Phrases a Charity Leader Coined in New Book

big uglies. Used with irony, this term refers to convicts, drug addicts, and homeless male adults

who, Robert Egger, founder of D.C. Central Kitchen, believes, are ignored by nonprofit groups that make fund-raising pitches on their behalf. Instead, groups often overemphasize the needs of children, he says, because they are more appealing to potential donors.

calculated epiphany. A moment that a savvy organization can create in the minds of prospective donors by showing them a plan to solve the problem the organization was formed to deal with. “If you’ve done everything right,” says Mr. Egger, “your audience will invite your plan into their heads. Then, they’ll see why your idea has value.”

nonprofiteer. A term for one who toils, often unsuccessfully or undynamically, in the nonprofit field.

nutritional imperialists. People who attempt to change the eating habits of the poor to reflect their own, mostly vegetarian diets. “It brings up the question of whom you’re serving,” Mr. Egger writes.

starfish thrower. Someone who performs a random act of kindness, such as throwing several beached starfish back into the sea, even though thousands more remain and will probably die. Mr. Egger uses the term to denote those who he believes wrongly equate isolated acts of charity with those committed by organizations that are systematically looking to solve large problems.