Built From Within Recommends
The tools behind organizations built to last.
Books, tools, and office gear for founders and nonprofit leaders, organized around THE BUILD LIST™: the 28 things every fundable organization has. Chosen by Richard Mireles for what they help you build, not for what they pay.
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
I watched this film and it genuinely inspired me. It's inspired by the true story of Bishop W.C. Martin and First Lady Donna Martin, whose small church in Possum Trot, Texas, decided to take in the children from the foster system that nobody else would take. Twenty-two families ended up adopting 77 children.
Why it matters for builders: nothing about it was resourced or easy. One leader named the need, refused to look away, and built a community willing to carry it. That's the whole job of a founder. Watch it with your board.
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The guides
Start with the gap you can feel.
Every guide maps to a section of THE BUILD LIST™. Find the category where your organization is thinnest and start there. 61 picks across 7 guides, each with a reason a founder would want it and one way to put it to work this week.
The Best Books for Nonprofit Founders
Seven books for nonprofit founders who need a clear origin story, a sharp message, and a case people remember.
02 — Structure & GovernanceBoard & Governance Books Every Nonprofit Leader Should Own
The essential nonprofit board and governance books, from Governance as Leadership to Robert's Rules and the California nonprofit formation guide.
03 — Strategy & ModelNonprofit Strategy Books
Strategy books for nonprofit leaders: theory of change, logic models, OKRs, and lean impact.
04 — Funding EngineThe Best Grant-Writing & Fundraising Books for Nonprofits
The grant-writing and fundraising books that help nonprofits build a grant calendar, a case for support, and a board that asks.
05 — Execution & Growth · Your WorkspaceThe Founder Home-Office Setup
A founder's home-office setup for funder calls, focused work, and paperwork: webcam, microphone, light, ergonomic gear, scanner, and systems.
06 — Execution & GrowthTools for Running Programs, Trainings & Events
Tools for nonprofit programs, trainings, cohorts, and community events: presentation remotes, wireless mics, portable projector, easel pads, name badges, and facilitation books.
07 — Watch & Read for BuildersWatch & Read for Builders
Films and books for founders and justice-impacted leaders, anchored by Richard Mireles's first pick: Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot.
How the shelf works
Recommended like it matters.
01
Built around the Build List
Nothing goes on the shelf unless it helps build one of the 28 things every fundable organization needs.
02
Honest by default
No paid placements, no invented reviews, no fake star ratings. If I haven't used something, I tell you why it's here instead of pretending.
03
Use it this week
Every pick comes with one concrete way to put it to work. A tool you don't use is decoration.
The curator
I learned to build where nothing was given.
I spent 21 years in California prisons and came home a valedictorian, a coach, and a co-founder. At CROP I helped win major state funding and trained more than a hundred coaches. Today I lead transformational programs at Mentora Institute and help founders build organizations through Built From Within.
This shelf is the short list I wish every founder had on day one.
Field Notes · monthly
One email a month. What's worth building next.
Field Notes is Richard's monthly letter for founders and nonprofit leaders: one Build List item, one tool or book worth your time, and one story from the field. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Opens your email app with a one-line request to richard.builtfromwithin@gmail.com. See the privacy policy. Your email is never sold or shared.