Customer Reviews

The Raising of Money: Thirty-Five Essentials Every Trustee Should Know

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

This book is a classic in the philanthropic world. I've read it several times, and each time I find hidden gems that I've overlooked previously. If you work (either paid or as a volunteer) in the world of nonprofits, make this a must for your library!

It is just the nature of being alive in this society, that one must frequently ask for money. If one also wishes to accomplish fine things, then asking for money becomes a skill to be honed.

Jim Lord explains what you must know. In simple words, and a conversational style, with a pinch of philosophy, Jim makes the process of raising funds a simple act.

Read it. Read it again. Go out and do what he is teaching.Then check The Raising of Money one more time.

Warren Grossman, Ph.D.

Years ago, when I was a young consultant and aspiring author, I first encountered Jim Lord's ideas through his early writing. His deeply true thinking became the bedrock for my own learning about fundraising.

Later, when I wrote my own book, How To Raise The Money You Need, Now! Jim was kind enough to get in touch to praise my book and to stay in touch with me beginning a lifelong relationship as my consultant, mentor and my friend.

Today, the number one question client staff and trustees ask is the same question I was asked twenty years ago: How can our trustees become more effective at fundraising. Jim Lord's original version of THE RAISING OF MONEY became the answer, back then. I began advising all of my clients to purchase several copies of that book and to present them, one at a time to each new trustee or staff development leader.

I'm so glad that a new version of this great book is now available. Those who try the idea of putting it in the hands of every trustee will surely see board effectiveness, engagement and excitement zoom, just as I have.

Buy this book! Buy lots of copies!

Becky Carter, FundCoach

The Raising of Money has been a staple on my Non-Profit reading list for years and is as relevant now as it's ever been. Jim doesn't talk about tools - he talks about the basic philosophy of fundraising. He talks about the principles that are the foundation of successful changemaking, because let's face it - we need money to create change. Buy this book. Build Community. Build Change.

I remember reading Jim's great book when I started off in fundraising. I thought: precise writing and an excellent explanation of the basic truths of raising money. It was, and is, an immensely helpful resource. It has helped me to raise a lot money for great causes over the years. But more importantly, it has helped tens of thousands of people to raise billions to improve lives and our world.

Harvey McKinnon
Leading consultant, author, and teacher

I purchased the original printing of "The Raising of Money" more than twenty years ago. It was so helpful in my early career, that I kept the volume in my office book case all these years. When I learned the new updated version was available, I purchased a copy. It was a like taking another philanthropic journey, with Jim Lord, much like the first time I read the book, but even better this time.

I have personally associated with many of the great fund raising experts in the U.S. over my thirty-six year career, but I don't believe anyone understands the underlying principles of philanthropy better than James Gregory Lord. This book is a MUST for every professional fund raiser and non-profit volunteer leader's office.

Most fund raising literature seems to suggest systems and ways to avoid asking for a financial commitment from donor prospects. Lord reminds us of the simple basics necessary to develop our own philosophy of philanthropy and the psychology of fund raising needed to garner financial resources for your organization.

I have used this book for the last fifteen years as a "gift" to thank community volunteers who have agreed to take on the leadership responsibility of a campaign for one of my non profit clients. It is an excellent fundamental review of fundraising basics and gets to the "heart" of peer to peer fundraising. It has generated many healthy discussions about the appropriate role of volunteers and professional counsel. A very easy read and a worthwhile investment!

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.