David Grant Set for THE SOCIAL PROFIT HANDBOOK Book-Signing at SOPAC Tonight

Join former Maplewood resident and author David Grant for a reception and book-signing event in the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) Loft tonight, May 12 from 5 until 6:30 PM.

Grant's recent release, The Social Profit Handbook, offers those who lead, govern, and support mission-driven organizations and businesses new ways to assess their impact in order to improve future work rather than merely judge past performance.

For-profit institutions measure their success primarily by monetary gains. But nonprofit institutions are different; their value to communities is "social profit." The Social Profit Handbook presents assessment and evaluation not as ends in themselves but as the path toward achieving what matters most in the social sector. The result: more benefits to society and stronger, more unified, more effective organizations prepared to make the world a better place.

"David's thoughtful and insightful approach to social-profit management and assessment has had a major impact on many New Jersey organizations," noted Mark Packer, SOPAC's executive director. "The publication of this new book allows his message to reach a much wider audience who will benefit from his wisdom. We feel honored to host this event."

David Grant is the former president and CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation in Morristown, New Jersey, where he was responsible for development and evaluation of programs in the foundation's major areas of giving (Arts, Education, and Environment), as well as the foundation's major initiatives (Poetry and Nonprofit Capacity Building). Grant now consults with people and organizations that have a social or educational mission, specializing in strategic planning, design of assessment systems, and board development.

Grant's career has centered on innovative teaching and learning. In 1983, he and his wife, Nancy Boyd Grant, cofounded The Mountain School of Milton Academy, a highly regarded, semester-long, interdisciplinary environmental studies program in Vermont for high school juniors from throughout the country. Previously, David was a national consultant to schools and leader of workshops on topics of curriculum and program design, professional development, assessment practices, and school climate.

Grant has served as chair of the board of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and as a member of the board of directors of the Surdna Foundation. He is currently a trustee of three social profit (formerly called nonprofit) organizations and lives in Strafford, Vermont. Copies of Grant's book, The Social Profit Handbook: The Essential Guide to Setting Goals, Assessing Outcomes, and Achieving Success for Mission-Driven Organizations, will be available for purchase at the book signing sponsored by the South Orange Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, May 12 at 5PM. This event is free and open to the public.

Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The premier arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC-a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council's performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz 'n the Hall performances and Seton Hall Theatre productions. SOPAC also presents performances by its theater company in residence, Midtown Direct Rep, and its dance company in residence, Lydia Johnson Dance. For more information, visit SOPACnow.org.

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