The Raising of Money: 35 Essentials Every Trustee Should Know

After more than three decades in fundraising, I have not come across a book like this that sums up the best thoughts about "the raising of money" in such a concise and powerful way. Whenever someone asks me what they can read to learn about fundraising, I recommend this book. And in this day of so many organizations seeking simply to preserve themselves regardless of the effectiveness of their programs, Jim Lord's words continue to resonate for me: "Organizations don't have needs...people do." Quite simply the best single book about fundraising I've come across.

This book will likely not become obsolete as long as nonprofits are raising money. It doesn't attempt to address many specifics, as are different in every situation and with every organization wishing to raise money. Instead, it addresses the theories and philosophies of philanthropy and the ideas behind the core art of fund raising. I'm having my employees and board of directors review this book when I am finished with it.