There are lots of good resources available for people who are interested in learning how to become charitable fundraisers. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Relationship Fundraising: A Donor Based Approach to the Business of Raising Money, by Ken Burnett. Ken is an international expert in the field of fundraising and looks at fundraising from the donor’s perspective. With this viewpoint, you can approach fundraising as a means for helping some do something that they are inclined to do: be charitable.
- Building Donor Loyalty: The Fundraiser’s Guide to Increasing Lifetime Value, by Adrian Sargeant and Elaine Jay. This book helped me realize that fundraising is a lot like dating. An effective fundraiser wants to do more than get a first date: they want to get someone to marry them.
- How to Become a Rainmaker: The Rules for Getting and Keeping Customers and Clients, by Jeffrey J. Fox. One of my former bosses at United Way made me read this book, which offers tips including treating customers as your best friends, listening to customers to decipher their needs, and giving your customers more than they expect. This holds true in fundraising: treat your prospects as friend and listen to what your prospect needs to feel joyful about their donation.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. This timeless classic offers advice on activities that are critical to fundraising, including how to become an effective conversationalist, handle complaints, and inspire enthusiasm.
- Seth’s Blog, by Seth Godin. Seth is a former dot-com executive who has written 17 books on marketing. His blog posts can be read in 60 seconds or less and offer advice on how to build relationships and market effectively.