Boards That Love Fundraising : A How-to Guide for Your Board

Rating:
Summary: Help for Pitching Prospects
Review: I am not associated with a non-profit, but I am an artist who is constantly looking for funding sources. I found this book
extremely helpful in suggesting ways to overcome my fear of confronting prospects face to face. It is written simply and reiterates the positive message that we need not fear requesting large amounts of money. Like in any sales game, the worst thing that can happen is rejection.
I haven't yet found people who are "thrilled to give", but doing confidence building prep before I try can only boost my chances.
Paula Taylor, Independent Filmmaker

Rating:
Summary: Help for Pitching Prospects
Review: I am not associated with a non-profit, but I am an artist who is constantly looking for funding sources. I found this book
extremely helpful in suggesting ways to overcome my fear of confronting prospects face to face. It is written simply and reiterates the positive message that we need not fear requesting large amounts of money. Like in any sales game, the worst thing that can happen is rejection.
I haven't yet found people who are "thrilled to give", but doing confidence building prep before I try can only boost my chances.
Paula Taylor, Independent Filmmaker

Rating:
Summary: The only fundraising book you will ever need!
Review: The authors challenge traditional attitudes, and fears, about fundraising by arguing that we should view the activity not as "tin-cup begging" but as providing a way for people to invest positively in their communities. The authors break new ground by focusing on benefits that *donors* derive from philanthropic giving and strategies to enhance these benefits. With exercises entitled "What Moves People to Give," the book offers ample opportunity for readers to apply this refreshing approach to their specific circumstances. As a Commissioner on the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, I also serve on the PTA board of my daughter's public elementary school, always in dire need of funds, and fundraise on behalf of my alma mater, Bryn Mawr College, which relies heavily on alumnae financial support, and I have found this book to be an invaluable resource. I recommend this easy-to-read and comprehensive guide to anyone who serves on a board, especially those of you who have been afraid of fundraising. You won't be able to put it down!

Rating:
Summary: An Encouraging and Practical Guide for Resource Development
Review: The authors challenge traditional attitudes, and fears, about fundraising by arguing that we should view the activity not as "tin-cup begging" but as providing a way for people to invest positively in their communities. The authors break new ground by focusing on benefits that *donors* derive from philanthropic giving and strategies to enhance these benefits. With exercises entitled "What Moves People to Give," the book offers ample opportunity for readers to apply this refreshing approach to their specific circumstances. As a Commissioner on the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, I also serve on the PTA board of my daughter's public elementary school, always in dire need of funds, and fundraise on behalf of my alma mater, Bryn Mawr College, which relies heavily on alumnae financial support, and I have found this book to be an invaluable resource. I recommend this easy-to-read and comprehensive guide to anyone who serves on a board, especially those of you who have been afraid of fundraising. You won't be able to put it down!

Rating:
Summary: A practical guide that makes sense
Review: This book is a must for board members and anyone who works with boards. I have never fully understood the mechanics of how organizations raise money beyond grantseeking. This book lays out a number of alternatives and makes all seem doable. I especially appreciated the 'investing in social enterprises' concept of giving versus the more typical begging on bended knee for what are essential critical services to the community. The exercises are clearly explained and the language is straightforward and easy to follow. The underlying concepts go far to removing the mystery and fear of asking for money. The board recruitment grid, the fundraising planning section, working with consultants and the costs and evaluation sections appeal to my structured way of thinking. I can highly recommend this excellent resource.

Rating:
Summary: An Encouraging and Practical Guide for Resource Development
Review: Zimmerman and Lehman have written an encouraging and practical guide sure to help diffuse the fear and loathing with which most nonprofit board members face in fund development. Straight talk about board responsibilities sets the stage. Short easy exercises suitable for board meetings demonstrate fundraising skills and techniques. "Boards That Love Fundraising" provides the script for board presidents and staff to share the practice and the joy of successful resource development within any nonprofit.
-Marcia Rundle, Regional Resource Development Director, Western States Region, Habitat for Humanity International