| MAKING YOUR COMMUNITY SELF-RELIANT |
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| Land Development
Recycling Transportation Energy Efficiency And Renewable Energy Appropriate Technology Tools Communications Elections Insurance Keeping Money Local Grants |
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Journalists Guide to Remote Sensing
Resources
http://gurukul.ucc.american.edu/earthnews/
This is the mega site for access to remote sensing maps and resources.
Links in the following categories: Recommended Sites Image Indexes, Browsers
and Data Sets
Earth Imagery Resources Arranged by Country U.S. Government Earth
Sensing Programs Maps and Mapping Weather Related Resources FAQs,
Listservs and News Groups Businesses and Enterprises Universities and
Think Tanks Professional Organizations and Congresses Allied Fields.
Internet Resources Related to Sustainable
Land Management http://www.landcare.cri.nz/
This is a good resource for the professional and activist alike. Sites
pertaining to: Climate Change
Conservation Biology and Ecology Environmental Monitoring Management
of Pests and Weeds
Soil and Water Resources International Business Sirtrack
Information Services Biological
Collections Publications and more
Oregon Dept. of Land Conservation
and Development
http://www.lcd.state.or.us/welcome.htm
What about the land that exists within the community? How do we plan
the best use of it? This is an excellent site for local communities to
see what land use planning entails. The Department of Land Conservation
and Development (DLCD) is responsible for monitoring and implementing the
State of Oregon's Land Use Planning Program. The site explains the agencies
main activities, and describes land use issues. Some of the topics covered
include: What is an Urban Growth Boundary? Farmland Protection Statewide
Goals Summary Transportation and Growth Management Program Oregon's
Ocean/Coastal Program Dispute Resolution Program Natural Hazards Program
Publications, Etc. The site also contains key program information such
as statutes, rules, goals, as well as historical information on the program.
Tools of the Trade for Urban Land
Use Planning
http://www.lcd.state.or.us/issues/tgmweb/pub/tools.htm
This site contains an on-line handbook designed to help local governments
manage growth more effectively in their communities. The policy tools discussed
in this handbook address land use, transportation, and public facility
problems that may arise due to ineffective growth management in urban areas.
The handbook discusses eleven growth management tools, which are grouped
into three categories: Land Use Strategies; Intergovernmental Agreements;
and Public Facilities Techniques. Each category of tools addresses a different
set of problems. Hows this for hands-on?!
Urban Land Institute
http://www.uli.org/
Industry resource containing web links for professional planners, builders
and real estate developers, transportation planners etc.
The Cygnus Group
http://cygnus-group.com/
This web site is designed to provide individuals and organizations
with information regarding the most efficient and effective ways to reduce
waste and conserve resources. The focus is on source reduction and reuse
as well as recycling.
EPA Waste-Wi$e Program
http://cygnus-group.com/ULS/Waste/epa.html
WasteWi$e is a voluntary partnership between the EPA and businesses,
designed to reduce municipal solid waste. The focus is on: 1.waste prevention,
2.recycling collection and 3.buying or manufacturing recycled products.
The site contains downloadable information on Waste Prevention Facility
Waste Assessments Buying or Manufacturing Recycled Products Recycling
Collection Other Related EPA Documents.
Waste Prevention World
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/mrt/wpw/wpmain.htm
This site contains an Online Article Database on waste prevention.
Also pointers to waste reduction practices: At Home Business Waste Reduction
Landscaping/Organics
Recycling/Waste Reduction Coordinator Info Waste Prevention Info
as PDF Files Waste Reduction Training Program Waste Reduction Awards
Program (WRAP).
Swana waste links
http://www.swana.org/index.htm
The Solid Waste Association of North America. Links to seven Municipal
Solid Waste sites and more.
Keep America Beautiful
http://www.kab.org/
A not-for-profit public education organization with local affiliates
dedicated to improving solid waste handling in American communities. Waste
In Place and Waste, A Hidden Resource provide teachers with information
and training.
Preserving Resources through Integrated
Sustainable Management of Waste
World-Wide Waste Web
http://www.wrfound.org.uk/wrfwww.html#top
A substantial list of Internet resources on waste management issues.
National Transportation Library
http://www.bts.gov/
Library of The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). It seeks
to
improve the knowledge base for public decision making, and to improve
public awareness of the nation's transportation system and its consequences.
An On-Line Tour of State Departments
of Transportation (DOTs)
http://www.itsonline.com/dot_olintro.html
In the past year many more state Departments of Transportation have
discovered the Internet, and many state DOTs now host their own web or
gopher sites. To see what these state departments are up to, visit this
site.
Links to Logistics and Transport
Information Sources
http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/cclt/links2.html
This site has links to transportation planners in every arena - land,
sea, air and even subway.
Center for Alternative Transportation
Fuels
http://www.bcr.bc.ca/default.htm
This site belongs to a private company involved in research and development
of sustainable solutions to transportation fuels. Areas of study include:
Forest-biotechnology Environmental services and technology Advanced
transportation systems Ergonomics Ocean engineering.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy Network
http://www.eren.doe.gov/
This site is the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's
(EE) premier resource for information about renewable energy and energy
efficiency technologies. Pointers to: EE at a Glance EE Offices Partnering
with EE News and Events International Education and Training Energy
Efficiency Technologies (Agriculture, Buildings, Industrial, Transportation,
Utilities) Renewable Energy Technologies
(Fuels and Chemicals, Geothermal, Hydrogen, Hydropower, Ocean, Solar,
Wind) Energy and Environment Type of Organization Resources. (Discussion
Groups, Products and Services, Software, Visuals).
Rocky Mountain Institute
http://solstice.crest.org/efficiency/rmi/index.html
One of the great sources of information on creating energy efficiency
at the household and community levels. Learn how to stem the three greatest
drains on local money - energy, food and insurance. Plan together and turn
these savings into local jobs and a greater standard of community life.
The institute focuses on energy, water, economic renewal, agriculture,
green development and more. Get free home energy briefs on lighting, windows,
refrigerators, water heaters, cooking appliances and dishwashers, washers
and dryers, computers ....
Solstice
http://solstice.crest.org
The Internet information service for energy efficiency, renewable energy
and sustainable living. Lots of technology information and connections.
Energy Wise Options for State and
Local Governments
http://www.crest.org/efficiency/energywise_options/index.html
A good source of planning information on Energy efficiency Land use
and transportation Waste reduction Renewable energy.
Energy Related Resources
http://www.energynet.net/
A Site for Students. Pointers to Power generation Energy efficiency
in the home and school Energy policies Energy and the environment
Energy related institutions and organizations On-line energy publications
Energy related database searches Student-teacher generated links
Economics of energy.
University of Illinois (Chicago)
Energy Resource Center
http://h008.erc.uic.edu/
Provides government and the public with advice on energy technology
and policy. Are you involved in building and transportation projects? Or
maybe you need advice on retrofitting your trailer? This is the place to
go for advice.
The Texas Loan STAR Program
http://www-esl.tamu.edu/loanstar/about_LoanSTAR.html
This site addresses large scale energy savings. It was set up to "save
taxes and resources" by monitoring energy use and recommending energy saving
retrofits in large buildings. One school building retrofitted with energy
saving technology can save up to $25,000 per month. A good way to save
money and keep it local.
Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/
The US government site on energy. A lot of information and resources.
EcoNet's Energy Resources
http://www.igc.apc.org/energy/renewable.html
Links to renewable energy and sustainable energy information sources.
Renewable energy sources are generally defined as those sources of energy
that are regenerated at the same rate they are used. The Earth's renewable
energy resources are more than enough to meet our energy needs for the
foreseeable future, without the use of fossil fuels or nuclear power.
EcoNet Energy Resources -- Solar
Thermal Energy
http://www.igc.apc.org/energy/solar_thermal.html
Links to organizations, information and resources on solar energy.
EcoNet Energy Resources -- Biomass
http://www.igc.apc.org/energy/biomass.html
Links to organizations, information and resources on biomass.
EcoNet Energy Resources -- Geothermal
http://www.igc.apc.org/energy/geothermal.html
Geothermal resources and links to other sites.
EcoNet Energy Resources -- Electricity
from the Sun
http://www.igc.apc.org/energy/solar_electric.html
Businesses and organizations working on solar energy. Publications
on Photovoltaic Technology Solar Cells Solar Vehicles.
EcoNet Hydropower Resources
http://www.igc.org/igc/issues/energy/#hydro
This site includes information on dams, water diversions, impoundments,
and hydroelectric projects and their impacts around the world. And more.
EcoNet Energy Resources -- Wind
http://www.igc.apc.org/awea/index.html
This is the home site of The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
that works to further the development of wind energy as a reliable energy
alternative. The site offers an extensive publications catalog, a FAQ,
and articles from the Wind Energy Weekly newsletter. It also contains invaluable
links to its member organization sites that cover every aspect of wind
energy, including educational materials and other resources.
On Line Renewable Energy Education
Module
http://solstice.crest.org/renewables/index.shtml
A great overview of renewable energy, including sections on global
impact, economics and case studies. Categories of renewable energy include:
Biomass Geothermal: Energy Hydro Ocean (Ocean Thermal, Wave) Solar
Thermal Solar Electric Wind.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
http://www.nrel.gov/
This site lists technical publications relevant to renewable energy.
Categories include: Alternative Fuels Basic Sciences Buildings Chemical
Technologies Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (general topics)
Energy Policy and Analysis Geothermal Energy Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hydrogen Industry Materials Science and Semiconductors National
Renewable Energy Laboratory Photoconversion Quality Management Solar
Energy - General Solar Energy - Photovoltaics Solar Energy - Radiation
Solar Energy - Thermal Superconductivity Transportation Utilities
Waste Recycling and Management Wind Energy.
National Center for Appropriate
Technology Homepage
http://www.ncat.org/
NCAT addresses small-scale projects and approaches accomplished at
the local level. It embraces technologies as diverse as a community project
to supply solar water heaters to low-income residents, integrated pest
management plans for farms and wildlife refuges, energy monitoring in buildings,
and the creation of databases to provide information on energy-efficiency
in public housing. NCAT has provided local, state and national leadership
with a broad range of programs and projects and is known nationally for
its work in appropriate technology. Pointers to: Sustainable Energy Program
Sustainable Agriculture Program Resource-Efficient Housing Program
NCAT Annual Report Technology Transfer Expert Consulting.
Solstice
http://solstice.crest.org/
Solstice is the site for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable
technology information and connections. Lots of pointers to practical applications.
Jade Mountain
http://www.indra.com/jade-mtn//
Home site for 5000 appropriate technology tools catalog. Books and
Product Information Energy Essays Products for Developing Countries
Product Comparisons Frequently Asked AT Questions How to subscribe
to our newsletter/catalog Specials.
Non-Electric Food Dryer And Sprouter
http://downtown-web.com/psi/pantrie.htm
When it comes to drying food, nothing beats the PANtrie. Since it's
hanging in the air, the trays can now be spaced much farther apart than
trays sitting on the counter. This allows the warm air to rise and circulate
with little restriction. As a result, the food dries almost as fast as
electric dryers, and much more evenly.
The Solar Cooker Archive
http://www.accessone.com/~sbcn/index.htm
This site shows you how to build a food cooker that uses the power
of the sun. It uses simple, available materials. Just the thing if youre
caught in a natural disaster. Also great for getting off the grid. Links
to: News Construction Plans (free) Reports Images Directory of
promoters and manufacturers Resources.
Well digging tool
http://www.avalon.net/~cmissen/wellsprn/drildesc.htm
The percussion drill is one of the oldest known tools for making holes
in the ground to get water. Records show that it was used by the Chinese
in 1100 BC and it is still a very popular method of drilling today. This
site contains in-depth information about well digging without high technology.
Shareware.Com
http://www.shareware.com/
Access to 190,000 free, downloadable software programs. Go crazy.
Civic Dialogue and Citizen Participation
http://civic.net/lgnet/civic.html
This site promotes the use of computers to build local communities.
Includes a strategy paper entitled "A National Strategy for Civic Networking".
Computers are an invaluable tool to facilitate planning and monitor progress.
They can keep everyone informed and on track. Just check your local on-line
bulletin board to find out whats happening.
Downtown Minneapolis Residents Association
(DMRA)
http://freenet.msp.mn.us/org/dmna/
The site is a good model on how community activists can use the internet
to keep residents informed of local developments. At this site residents
can voice their opinions, receive notice of meetings, and participate in
committees for social change. Community leaders can also access the site
to find out what people are thinking.
The Internet for Development Organizations
http://www.zamnet.zm/zamnet/alcom/afd35.htm
For many people and organizations, there is still a big psychological
barrier to the use of this growing communication medium. Use of the Internet
however is not complicated, does not require very expensive infrastructure
and is within the reach of most development organizations. Setting up a
home page on the Internet and networking with other organizations and people
is a simple and efficient means of communication. This site contains an
excellent, in depth article on how to set up a site and maintain it. Everything
you need to know. It was written by a development organization in Africa.
411 The Internet White Pages
http://www.four11.com/
The best way to search for someone on the Internet. Enter as much or
as little information as you want. All fields are optional. First Name:
Last Name: Domain: (e.g. netscape.com, microsoft.com) City: State: Country.
Comes with a help/faq page.
The Scientific Selection of Candidates
http://www.cnct.com/home/jbloch/#SCIEN
This site contains an article that points out the difficulty of identifying
honest politicians during an election campaign. It recommends an organizing
strategy for electing honest politicians. Thought provoking and based upon
good incites, but would take considerable development in order to serve
as an organizing tool for local stakeholders.
Federal Election Commission
http://www.fec.gov/
This site contains information for those who want to run for office
and for those who want to support them. Pointers to: Citizens Guide to
Contributions and the Law Using FEC Services Financial Information
About Candidates, Parties and PACs Help for Candidates, Parties and PACs
About Elections and Election Administration News Releases, Media Advisories
Presidential Primary Election Vote Totals by State for all Parties
Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form now!
The National Mail Voter Registration
Form
http://www.fec.gov/votregis/vr.htm
The National Mail Voter Registration Form is the one document that
allows you to register to vote from anywhere in the United States. It can
be used to: Register out-of-town tourist and convention groups Register
people from surrounding States who work, shop, or attend events in a central
city Conduct voter registration drives, especially at colleges and universities
Register individuals at State agencies or other public offices.
Vote Smart Web
http://www.vote-smart.org/
This is an excellent one-stop shopping center for political information.
Links to: Speeches Find Your Representatives by ZIPCODE Governor's
Races Congressional Races State Legislative Races Biographical and
Contact Information for State Legislators Your Government Federal Government
Information The President and the Executive Branch Congress Data
from Project Vote Smart The Judiciary State Government Information
Political Campaigns Issue Information Organizations Related to Politics
Educational and Reference Resources Miscellaneous Political Resources
Other Directories of Political Information.
Campaign and Elections On-line
http://www.camelect.com/
Allows you to search for information on political races at all levels.
Also allows you to check out the changing odds on major national, state,
and local races in all 50 states.
Voter Information Services (VIS)
http://www.vis.org/
VIS Ratings of the U.S. Congress. This site tracks the lobbyists and
tells you which ones YOUR representative and senators voted with or against.
Also provides information on: "Contract With America" Voting Record
Information For Sale (Voting Records of the U.S. Congress in electronic
form. Customized VIS Ratings reports.) and Other Politics Related Sites.
Political Science Resources
http://sun3.lib.uci.edu/~dtsang/pol.htm
A wealth of contacts for political scientists and strategists. Sites
are organized under the following headings: General Sources Journals
U.S. Federal Government U.S. Congressional and Presidential Elections
California State and City Government U.S. Political Parties Canadian
Politics Comparative and World Politics International Organizations
News Resources Political and Related Data Sources Public Policy &
Advocacy Research Institutes and Centers.
Political Science Information
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/GSSI/poliscie.html
A collection of political science resources from Berkeley: Politics
and Political Science Electronic Books and Journals Research Institutes
and Organizations Election Information Human Rights Legal Resources
Peace Studies Public Policy Area Studies Other Political Science
Resources on the Internet
Research Resources in Political
Science
http://www.lsu.edu/guests/poli/public_html/research.html
An extensive list of resources for the political scientist. Headings
include: The Political Science Profession Political Science Information
Trees and Related Resources Some Key Libraries and Research Aids Elections
and Electoral Materials Political Science Methods and Methodology Political
Documents and Data Political Science, Politics, and Government Journals
Political Science Department Home Pages Political Science Discussion
Lists.
FEC Disclosure Reports
http://www.fec.gov/finance/images.htm
Images of reports filed by House Campaigns, Party Committees, and Political
Action Committees. The actual financial reports filed by campaigns and
committees on the Web. Now you can view the reports as they were originally
submitted, something that used to require a trip to your state elections
office or the FEC in Washington.
National Political Index
http://www.politicalindex.com/
Another one stop shop for politicos: Hourly Political Headlines Contacting
Federal Elected Officials Contacting State and Local Officials Contacting
Federal Candidates Information. on Federal Candidates State and Local
Candidates No-Cost Web Sites for Candidates Contacting National Political
Parties State & Local Party Groups Contacting Political Activist
Groups State Initiatives and Referenda Un-elected Beltway V.I.P.s
Tracking Congressional Legislation Voting Booths And Polls Contacting
Federal Gov't Agencies Government Sponsored Information State &
Local Gov't Agencies Political Science Departments On-Line Political
Magazines Unclassified Political Sites The National Political Activist
The National Political Review The National Employment Index Personals
Political Resources Partner Wanted for Investment Opportunity Political
Humor Search Sites Political Newsgroups Political Think Tanks Reporters'
Resources Political Games & Simulations.
Insurance is one of the top three industries that drains cash from local economies. It is worthwhile for local stakeholders to understand how this industry operates and to determine if there are ways to minimize expenses and gain control over this outflow.
Alliance for Alternatives in Health
Care, Inc.
http://www.medmarket.com/tenants/reiddds/herbplus/info/alliance.html
This site contains a link to an alliance of businesses, associations,
and individuals working to gain greater credibility and recognition for
natural, alternative, and complementary medicine. Members have access to
The Alternative Health Plan, which includes coverage for a wide range of
natural therapies in addition to conventional medical care. The alliance
seeks to developing a national network of holistic medical providers to
service members.
Glossary of Insurance and Financial
Planning Terms
http://www.ucalgary.ca/MG/inrm/glossary/index.htm
This site provides a comprehensive dictionary of terms.
Captive.Com
http://www.captive.com/
This site provides captives, insurance companies, self insureds, risk
retention groups, purchasing groups, associations, reciprocals, and public
entity pools with a one-stop location for the exchange of information and
services related to insurance and risk management.
RiskWeb
http://www.riskweb.com
RISKWeb's primary purpose is to serve information to academics and
professionals with significant research and/or professional interests in
the field of Risk Management and Insurance. This site contains numerous
links to resources as well as provides the opportunity to subscribe to
RiskNet, an international on-line discussion group on insurance and risk
management.
New Money for Healthy Communities
http://www.ic.org/market/money/index.html
Thomas H. Greco Jr., one of the leading thinkers on self-reliance,
has put his "How to" manual for local trading systems on the net. It demonstrates
how voluntary groups can revitalize local economies. Go to the Table of
Contents and click on it. Thereafter click on each chapter. You can download
the entire book for free or find out how to get a hardcopy. Great for getting
your thoughts in order about money. If you need money for your project
and cant raise it from outside, do like the bankers do and make it yourself.
Lending Circles
http://www.ccn.cs.dal.ca/cfn/CommunitySupport/CUSO/story3.html
Self-employed people, especially women and minorities, often have trouble
getting small business loans. Banks aren't interested because processing
costs and other factors often make these loans less profitable. This site
has an article that explains how a small number of self-employed individuals
(no more than ten) form a lending circle and together approve each other's
loan.
Micro-enterprise
gopher://gopher.igc.apc.org:7050/00/alli/perspect/micro.car
Microenterprise is a program that encourages economic self-reliance
through small loans, business training and mutual support. This site tells
you all about such ventures and about people who can help you set them
up.
The Virtual Library on Microcredit
http://www.soc.titech.ac.jp/icm/
This homepage is intended to be a repository of information on alternative/non-conventional
financial systems and informal credit markets (ICM). Microcredit approaches,
community mobilization and enviro-economic development are also covered.
The site has an international orientation but some examples are applicable
to development in the US.
Ithaca Money Home Page
http://www.lightlink.com/ithacahours/
This site provides information on how to create your own community
currency:
A brief explanation Retailers List Articles Currency Samples
Success Stories Starter Kit Ordering Info Other Internet Barter Resources.
LETSystems - the Home Page
http://www.gmlets.u-net.com/
This is an excellent resources for those interested in the Local Employment
Trading System (LETS) - a local currency managed out of a PC. LETSystems
have been set up in communities around the world with great success. Here
you will find info on the theory and practice, along with downloadable
software to set up your own system. You can also get in discussions with
practitioners about those technical questions. Have fun making your own
money. Its all legal.
The Credit Union Home Page(R)
http://www.cu.org/
Everything you wanted to know about credit unions: philosophy, vital
statistics, their role in community development, technology initiatives,
consumer information, vendors, credit unions with sites on the Internet
etc.
National Credit Union Administration
Homepage
http://www.ncua.gov/
The National Credit Union Administration is an independent federal
agency that supervises and insures 7,329 federal credit unions and insures
4,358 state-chartered credit unions. It is entirely funded by credit unions
and receives no tax dollars. Go here to get all the documents and forms
that you need to set up a credit union. Also learn about the history, statistics,
and legal references on credit unions. Get pointed to other sites as well.
The Community Reinvestment Fund
http://www.crfusa.com/
CRF is a nonprofit organization that provides a secondary market for
economic development loans. They buy loans from economic development organizations
and use them as collateral to sell bonds to private investors. They tailor
each loan purchase to the needs of the client, and also provide loan servicing,
portfolio management, and training. If you are an economic development
organization or government agency that operates a loan fund, their "securitization"
service gives you a new source of capital to invest in your community.
The site includes links to dozens of other economic development resources
on the Internet.
Community Development Banking Archive
http://www.lightlink.com/cdb-l/
This list serves practitioners including Community Development Credit
Unions, CD Banks, CDCs, CD Loan Funds, and non-profits involved in support.
The discussions have ranged from the practical (construction, mortgage,
and small business lending; job opportunities, conferences, fundraising)
to legislative (CRA, HMDA, and CDFI) to the cutting edge (micro-loan funds,
peer ending, local currency, targeting social impact). You may subscribe.
Municipal bonds
http://www.e-analytics.com/bonds/bond14.htm
State and local governments frequently have to answer the question
of how to finance expensive projects like construction of new roads, schools,
airports or water and sewer systems. In addition to internally generated
revenues, grants and other forms of intergovernmental government revenues,
government often looks to the municipal bond market to assist in the financing
of expensive capital projects. This site contains information on municipal
bonds.
Earth Rights Documents
http://www.envirolink.org/orgs/earthrights/docs/index.html
There are three articles at this site for local planners interested
in land taxes as a means of generating local income. See Pennsylvania
Success with Local Tax Reform, Privatizing Land without Giveaway and
Land Rent in a Tax Free Society.
Finance Net: State and Local Finance
Management and Audit Resource
http://pula.financenet.gov:80/financenet/state/state.htm
Need to do some research on local government spending? Here is the
site for State and Local Accounting and Audit Resources. Links to: Government
Offices of Finance and Administration by State State Treasurers, at NASIRE
State Treasurers, at NASACT Best Practices of Municipal Governments
AICPA at Rutgers Accounting and Finance HotList Accountant's Hot
List Accounting Professionals' Resource Center, Kent IS More Accounting
Resources "Financial Reporting in Government" and more.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC)
http://www.fdic.gov/
This site has plenty of information to help you understand the banking
industry and to protect yourself in the market place. Pointers to: Whats
New Consumer Information (including a Consumers Resource Handbook)
Banking Information Statistical Information Asset Information Corporate
Library FDIC List Servers Corporate and Other Federal Information.
The Federal Reserve Board
http://www.bog.frb.fed.us/aboutfrs.htm
The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States.
This site contains information on the banking system as well as pointers
to: the Federal Open Market Committee Testimony and Speeches Press
Releases Domestic and International Research General Information
Publications Related Web Sites. Go here if you want to follow the money.
Action Without Borders
http://www.idealist.org/tools/fundraising.htm
The place to start if you're looking for fundraising ideas.