Fundraising Reading List
Making time to study various aspects of fundraising can be an extremely valuable practice. Below are a few titles worth consideration.
Designs for Fundraising, Harold J. Seymour
*This is considered one of the seminal works on fundraising. Fresh out of the Navy, Seymour began his career in 1919 when he joined the staff of the Harvard Endowment Fund Campaign, which was the first large-scale attempt to raise money for higher education. This book is the “elder statesman” of fundraising praxis, full of good sense, high ideals, and witty observations. I particularly enjoyed his insight into how a fundraiser should present himself. If you choose to read one book on fundraising, this is a great choice.
The Philanthropic Revolution, Jeremy Beer
*Beer makes a compelling argument against philanthropy in this must read (and short) history of giving. If you’ve already read Designs for Fundraising, or want a higher level understanding of our work, I suggest this title. It’s significantly more philosophical than practical, but I’d consider it essential reading for those who want to understand why fundraisers do what they do.
The Forgotten Foundations of Fundraising, Jeremy Beer and Jeffrey Cain
*Beer and Cain give practical tips for managing a fundraising operation. Many ideas introduced in The Philanthropic Revolution are continued here, along with specific takeaways. One point that stood out to me; the mean number of donor meetings that contain an ask is 39.5%. That is, less than 40% of meetings among top organizations include an ask for funds. Getting to know your donors is what’s most important.
The Quest for Belonging, Jeremy Beer
*Hot off the press (July 2024). I’ve read the book twice since its release, full review to come. Beer is a unique and interesting voice in (American) fundraising, combining raising funds with its relation to civil society. HeightsCast episode here.
Born to Raise, Jerold Panas
*I’d call this a fundraiser’s “pump-up” book. It can be a bit aggressive at times, but it’s a fairly enjoyable overview of the common personality traits of highly successful fundraisers. Jerry Panas is among the top names in the literature. Several of his books are worth reading.
Philanthropy at Independent Schools (CASE), Helen A. Colson
*Written in 1996 this work is a bit dated, and sometimes humorously so, but the essentials remain. This book clearly, and accurately, describes the work of independent school fundraising. One takeaway from this book is that little of what we do as fundraisers is ever groundbreaking or unique. And that in itself can be of great comfort.
A Development Handbook: Promoting Philanthropy at Independent Schools (CASE), Jeremy Jones
*Another “dated” fundraising book (1992), but still relevant. This is a compilation of essays on a broad range of topics related to independent school fundraising. There’s something for everyone here, and the succinctness of the 1-3 page essays keeps it moving.
Next on the list…
The Righteous Mind, Jonathan Haidt
*In The Quest for Belonging, Jeremy Beer calls The Righteous Mind “the most important book for fundraisers published in this century.”
What books are you reading? Connect with me on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.