefa Fund, 1994. $10.
This booklet provides guidance on forming Jewish giving circles ("Tzedakah Collectives"), although much of the information could apply to any type of giving. The publication gives tips on such practical matters as how to make effective decisions and how to talk with others about money.

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Options and Opportunities in Family Philanthropy:
A Guide for the Professional Advisor
Council on Foundations, 1998. Free.
This booklet examines how professional advisors can help their clients accomplish personal and philanthropic objectives through various charitable giving options.

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WOMEN'S PHILANTHROPY

A Plan of One's Own: A Woman's Guide to Philanthropy
New Ventures in Philanthropy, 2002. Free.
This 40-page guide is designed to assist and inspire women to explore and craft their own path to effective philanthropy. The guide reviews some philanthropic issues specific to women, and outlines a woman's major giving options. Much of the information in the Guide is based on the Minnesota Toolkit for Giving.

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YOUTH PHILANTHROPY

The Giving Book-Vol. 1
Women's Fund of the Milwaukee Foundation, 2001. $15.95.
These age-specific books has been carefully designed to teach children about philanthropy, with stories and lessons on charitable giving and community involvement, hands-on activities, materials for parents or guardians and reading lists. Volume 1 is geared to ages 5-8. (Volumes 2 & 3 for older children are scheduled to be released in the future.)

The Giving Family: Raising Our Children to Help Others
Council on Foundations, 2001. $19.95.
Author Susan Price explains how parents, teachers, religious leaders and other adults can instill the spirit of giving and volunteering in children. She provides tips, exercises and resources that are easy to use in any home.

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