Nuts and Bolts, a manual for nonprofit executives and board members, is designed to provide specific strategies for an organization trying to survive times of economic uncertainty. It is intended to provide organizations with practical advice, or "action steps," for addressing short-term issues and building a strong base for the future. The authors provide numerous examples — both good and bad — to help nonprofit executives and board members manage their organizations more effectively.

The book was written by two veterans in the fields of nonprofit organization and fundraising. Charles M. Dobbs has twenty-five years of experience as a college faculty member and administrator. He has worked in many areas, including strategic planning, grantsmanship and fundraising. Robert J. Ligouri worked in nonprofit organizations for many years where he built organizations, designed fundraising campaigns and raised money for various programs and services.

Nuts and Bolts is divided into four sections. The first looks at specific strategies that will help an organization survive hard times and flourish during prosperous ones. In each chapter, the authors follow their description of an issue in nonprofit management with their "nuts-and-bolts" strategies to handle that issue.

Part Two discusses how to develop a solid revenue plan as well as strategies for bringing in additional revenue. Topics addressed include developing a revenue plan, the annual campaign, special events and in-kind gifts.

The third section takes a look at grant writing, including pre-proposal assessment and research and post-proposal grants administration. The authors discuss identifying potential sponsors (foundations, corporations, government and other), describe the components of a proposal, and talk about how to manage the grants process.

In the final section, the authors discuss the need for courtesy and politeness when dealing with funders. They provide some sample "thank you" letters. A brief bibliography of books on managing nonprofits, fundraising, proposal writing and etiquette is also included.

Although the organization of the book is a little confusing, and there is no index, the authors present some interesting and helpful ideas.

For additional citations to materials on this topic, refer to Literature of the Nonprofit Sector Online, using the subject headings "Nonprofit organizations-management" or "Fundraising-techniques."