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Paul Brest and Hal Harvey's new book "Money Well Spent: A Strategic Guide to Smart Philanthropy" is "critical reading for anyone who wants to ensure that philanthropy is having a real and lasting impact on the most urgent challenges facing our world," according to Luis Ubinas, president of the Ford Foundation. "Money Well Spent" explains how to create and implement a philanthropic strategy that ensures meaningful results: http://www.amazon.com/Money-Well-Spent-Strategic-Philanthropy/dp/1576603121 
 

The Omidyar Network has announced a $4.5 million grant to Opportunity International to design, create, and implement electronic and mobile banking technologies that will reduce transaction costs and make microfinance services more widely available in sub-Saharan Africa. The organization will work to establish new telecommunications solutions - including satellite, broadband Internet, and cell phone technology - throughout the region: http://www.omidyar.net/news_detail.php?id=55

The New York Times asks "Can Volunteers Be a Lifeline for Nonprofit Groups?" Despite the grim outlook, the current economic crisis is seeing a rise in volunteerism for nonprofits. Although public funding and charitable donations have plummeted, volunteer work can help unemployed professionals keep their spirits up, make new contacts or even to try a new field: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/jobs/25mgmt.html