Customer Reviews

Fund Raising Realities Every Board Member Must Face: A 1-Hour Crash Course on Raising Major Gifts for Nonprofit Organizations

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

 

 

Everyone who works in the wonderful world of not-for-profits realizes that the dreaded day will come when they have to make an ask for money. This terrific book not only outlines the how-to of making such an ask, but also teaches the board member that this is their board participation responsibility. The book takes you step by step through the process teaching you that the best way to avoid the fear of the situation is to be well prepared.

However, i think one of the most important aspects of this book is that it convinces board members that theirs is a noble cause and that asking for money should bring a sense of pride, not shame. That may be a hard sell, but i think Lansdowne succeeds.

Lansdowne offers a well organized book that anticipates the pitfall of fund raising, while providing a well mapped procedure to follow.

David Lansdowne is the stern but understanding father of major gift solicitation. He pours light into shadowy corners, sets realistic expectations, punctures silly myths, and swiftly explains each step in the solicitation process, from preparation to asking to the thanks. He delivers full weight on the promise of his title and holds your hand throughout (though his touch is more of a sharp tug; clearly he's been through this a thousand times and heard every board member dodge and complaint). This is a super-fast read; ideal for busy board members. Lansdowne also makes clear that success is mostly a matter of diligence, common sense, and heeding expert advice -- and his advice is rock solid, industry tested. I rank this top shelf, up there with Kay Sprinkel Grace's Ultimate Board book and Jerry Panas' Asking.

I am currently involved in a Capital Campaign and found this book so helpful - from both sides of the fence. Through understanding the expectations that a Board member should have, it is helping me to frame my contact and training for the board. I refer to it regularly and would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to understand how fundraising works, and their responsibilities as a Board Member and for the fundraiser, a look from the Board Members shoes.

I have read many books about fundraising and ordered this one as I am working with a board that is new to fundraising. The book is a one-hour read and is informative. There is a heavy emphasis on capital campaign fundraising versus fundraising in general which is the reason I rated it a four instead of a five. That said, I have ordered copies to give to our board members and will be employing the principles in an educational workshop that I will be presenting for community members who serve on nonprofits boards.

This was a fantastic easy read, great for new board members who want to get their feet wet in the world of fundraising.

Terrific book for board members (and staff). Landsdowne makes it crystal clear that the board has a lead role in fundraising. Should be required reading for everyone considering their first board and, at the very least, should be distributed to everyone once they join!

This "1-hour crash course" is ideal to give to a board member with a short attention span. It's more detailed than a PowerPoint, but reading it really does take only an hour, more or less. Longer how-to books have more details, so if you're really into fundraising, and want tips on how to improve, this won't do. But it's a good introduction for a well-intentioned newebie, especially one who will be participating in a fundraising campaign, rather than running it. It's a combination of a pep talk and how-to pamphlet/

The Heritage Christian University Board of Directors relies on this book as one of their guidelines. Every member has a copy and every new Board member receives one. We keep copies on hand. It's a great way to realize what's involved on your part with a Board of Directors of a Non-Profit.