Doing Good Well: What Does (and Does Not) Make Sense in the Nonprofit World by Willie Cheng

Doing Good Well: What Does (and Does Not) Make Sense in the Nonprofit World by Willie Cheng is an informative, practical guide to the nonprofit world, helping readers understand the complexities of the environment, identify their goals, and find success. In his book, Cheng shares his trifold mission of connecting his own experiences from the field to practical tips, introducing the realities of the nonprofit world to young professionals and those new to the world of philanthropy, and providing useful advice for mounting effective and issues-specific campaigns.

At its core, Doing Good Well encourages readers to think of their charitable work in terms of results. Cheng stresses the importance of developing a “social enterprise mindset” that emphasizes measurable outcomes. Cheng advocates for an efficient use of resources, calling attention to the concept of ‘doing more with less’ and emphasizing the importance of transparency. As a former grants officer and seasoned director of programs, Cheng provides readers with his insider experience and a nuanced understanding of the governing regulations and potential pitfalls in nonprofit management.

The book specifically addresses the challenges of the nonprofit industry. Through a combination of case studies and hard-earned wisdom, Cheng takes readers into different nonprofits and shows them how nonprofit leaders have managed to be successful. He emphasizes the need to consider the legal and financial context when making decisions, and argues that while some crucial elements of an organizations success—such as building a strong culture or tapping philanthropic donors—can take time, it is necessary to move forward.

In addition to analysis of individual cases, the book offers tangible advice on topics such as fundraising, personnel management, board building, and operations. Cheng also dives into the issue of nonprofit branding, and explains how to best present the work of organizations. He also challenges readers to think about the meaning of their work and how to build societal outcomes. Finally, Cheng offers readers a variety of tools—such as how to measure social impact, how to scale certain nonprofits, how to use technology to increase nonprofit visibility, and how to properly use donations and capital—to maximize the reach of their efforts.

In sum, Doing Good Well offers actionable and pragmatic guidance to the nonprofit world. By understanding the challenges of the humanitarian environment, readers are equipped with the knowledge to successfully create and implement their charitable work. Cheng’s experience, passion, and insight make this book a valuable resource for the nonprofit sector and for those working to make a lasting, meaningful impact on the world.