Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Three Great Fundraising Resources

When asked, "What three books/resources would you recommend to a "nonprofit program manager" transitioning into fund development with an emphasis on individual giving?" Lawson Knight, Executive Director of the Blue Mountain Community Foundation answered, "Three books I have found quite helpful include:
  1. The Artful Journey by William Sturtevant. Very practical book on the nuts and bolts of major gift fundraising.
  2. Donor Centered Fundraising by Penelope Burk. Outstanding empircal data about donor behavior that makes it very clear how to develop and retain donors.
  3. Asking by Jerold Panas. It hass been my experience that my colleagues that transition from program work and/or grantwriting have the most difficulty "making the ask" required of major gift fundrasing for individuals. Panas is a real luminary and provides great counsel in this classic.
Thanks for the helpful info, Lawson!