Boards That Love Fundraising: A How-to Guide for Your Board (Paperback)

by Robert M. Zimmerman (Author), Ann W. Lehman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
" …topics such as how to ask for a substantial gift and motivations for giving are especially effective." -- The Foundation Center, Philanthropy News Digest, September 22, 2004

"The book is a user-friendly soft-cover workbook providing information on how to more effectively raise money." -- Contra Costa Times, 4/2/2004

"The book provides tips to help board members overcome the fear of rejection and feel more comfortable asking for support…" -- The Chronicle of Philanthropy, May 27, 2004

"There are many fine books on fundraising, but few delineate the board member's role with such clarity." (Stage Directions, 12/1/2004)

"The book is a user-friendly soft-cover workbook providing information on how to more effectively raise money." (Contra Costa Times, 4/2/2004)

Review
"Zimmerman and Lehman have more than two decades of hands-on experience helping board members know how to do their job. This workbook distills their knowledge into helpful and easy exercises and tips that everyone in the nonprofit can use to raise more money."
—Kim Klein, publisher, Grassroots Fundraising Journal

"The wisdom in Boards That Love Fundraising helped me and our board of directors deal with some of our most challenging issues. In this day and age, fundraising by board members is critical to the success of any nonprofit organizationincluding ours. Zimmerman and Lehman will help your board get there, too."
—Janet Knipe, executive director, California Youth Correction

"Bob and Anns book is so readable yet filled with knowledge and wonderful exercises. It is sure to be a hit with any current or future board member."
—Marcie Storch, director of development, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, California

"With step-by-step guidelines, this book is a must have for those engaged in fundraising."
—Allyson Hewitt, executive director/directrice general, Safe Kids Canada

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass (February 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787968129
• ISBN-13: 978-0787968120
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #285,009 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Nonprofit Board Resource!, March 11, 2004

By A Customer

I found this book to be a wonderfully straight-forward and user-friendly guide which can actually motivate a nonprofit board to sucessfully fundraise. I think it does a great job of insightfully recognizing the reluctance fundraisers have in asking for money. The authors answer this situation with, what are to me, practical and surprisingly simple ways in which to restore fundraisers' confidence (and enthusiasm!). I definately recommend it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only fundraising book you will ever need!, April 1, 2004

By	Emily M Murase (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

The authors challenge traditional attitudes, and fears, about fundraising by arguing that we should view the activity not as "tin-cup begging" but as providing a way for people to invest positively in their communities. The authors break new ground by focusing on benefits that *donors* derive from philanthropic giving and strategies to enhance these benefits. With exercises entitled "What Moves People to Give," the book offers ample opportunity for readers to apply this refreshing approach to their specific circumstances. As a Commissioner on the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, I also serve on the PTA board of my daughter's public elementary school, always in dire need of funds, and fundraise on behalf of my alma mater, Bryn Mawr College, which relies heavily on alumnae financial support, and I have found this book to be an invaluable resource. I recommend this easy-to-read and comprehensive guide to anyone who serves on a board, especially those of you who have been afraid of fundraising. You won't be able to put it down!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A practical guide that makes sense, September 24, 2004

By	Tolstoevsky (Lafayette, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This book is a must for board members and anyone who works with boards. I have never fully understood the mechanics of how organizations raise money beyond grantseeking. This book lays out a number of alternatives and makes all seem doable. I especially appreciated the 'investing in social enterprises' concept of giving versus the more typical begging on bended knee for what are essential critical services to the community. The exercises are clearly explained and the language is straightforward and easy to follow. The underlying concepts go far to removing the mystery and fear of asking for money. The board recruitment grid, the fundraising planning section, working with consultants and the costs and evaluation sections appeal to my structured way of thinking. I can highly recommend this excellent resource.