Authors celebrate the forces of good

Nonprofit organizations with budgets big and small can make a notable impact in their fields by nurturing human capital and a well-crafted mission, say the authors of a new book on running successful social enterprises.

Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant celebrated the release of their book “Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits” Thursday night by gathering leaders of about a dozen national nonprofits at Olives restaurant in downtown Washington to talk about the growing number of socially oriented businesses.

“We want to be able to go out there and show nonprofits how they can do more,” Mrs. Crutchfield said. “Nonprofits are looking to make a bigger impact.”

The book, which was in its third printing before it was released Friday, identifies six practices the authors say are essential to running a “high-impact” nonprofit. It also identifies 12 organizations the authors think have done the best job of executing those practices, including Habitat for Humanity, Teach for America and the Heritage Foundation.

Nonprofit organization executives in attendance said that their success comes from the passion and commitment of unconventional leaders.

“You don’t find them with a cookie-cutter,” Heritage Foundation President Edwin Feulner. “You have to go to unexpected places.”

AOL founder Steve Case, who funded research for the book through his Case Foundation, said social businesses thrive on employees who share a common vision and can make ideas take off.

“You can’t do it yourself,” Mr. Case said. “You have to be careful that you’re bringing in the right kind of people.”

— David C. Lipscomb