Want to learn more about giving? Non-profits? Fund-raising? Giving circles? Family foundations? Foundation management? Research? Non-profit tools for success? Grants? Online donations?  Here are some great resources to get you started:

Websites:

aafrc.org (The Giving Institute)
The Giving Institute, formerly known as the American Association of Fundraising Counsel, promotes professionalism and standardization in the field of philanthropy.

afpnet.org (Association of Fundraising Professionals)
AFPNET creates standards and certification for fundraising professionals.

agmconnect.org (Associated Grant Makers)
Associated Grant Makers provides information about foundations and obtaining grants.

cof.org (Council on Foundations)
The Council of Foundations is made up of grantmaking foundations and provides support in various aspects of foundation management.

give.org (BBB Wise Giving Alliance)
As part of the Better Business Bureau, The Wise Giving Alliance has information on national charities and other useful research materials.

givingforum.org/givingcircles (Giving Circles Knowledge Center)
The Giving Circle Knowledge Center is a resource from the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers with information on giving circles.

guidestar.org
Guidestar is a national database with IRS returns and other information on over 620,000 nonprofit organizations.

networkforgood.org
Network for Good is an online giving site to centralize all of your donations.  It provides electronic giving to Guidestar charities.

independentsector.org
Independent Sector is a forum for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs to strengthen the philanthropic sector of our community.

myphilanthropycoach.com (Philanthropy Coach)
Philanthropy Coach is a program to increase the effectiveness of professionals in the world of philanthropy.

ncfp.org (National Center for Family Philanthropy)
The National Center for Family Philanthropy is dedicated to working with the new and established family foundations to increase their effectiveness.

nccs.urban.org (National Center for Charitable Statistics)
The NCCS is the national clearinghouse of data on the nonprofit sector in the United States.

ncgives.org
NCGives is a North Carolina organization that promotes the giving of time, talent and treasure in the state.

philanthropy.com (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
The Chronicle is a national biweekly trade newspaper of the nonprofit world.

philanthropy.iupui.edu (The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University)
The Center for Philanthropy provides nonprofits with a variety of tools and resources to succeed.

philanthropy.org (Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society)
The Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society is a university-based resource center for nonprofits.

pgdc.net (Planned Giving Design Center)
The Planned Giving Design Center is a national network of websites dedicated to advancing philanthropy through education via the Internet.

recognizegood.com
A local Austin social networking site that allows users to recognize good Samaritans in the community and donates money to a charity of the honorees choosing.

svpseattle.org (Social Venture Partners)
Social Venture Partners is a Seattle based giving circle that seeks to connect philanthropic leaders and strengthen local nonprofits.

synergos.org
Synergos is a global Philanthropists’ circle to promote collaboration and progress.

Recommended blog reading:

Giving City: The guide to doing good in Austin (givingcityaustin.wordpress.com)
“GivingCity Austin is a blog about philanthropy, volunteering, and giving in Central Texas, but it’s also a downloadable digital magazine featuring photography, video, and content you won’t find on the blog.”
 
Mission Driven — Greenlights (greenlightsnonprofit.wordpress.com)
“Greenlights for NonProfit Success is a catalyst for extraordinary nonprofit performance. Our vision is Central Texas made stronger through exceptional nonprofits.”
 

A recommended book list:

Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World by Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton’s Giving takes a look at people who have made a change for the better in our world.  Clinton uses inspirational stories to inspire the reader to make changes of their own.  From Bill Gates to a young girl in California, the former president shows that people can affect the world around them.

High Impact Philanthropy by Kay Sprinkel Grace and Alan L. Wendroff
High Impact Philanthropy is a self-proclaimed “guide to maximizing both the process and the impact of philanthropy.” This book helps the reader in navigating 21st Century philanthropy by uncovering the changing role of giving and the effect this change has had on our community.

Inspired Philanthropy: Your Step by Step Guide to Creating a Giving Plan by Tracy Gary
Inspired Philanthropy presents information for a donor in all aspects of the philanthropic process.  Gary describes how you can integrate giving into your daily life in a practical manner, no matter what amount you have to offer.  She lays out all the details needed to create a giving plan based on your values.

More Give to Live:  How Giving Can Change Your Life by Douglas M. Lawson, Ph.D
More Give to Live is based on the assumption that helping others can enhance and fulfill a person’s life.  Lawson discusses that by giving people can enrich themselves and the world at the same time.

The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism by Claire Gaudiani
The Greater Good describes how charitable giving is a huge factor in the American economic system. Philanthropy is a part of American society, Gaudiani posits, by noting that both democracy and capitalism are major contributors.  She also analyzes the current state of philanthropy and where it might be headed