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

by David Lansdowne

If every board member of every nonprofit organization across America read this book, it’s no exaggeration to say that millions upon millions of additional dollars would be raised. How could it be otherwise when, after spending just one hour with this gem, board members everywhere would understand virtually everything they need to know about raising major gifts. Not more, not less. Just exactly what they need to do to be successful. In his book, Fund Raising Realities Every Board Member Must A 1-Hour Crash Course on Raising Major Gifts for Nonprofit Organizations, David Lansdowne has distilled the essence of major gifts fund raising, put it in the context of 47 "realities," and delivered it in unfailingly clear prose. Nothing about this book will intimidate board members. It is brief, concise, easy to read, and free of all jargon. Further, it is a work that motivates, showing as it does just how doable raising big money is. The appeal of Fund Raising Realities is that Lansdowne addresses every important principle and technique of fund raising, and explains them in a succinct way board members will grasp immediately. In other words, Fund Raising Realities puts everyone on a level playing field - board member with board member, and board member with staff. Put this book in your board’s hands, put it in your board orientation packet, put it anywhere you need the successful practice of fund raising masterfully illuminated.

112 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 1996

Reviews

[Sotiris Makrygiannis]

Very basic but few good tips for Fund raising. Focuses too much one point, otherwise a quick read for quick ideas and inspiration.

[Ronald Webster]

A great, informative crash course in fundraising.

[Teresa Carbajal]

Informative resource to have as a reference book on your desk. Whether you are a CEO, Executive Director, Development Director/Staff, Board Member or Volunteer of a non-profit organization when it comes to fundraising campaigns Fund Raising Realities is a useful reference to have at the ready, and consult throughout the duration of the campaign.

#nonprofit #resource

[Bethany]

This book is exactly what it promises: a quick and easy read geared toward board members (and to some extent, other volunteers) about fund raising. It's the perfect length, because it's the unusual volunteer who would read a real tome on the subject. Chapters are very small, and the book could easily be used for a training series. It's relatable. It's bite-sized. It's just right.

[Paul Charles]

This is certainly a quick read, but it covers a lot in a short space of time.

[Mohammed Alomaireeni]

easy to read, simple. a small guide in fundraising. not really good

[Anica Wong]

Quick read with succinct information. This is a great primer into the realities of fundraising and why many people shy away from making "the ask."

[Melissa]

It is a quick read and full if useful tools!