Running a nonprofit organization is serious business, no matter its size or breadth of mission. Microsoft Office can help make a difference through the many tools available on the site, including free templates that save you time and money and assistance with tasks you might normally enlist someone else to do.

In the nonprofit world, every cent counts, and using Microsoft Office can help you keep administrative costs low and time efficiency high to maximize the tangible impact your organization makes. Get started with tips and tools for building community, establishing a web presence, developing a staff, fundraising, and managing your budget.

Visit Microsoft online for all the information in their "Guide for nonprofits: Free Office tools and tips" at: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA012045831033.aspx

The Boston Globe reports that with the squeezed economy pinching so many pockets, some pledge based event participants are being scared off by the steep fundraising requirements and recoiling from warnings that their credit cards will be charged if they cannot meet their pledge commitments.

Participants are hesitant and are worried about meeting the fundraising commitment. Many are asking "what happens if I don't raise the money?"

Read the whole article online at: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/20/downturn_slows_elite_charity_events/

Varsity Gold moved from Chapter 11 bankruptcy to Chapter 7 earlier this month and has shut its doors.

The Arizona company couldn't come to agreement with its independent representatives over back pay and was forced to close permanently.

The only secured creditor, a bank, will liquidate the assets. Unsecured creditors aren't expected to get any money.

The independent reps are expected to be attempting to provide the same services and products with other suppliers.

A surprisingly little reported fact is that another major fundraising supplier, Giftco, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

It escaped our attention back in January of this year that had they filed for Chapter 11 in an attempt to reorganize their debts. After failing to find a bank they moved to Chapter 7 last week and shut their doors.

Giftco supplied many products to the fundraising industry and their loss will be wide felt. Some estimate that up to 95 percent of the fundraising industry will feel some effect from their closing.

Many fundraising suppliers used Gifco products in fundraising catalogs. Many fundraising suppliers also used Giftco prize programs as enhancements to all their fundraising products.

If you, as a nonprofit group, feel that this may affect a fundraiser you are currently running, have planned, or are considering - please contact your fundraising representative to ask any questions you may have.

You just might be surprised where your next volunteer comes from. Yes, the unemployment line!

The Wall Street Journal covers this emerging trend in it's piece - The Laid-Off Can Do Well Doing Good

Totally free, personalized fundraising consulting is now available for nonprofits 24/7 from anywhere in the U.S. and around the world.

"Nonprofit fundraisers may ask anything they want -- like How can I find donors? or How can I get my board to give more and to ask others to give? It's absolutely one-on-one attention. They won't be getting boilerplate answers," says Dr. Stephen L. Goldstein, creator of the hotline and president of The Nonprofit Institute, Educational Marketing Services.

"Nonprofits always have a hard time raising money. But many are really struggling in today's bad economy. They need immediate professional advice tailored to their specific needs. But most nonprofits cannot afford to hire an expert to give them quick answers to their pressing questions. So, www.fundraisershotline.com gives them personal access to an experienced professional to be their sounding-board to increase their fundraising success," Goldstein adds.

That's what's so unique about the hotline. It's quick, efficient, direct -- and free, of course. Getting answers from the hotline is simple. Go to www.fundraisershotline.com, fill out the short user form, ask a question, then send it to Dr. Goldstein. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Every question is answered personally and within 24 hours.

Columnist, author, consultant, TV and radio personality, and workshop leader - Dr. Stephen L. Goldstein is a nationally recognized marketing, communications, and fundraising executive, as well as a trends analyst and forecaster. For more than 30 years, he has developed strategies for nonprofit success.

Dr. Goldstein is now the co-producer and host of "The Forum for Nonprofits," which airs on WNN & WSBR. He was the producer and host of "Fundraising Success," a weekly radio program on WXEL, 90.7 FM/National Public Radio and still available at any time from anywhere in the world online.

Dr. Goldstein's "Fundraising Guru" columns have appeared in The South Florida Sun-Sentinel and have been a regular feature of the Scripps papers on Florida's Treasure Coast. He is the author of the bestseller, 30 Days to Successful Fundraising. Goldstein is also the developer of "Fundraising Briefing Books," the basis for the workshops and tailored consulting programs he offers nationwide.

Tough question!

But Sandy Rees wants to know.

And you could win a copy of her book, "Fundraising Buffet", if you post your answer on her Get Fully Funded Blog before Friday of this week.

So do a little soul searching and give it your best shot. And while you're there check out what keeps others from being successful in fundraising.