Fundraising analytics; using data to guide strategy. (The AFP fund development s

by Joshua M. Birkholz

Praise for Fundraising Analytics Using Data to Guide Strategy "Birkholz has shown in print why he's such a sought-after his ability to humanize descriptive analytics and provide real-world applications of modeling to fundraising challenges. At the same time, the book presents analysts and statisticians with a clear window into the theory and business practices of philanthropy. Fundraising Analytics belongs on every advancement professional's bookshelf!" -Robert D. Scott, Executive Director of Development Services Massachusetts Institute of Technology "Identifying and analyzing your best prospects is fundamental to successful fundraising. Particularly for institutions blessed with large databases, the knowledge developed through the use of analytic tools can transform the institution's ability to realize its fundraising potential. By applying science to the art of fundraising, organizations are able to bring hard evidence to management decision-making and better define the optimal size, scope, and makeup of the fundraising enterprise." -Richard K. Naum, Vice President of Development Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center "Companies and institutions in every industry are increasingly discov-ering the power of predictive analytics in gaining competitive advantage and driving success. In Fundraising Analytics, Josh Birkholz paints a clear picture of the application of predictive analytics in the world of nonprofit fundraising. The book establishes an easy-to-follow framework for creating a data-driven approach to decision-making and paves the way for nonprofits to transform their advancement strategies." -Jack Noonan, CEO SPSS Inc., a global leader in predictive analytics software "Josh Birkholz makes a complex topic totally accessible. Any organization that doesn't understand the use of analytics today risks not being around tomorrow. This book is a must-have for every development shop." -Arthur J. Ochoa, Esquire, Senior Vice President of Community Relations, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published April 4, 2008

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book matched my expectations exactly. I wanted to read this book to get a good feel of strategies around analytics (aka metrics) in fundraising.

There are constant discussions around metrics at my organization and as someone who took a year's worth of research and statics in college, I have been very cautious after seeing how our database looks. This book gave me the knowledge of what is needed and has made me feel more comfortable with actually letting go of that idea.

Probably not what the author intended, but I have found the book very helpful and I have connected my statics background with my current career.

My plan? I am going to look at using the data we have and show it in a way that satisfies the request, without making actual analysis.

Side note- I skipped most of the SPSS chapters because as I mentioned we are no where near ready for it. If or when we are, I will pick the book back up (probably dig out my old SPSS notes from school as well).

[James Eichinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot to like in this book if you're doing analytics for a fundraising non-profit. It presents statistical concepts to the reader, and does so in a way that they can be easily conveyed to Sr. Directors and members of your board of trustees.

Birkholz also walks the reader through constructing some very useful scores, both predictive and descriptive. A potential downside could be the book's use of SPSS, which was a very affordable statistical software package when the book was written. Since then, the pricing has sky rocketed. It may make application for some smaller NPs more difficult. Overall, an excellent book which I recommend over most others in this genre including Peter Wylie's books.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I now know that the world of fundraising analytics is much more complex than it may initially appear -- finding donors for organizations/institutions is more than search and find. The math parts were interesting, as regards to regression analysis and the basics of quantifying factors associated with donors that normally wouldn't have quantifiable variables.

Of course, I would never read this for pleasure. I had to read this for an internship which begins in three days.

[Selina Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for those interested in fundraising and data. Or even those just interested in fundraising who have no idea about data - you can get a good overview of what your data-driven colleagues are up to (though you may want to give the last couple of chapters a miss as they are pretty stats-heavy)

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really dense reading, but a great resource if you're interested in the analytics of fundraising.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for fundraising professionals! I like the fact that it explains fundraising terminology in a fairly simple way and presents lots of examples of how to use the data.

[Nawelzaabar · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great book that helps us to more now about fundraising