Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits: Real-World Strategies That Work

by Ilona Bray

Raise money for your nonprofit with unique advice and tactics

Getting tax-exempt status for your nonprofit organization is just the first step toward succeeding in your mission -- ultimately, your nonprofit's effectiveness depends entirely on your ability to raise money. Fortunately, Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits will show you how. Featuring advice and stories from over 40 experienced fundraisers, foundation staffers, journalists, and more, the 3rd edition of Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits offers strategies for raising donations from individuals, companies, and institutions, and covers the tools and staff you'll need to get the job done. Find out how

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Reference, Professional Development, Leadership

512 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Ilona Bray is an award-winning author of books for adults and children. She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and received a law degree from the University of Washington. In her role as an author/editor at Nolo.com, she specializes in real estate, immigration law, and nonprofit fundraising.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggle with how to rate books like this because they aren't (typically) things you sit down and read straight through for fun. I started off a few weeks ago looking for a crash course in grant writing and now find myself obsessed with non-profit fundraising generally.
But I do think this one deserves 5 stars. It covers a very wide range of topics, conveys topical and relevant information, and left me with several new ideas. (I particularly appreciated the chapter about non-profit websites.) The writing is easy and enthusiastic, yet also structured enough that you can pick it up and put it down as needed.
I'll definitely keep my eye out for more from Nolo generally and Ilona Bray specifically. (And if that is not high, albeit odd, commendation for a reference guide, I don't know what is.)

[Doug Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

My start towards global domination started with my local PTO. After getting myself “elected” co-president, I was disappointed to find out that a big chunk of the job is fundraising (and not unfettered power). When NOLO press offered me a copy of Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits for review, I grabbed a copy to help me figure out what to do.

Ilona Bray diligently takes you through the fundamentals of establishing a fundraising program, how to attract donations and how to keep donors giving. There is some great practical advice from dozens of non-profit professionals included in Bray’s discussion.

This book is worthy additional to anyone involved in fundraising for non-profits.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for beginning a fundraising program, or refreshing the one your organization currently has in place. Not only does the author focus on grant writing but all the ancillary parts of making your organization rock such as having a strong website, social media presence and message. It's a book that I'll keep on my shelf to refer to on a regular basis.

[Marius Ciuzelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read an early version, written back in 2005 and a lot has changed since then. However, some chapters were especially good and would definitelly recommend them to read and re-read our fundraising team.

The book is written as one of a “How to...” kind, provides detailed step-by-step guide on specific topic and is worth the time to refresh.

[Martine Francois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for those interested in the know how’s of starting a non-profit. These books are often dry and cookie cuter. This one has great stories and details what’s needed to have a successful fundraising campaign for a startup.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of fantastic and practical information for all types of nonprofits.

[Cat Fithian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful info. Would make a good resource - check back when needed.

[Mills College Library]

658.15224 B8271e 2019

[Jasmine Bamlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loads of great content shared in a digestible and straight-forward. I recommend for anyone working in fundraising or development at a nonprofit.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to lead a fundraising effort soon. I know nothing about fundraising so this book provided a lot of information and checklists that I wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I had no where else to go. I needed a rapid fire approach to learning fundraising, and this jumped out at me. I learned a lot from the first few chapters, especially w/r/t donor relations. However, a lot of the chapters didn't apply to me. This book should be read more as a reference book as opposed to straight through (I listened to the audiobook, which may have been part of it).

[Readersaurus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in friendly, easy-to-read language, this book is full of sensible advice and usable worksheets.

So far, Bray is really writing for larger organizations. Directors of super-small non-profits with multi-tasking staff will have to adapt her advice to suit their circumstances.

She has good ideas about planning and budgeting, being good to your volunteers and donors, and being constantly ready with a quick and snappy persuasive description of your non-profit's work and value.

Good reminders to get ideas from everyone involved: volunteers, the people your organization serves, your board of directors. Each will have a unique perspective and bring something your wouldn't have thought of yourself.

[Sheherazahde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for Executive and Development Directors of small nonprofits with little experience in fundraising.[return][return]This book is professional and easy to read. It is clearly organized with detailed instructions, worksheets, quick tips, and real life examples. It even has a good index so you can quickly find the advice you need. [return][return]The chapters cover fundraising tools, planning, attracting and keeping donors, major donors, legacies, special events, sales activities, grants, printed materials, and this third edition contains chapters on website design and using social media.[return][return]At 512 pages it is not quick read but it is a thorough reference you will want to keep on hand and share with the rest of the staff.

[Andrew York · Rating 4 out of 5]

May see a theme for the books I am reading right now... This is an accessible and useful guide for fundraising. It is a great primer that covers most fundraising opportunities. I am trying to make it a must-read for all of my colleagues that work with non-profits.

It dedicates some significant time to different strategies, so if you do not plan to do some things, like planning major events, then not all of the content completely relevant. The additional content can be interesting for additional ideas, but probably better to use as a reference tool.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I haven't read any other fundraising textbooks, I would rate this one as excellent. Bray writes in an appealing and interesting style, and she shares fundraising best practices with lots of good tips, resources, and real-life examples. I can see myself referring to this book again or rereading a chapter again before I tackle an assigned fundraising task as a volunteer or nonprofit staffer.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only problem with this book was that the "real life" examples got a bit annoying. I'm not looking for narrative, just information. But some people might find that makes the material more engaging.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic overview of what goes on for Fundraisers. Not being one myself but working with a lot of fundraisers it gave me a good idea of where they are coming from, what are considered best practices and was able to figure out how it relates to my work with non-profits.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good starter- I think the section on email campaigns was surprisingly short, was hoping for more concrete advice. I think this is best read by total newcomers and people who are starting their own NGO and need to remind themselves of the full array of types of giving.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

read

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com or Amazon.com as part of the Vine program.

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful but not as much content on internet/ social media as i would have liked.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the breakdown on the different vehicles that could be used. Some of the information (legally) has to be taken at face value as it depends on geography. But a great toe-dipper.