Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits: Real-World Strategies That Work [Paperback]

Ilona Bray J.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 2008

Getting tax-exempt status for your nonprofit organization is just the first step -- whether its mission will succeed depends entirely on your ability to raise money. Fortunately, Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits will show you how.

Featuring advice and stories from over 40 experienced fundraisers, foundation staffers, journalists and more, the 2nd edition of Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits explains how to:

work with individual donors

plan special events

solicit grants from foundations and corporations

get media coverage

use the Web to further fundraising goals

start a side business to raise funds

and much more

The 2nd edition also covers IRS rules and regulations, grassroots strategies for struggling nonprofits, the tools and staffing needed, and dozens of resources that you can take advantage of.

Best of all, Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits is written in plain English, cutting out the jargon and "consultant speak" that's all too common in many nonprofit books. (20080202)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Provides clear answers for nonprofits, with advice from fundraisers, foundation staffers and journalists. (San Diego Union-Tribune 20080202)

"Gets into the best ways to keep the money flowing in, including using the Web and developing grass roots strategies." (Accounting Today 20080202)

"Provides clear answers for nonprofits, with advice from fundraisers, foundation staffers and journalists." (San Diego Union-Tribune 20090101)

"If you have room for only one book on your fundraising bookshelf, Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits should be that book. Author Ilona Bray... does a remarkable job giving key information about every aspect of fundraising without being too simplistic." (Advancing Philanthropy 20090101)

It looks excellent, but I have to say that I haven't been able to look at it much because my wife... has taken it and is reading everything. (G. D., San Francisco, CA 20090101)

I've already changed the way I write a query letter based on reading this book. Beyond that, it's engaging and readable and absolutely does have 'real-world strategies that work.' (S. M., Washington, D.C. )

Gets into the best ways to keep the money flowing in, including using the Web and developing grass roots strategies. (Accounting Today )

If you have room for only one book on your fundraising bookshelf, Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits should be that book. Author Ilona Bray... does a remarkable job giving key information about every aspect of fundraising without being too simplistic. (Advancing Philanthropy )

About the Author

Bray is an author and legal editor at Nolo, specializing in real estate, immigration law, and nonprofit fundraising. She is co-author of Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home and also edits a number of Nolo's small business books. Bray's working background includes solo practice, nonprofit, and corporate stints, as well as long periods of volunteering, including an internship at Amnesty International's main legal office in London. She received her law degree and a Masters degree in East Asian (Chinese) Studies from the University of Washington.

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: NOLO; 2 edition (February 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1413307485
• ISBN-13: 978-1413307481
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #339,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Business & Investing > Small Business & Entrepreneurship > Raising Capital

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An especially recommended study for non-specialist general readers, April 3, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits: Real-World Strategies That Work (Paperback)

Just as money is the life-blood of governments and private enterprise corporations, so it is essential to carrying out the mandates of non-profit organizations as well. Now in a fully updated and significantly expanded second edition, Effective Fundraising For Nonprofits: Real-World Strategies That Work" by Ilona Bray draws upon her years of experience and expertise serving a variety of nonprofit agencies in every managerial capacity from development director and staff attorney to department manager and advisory council member to create a 496-page compendium of superbly organized and presented information, jargon-free advice, case examples, and illustrative comments from more than forty experienced and successful fund raisers who work in the non-profit sector. An ideal guide, readers will learn how to work with individual donors, plan special fund raising events, successfully compete in the solicitation of grants from foundations and corporations, obtain and exploit media coverage, utilize the Internet as a fundraising tool, start side businesses to create additional revenue streams, develop effective print materials (brochures, newsletters, annual reports), and a great deal more. Of special note are the eleven appendices offering fundraising worksheets for everything from sample cost analysis to press release templates. "Effective Fundraising For Nonprofits" should be a core reference work and a part of every community library and non-profit agency collection, and is an especially recommended study for non-specialist general readers having a responsibility to raise funds for their particular non-profit group.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written, exceptionally informative, May 19, 2008

By 

Skip Rohde (Asheville, NC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits: Real-World Strategies That Work (Paperback)

This is an excellent textbook and reference book on fundraising for non-profits. I recently joined the board of a non-profit and knew nothing about fundraising, but this book got me up to speed very quickly. The author treats you like a reasonably intelligent person, in contrast to some other primers that are too cutesy, and she writes in plain English and avoids jargon. It's packed with information, web sites, references, real-world examples, and recommendations. And it's up-to-date. If you're working for or with a non-profit, you need this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Borrowed, then bought - No regrets so far!, January 13, 2010

By 

Ian Meseck (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits: Real-World Strategies That Work (Paperback)

A few months back I borrowed this from the library and didn't think much of it. 4 weeks ago I got a job as a fundraising facilitator and have to admit I've changed my mind. Just a few quick glances at this book again and I feel like I've got some fresh ideas going! Definitely a must have if you're new to the field, or even if you think some new ideas are what you need to see. Borrow it from the library, or buy it here so it's there when you need it!