Fundraising Basics: A Complete Guide: .

by Barbara L. Ciconte, Jeanne Jacob

As nonprofit organizations face heightened scrutiny by the general public, donors, regulators, and members of Congress, the Third Edition of the essential book on the basics of fundraising provides new, up-to-date and valuable information that every fundraiser needs to know. With ethics and accountability being the primary theme of the Third Edition, this practical guide will continue to provide an overview of the field and give development staff, managers, and directors a platform from which to operate their fundraising programs. The new edition also provides much needed information on giving trends, computer hardware and software available for fundraisers, cost estimates and workflow timetables, and the importance of the Internet. This primer remains a must-have for anyone new to the fundraising arena.

602 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

Reviews

[John Orman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge book, with 602 large pages, that is indeed complete!
This third edition includes a Resource CD with forms and templates for use in print or electronic format.
Not just about the money, but creating a philanthropic environment,
with accountability and ethical standards.
This book lists the descriptions of jobs that need to be filled to meet clear goals and expectations for volunteer performance.
Training and development of skills is important.

The critical need for strategic planning with reasonable goals is highlighted.
How to build a case for support, and use various solicitation methods.
Use of Direct Mail, Telemarketing, E-mail, and the Internet to build donor database.
Prospect research through public information and the Internet--how to find where the wealth is, and which foundations might contribute.
Personal solicitation visits and thank-yous.
Seeking corporate matching gifts.

How to run a special event, including IRS regulations.
Twelve items to include on an event invitation.
Use of Capital Campaigns and Planned Giving (Bequests)
An entire chapter on working with professional consultants, including the contract, expectations on all sides, and evaluating their work.


This book has around 100 appendices, which include:
Sample volunteer job descriptions
State Volunteer Service Commissions
Sample Gift Acknowledgment Letter
Sample Sponsor Acknowledgment Letter
How to involve the younger generation in special events
Using/Building a Donor Database
Companies that provide fundraising software--maybe can use free demo versions.

Sample action plan template
Sample Fundraising Plan Template
Resources for seeking donated products
IRS information on charitable contributions
Example of Web home page with link to donation page.
Examples of pledge forms and reply cards.
Sample contract with a paid consultant
A special appendix on compliance with fundraising laws and regulations.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for the beginner-to-intermediate nonprofit professional. If you are starting your own organization or have little-to-no fundraising experience, this book is an easy read. If you are more advanced in your nonprofit career, this may be a bit below your level of knowledge. While wordy and overly detailed at times, I can appreciate its thoroughness, as a newbie in the industry.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must study guide for the CFRE exam. Lots of my pages are book marked.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using to study for the CFRE