RelationShift: Revolutionary Fundraising

by Michael Bassoff, Steve Chandler

Best-selling author Steve Chandler and one of America's most innovative, successful fundraisers Michael Bassoff have coauthored this unique book to teach you their easy-to-follow, proven system for creating new relationships that lead to raising millions of dollars.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction

175 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Harry Roger Williams III · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the 1990s I was Library Director at the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, Massachusetts. The Board of Trustees and I needed to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars locally to match a potential grant to renovate and expand the library building. We recruited a consultant, not to “get the money for us,” but to coach us in how to approach local business leaders and private donors. We all felt, “I don’t know how to ask people for money, and I am not comfortable asking.” We learned that the secret is to view our quest not as begging but as sharing “an opportunity to be part of something big and important and worthy.” The expanded and renovated library was all we could have hoped for. In this book one of my favorite authors, Steve Chandler, and Michael Bassoff, go beyond that simple insight and show how to create a legion of supporters for the worthy mission you wish to promote. Short, to the point, and powerful.

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

RelationShift: Revolutionary Fundraising provides key insights about turbocharging your fundraising efforts by focusing on strengthening relationships with existing donors and getting them involved with your organization.....through tours, providing information, spending time listening and talking with donors, and sending handwritten Thank You notes.

The introductory quote by William James states, "The deepest principle in human nature if the craving to be appreciated." This is SO true but is often forgotten or overlooked. The book shares 20 myths about fundraising and how to instead focus on appreciating existing donors which will result in additional donations.

[Mamie Winkelman-Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is completely fantastic! It changes the dialogue regarding nonprofit fundraising. It looks at the long-term benefits of cultivating authentic relationships with donors and getting them engaged in your organization instead of trying to raise funds through excessive mass mailings or fundraising events that are lucky to break even. Quality over quantity, as it should be. Love the direction that the nonprofit sector is shifting into!!!!

[Larry Hostetler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Key word in the title that describes the content is "shift." The book challenges to shift fundraisers' thinking from traditional wisdom to that which we know to be more productive.

It attacks shibboleths in concise chapters and is an easy read.

I recommend this especially for those new to the profession or perhaps considering looking for a position in the profession. It will likely impact the way you approach your job as a novice, and for the transitioning (or wanting to transition) professional may just cause a paradigm "relationshift."

[Sarah Nicolas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST book I've read dealing with fundraising by far. completed shifted my view on fundraising completely (in a good way!)

[Peggii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written with great tips for the field.

[MariMel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, accessible book with ideas for fundraisers on changing the paradigm in raising resources; it's all about relationships, not taking money.

[Pauline Hechler · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good that I use it (with credit) in nonprofit board training.