Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector
Vu’s new book will be coming out on October 14th, 2025.
Available for pre-order now!
All proceeds from the sales of this book until the end of 2026 will be donated to organizations and movements that support trans and immigrant rights and/or fight fascism.
Want to order several copies?
Order in bulk at Porchlight.
If your organization pre-orders 25 or more copies, Vu will be happy to do a 50-minute video call and we can talk about whatever is on your org’s mind.
About the book
The nonprofit and philanthropic sector is full of amazing people trying to do good work. At the same time, we’re trapped in systems that make it nearly impossible sometimes. Entrenched societal problems, unrealistic expectations from the public, scarcity mindset, lack of funding, and unfair comparison with the for-profit sector are just a few. Not to mention terrible office chairs! Over time, we start to think all of it is normal.
Well, it’s not! With everything being so urgent and dire, it’s time we let go of a lot of philosophies and practices we’ve taken as sacred. In this no-nonsense book, Vu combines all of his rants into one cohesive place, neatly organized into chapters on boards, fundraising, advocacy, data, hiring, work culture, leadership, capacity building, and of course DEI. There won’t be pictures of baby animals, but Vu’s trademark sense of humor and metaphors are all there. You’ll read feeling hopeful, fired up, and ready to flip some tables over!
About the author
Vu Le (“voo lay”) is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration among diverse communities.
Vu’s passion to make the world better, combined with a low score on the Law School Admission Test, drove him into the field of nonprofit work, where he learned that we should take the work seriously, but not ourselves. There’s tons of humor in the nonprofit world, and someone needs to document it. He is going to do that, with the hope that one day, a TV producer will see how cool and interesting our field is and make a show about nonprofit work, featuring attractive actors attending strategic planning meetings and filing 990 tax forms.
Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu has been featured in dozens, if not hundreds, of his own blog posts at NonprofitAF.com.
Praise for Vu’s book
“A transformative read. It redefines leadership, fundraising, and the very purpose of philanthropy.”
Philip Li, President & CEO, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation
“With his signature blend of sharp analysis and irreverent humor, delivers the wake-up call our sector desperately needs, challenging us to shed outdated practices and embrace the audacious vision required to create real change. This isn’t just another nonprofit how-to book―it’s a revolutionary roadmap for transforming our sector into the resilient justice-driven force it was meant to be “
Beth Kanter, Speaker, Trainer, and Author, The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in an Automated World
“If you’ve ever felt disillusioned by the nonprofit world, this book will reignite your fire―and give you tools to make real change.”
Vanessa Daniel, author of Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning
“A book that says what so many of us have been thinking. Bold, brilliant, hilarious and unapologetically honest”
Nichole June Maher, President & CEO, Inatai Foundation
“To those hoarding wealth and power, Vu Le is Mojo Jojo – a villain relentlessly repeating the obvious: “Invest in community-led solutions! General operating, multi-year funding NOW!” But to those of us in the nonprofit sector, Vu is our rainbow-hued, values-driven Care Bear, radiating justice, joy, and hummus-fueled truth. Through sharp wit and deep conviction, he reminds us of the “WHY” in our work, especially when it’s hard. There is no doubt that our nonprofit sector is stronger and more equitable because he has the audacity to use his voice. Buy the book and join our fight! (But seriously, he needs more hummus)”
Nonoko Sato, President & CEO, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
“This book masterfully examines the philanthropic sector and offers lived and learned lessons on how we can reshape not only the sector, but an equitable world. It is a must-read for the sector, which is in transition.”
Monique Curry-Mims, MBA, MSEd, CAP®, Founder, Civic Capital Consulting and Co-Host of Beyond Philanthropy
“Vu Le, the ultimate nonprofit nerd and a true visionary, brings his trademark heart, authenticity, and laugh-out-loud humor to his new book, making it an essential read for anyone navigating the nonprofit world.”
Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
