Book Description
Internationally acclaimed fundraising consultant Ken Burnett has completely revised and updated his classic book Relationship Fundraising to offer fundraising professionals an invaluable resource for learning the techniques of effective communication with donors in the twenty-first century. Filled with illustrative case histories, donor profiles, and more than two hundred action points, this groundbreaking book shows fundraisers how to
- Implement creative approaches to relationship-building fundraising
- Avoid common fundraising errors and pitfalls
- Apply the vital ingredients for fundraising success
- Build good relationships through marketing
- Achieve a greater understanding of their donors
- Communicate effectively with donors--using direct mail, the press, television, the telephone, face-to-face contact, and more.
- Prepare for the challenges of twenty-first century fundraising
Customer Reviews:
pleasant read, good ideas, valuable.......2007-09-19
An honest appraisal of the fundraising industry and how to make it work better.
There are also many creative ideas you can adapt to your personal opportunities. Of several such books I've read recently, this was the best.
The personal side of fundraising.......2004-12-30
Burnett skillfully shows how to satisfy "the bottom line" through a positive relationship with donors. Practical, relevant tips are offered for reaching out to potential donors and making them feel part of the mission. It's a pleasure to see someone writing about "the psychology of fundraising." A well-crafted, beneficial read.
Brilliant!.......2003-08-03
Ken Burnett is one of the world's great, and most respected, fundraisers, and this is one of the most important fundraising books you'll ever read. Relationship Fundraiisng is on every top 10 list I've ever seen. And it deserves to be. Most non-profits do not treat their donors well, and therefore raise less income than they could. When you follow Ken's advice you will raise more money for your mission. I know Ken personally and while I've raised many tens of millions for non-profits, and have been fundraising for 25 years, every time I hear Ken speak, or read his books and articles, I learn something new.
Relationship Fundraising Should Be Part of What We All Do.......2003-02-25
Many of us know that it's more important then ever to build relationships with our donors and prospects. Ken Burnett has been talking about it for over 10 years and the newest edition of his book on Relationship Fundraising is even more relevant today than when it was first written. Ken skillfully uses his extensive experience and insight to focus on what it really is all about through both what has already worked elsewhere and what we should strive to achieve. This book is easy and enjoyable to read and supports our ambitions for techniques including donor development and moves management but it is so much more than that. Relationship Fundraising takes lessons from yesterday and gives you the inspiration to truly get back to people and build positive lasting relationships into the future. Each of us can benefit from going beyond the buzz words and see what it is really all about or at least re-establish the importance of Relationship Fundraising by reading this invaluable book.
Pamela Brown Gignac is a 20 year fundraising and prospect research veteran in Canada and the UK and currently Vice President, JMG Solutions Inc, Ontario, Canada.
Book Description
This thoroughly revised and updated edition of the classic book in the field provides a conceptual foundation for the fund raising profession. Hank Rosso's Achieving Excellence in Fund Raising examines the profession's principles, strategies, and methods and is filled with practical examples. Guided by the enduring philosophy of fund raising master Henry A. Rosso, contributors explain the reasoning behind the planning and selection of strategies for all fund raising activities, including building your case for support, approaching donors, managing campaigns, and demonstrating stewardship.
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Customer Reviews:
Mandatory textbook.......2007-05-13
I'm disappointed in this textbook because it does not provide much bang for the buck. I believe that the text could have been half as thick, half as expensive and provide no less information than it does.
Well-researched and nicely executed.......2004-12-30
Like many in the Jossey Bass series, Tempel's work is thorough and well-written, covering all important aspects of fundraising. A great introductory guide.
A must read for the fundraising professional!.......2003-06-30
Whether you've been in the fundraising profession for 10 minutes or 10 years, do yourself a favour and read this book. It will make you proud to be part of the tradition of philanthropy. It will inspire and guide you. You will see yourself and the volunteers and donors you work with in a whole new light. Don't put it in your library. Keep it on your desk. The first time you read it, and you will read it joyfully from cover to cover, keep pen and paper handy. You will find yourself making a list of things you need and want to do. Achieving Excellence in Fundraising is thoughtful and thought-provoking. It is the place where the theory, practice, philosophy and spirituality of a great tradition meet.
Review for the Golden Gate Chapter of AFP Newsletter.......2003-05-31
On my fundraising shelf stood just two books and a binder: "Designs for Fundraising" by Harold Seymour © 1966; "The Raising of Money" by James Gregory Lord © 1987, and my collected monthly newsletters of tips from Taft. Not a lot to go on, but Seymour's classic helped me enormously, imparting such nuggets as, "At best, with few exceptions, people don't pay close or careful attention to anything."
OK, so listen up. Times have changed. Many, many books now beckon us, delivering the full spectrum of nonprofit knowledge. Yet all books are not equal. When Henry (Hank) Rosso gathered a number of esteemed colleagues together and put out Achieving Excellence in Fund Raising in 1991, it represented a milestone in fundraising education, based as it was on his many years of teaching through The Fund Raising School, which he founded right here in the San Francisco Bay Area. The School later became a program of The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, and it continues to provide superior, basic training in fund raising principle and practice throughout the country. All the years of teaching experience and the benefits of association with IU are now reflected in this expanded, caught-up-with-the-world second edition of the "Rosso" (RAH-so).
It was time. Consider that when Achieving Excellence debuted in 1991, the stock market stood at 2736, Giving USA estimated total philanthropic support at $105 billion, and the National Science Foundation had just lifted its ban on commercial use of the Internet. Today, as we reel and grapple, it is worth noting that the markets have more than tripled from 1991; philanthropic dollars have doubled; and the Internet is our bread and butter. The second edition adds several chapters in recognition of the changes and rounds out its predecessor. We read about the new order, how to build endowment, women as donors, trends in major donor giving (read with caution, as markets and donor experience have had some impact), diversity considerations, Internet strategies, special events fundraising, technology use, budgeting and accountability, stewardship, international perspectives, and fund raising as a profession. These are welcome additions.
Given the scope attempted by the book, I should point out that there are, in fact, a few areas not covered, including how to obtain government grants and contracts, and exhaustive instructions on how to write a grant proposal to a foundation. But if you heed what these authors have written, you will have no problem accomplishing either feat.
Most of the authors in this edition are new to the "Rosso," numbering 27 in all. The first edition lists 13 contributors. Hank wrote eight of the chapters of that book; he has two in this one. With Hank gone (1999), we are guided into Rosso II by the gentle, sure hands of Eugene Tempel, executive director of the IU Center on Philanthropy and Tim Seiler, current director of The Fund Raising School. Between them (with a chapter from Hank), they set the stage in Parts One (Context) and Two (Fundamentals).
The book proceeds logically and is easy to navigate or use as a quick reference. "Fundamentals" is followed by sections treating "building blocks" (e.g. annual fund, capital campaign), sources, methods (e.g. direct mail, special events), management (e.g. leadership, boards, information, budgeting, consultants), ethics, stewardship, and personal professional support. A thorough Glossary and Bibliography follow.
Our AFP chapter boasts several representatives here: Kim Klein reprises her excellent chapter on grassroots fund raising and Kay Grace on leadership; Mal Warwick writes the update on direct mail; Alan Wendroff supplies special events; and Skip Henderson updates us on the trustees' role.
The context is still Hank's, which means that ultimately, the book is not about the joy of soliciting but something higher. I'm sure he would be tickled if you inscribed your book as he wrote in so many of our first editions "I hope that you will enjoy the reading of this book. Let it help you to teach the joy of giving. Hank Rosso"
Book Description
Are you writing a grant application for the first time? Maybe you’re a veteran fundraiser looking to sharpen your grant writing skills. No matter how experienced you are at writing requests for money, people and organizations are not going to support you just because you’re in need.
Grant Writing for Dummies, 2
nd Edition shows you the most effective way to compose a grant proposal and get funding from governments, corporations, foundations, and more! This hands-on, step-by-step guide leads you through researching options, dealing with application forms, handling potential sponsors, and getting the money you need. Revised and up-to-date, this book covers everything you need to know to:
- Fill out federal grant application kits
- Win grants from corporations and foundations
- Gain support from an individual grantor
- Obtain grants from international funds
- Meet the review criteria of government grants and contracts
- Choose the right word to win funds
- Master cover letters, abstracts, and more
- Let prospective grantors know your deal
- Put the finishing touches on your application
Demystifying the process of grant writing, this all-out guide gives you just the facts with no information withheld. You’ll get savvy tips on organizing your writing, developing your style, personalizing your requests, and how to handle your rejection and move forward. Also included is a complete example of a grant application narrative. With Grant Writing for Dummies, 2
nd Edition, you’ll be able to craft effective proposals and go for the gold!
Customer Reviews:
Good Intro.......2007-04-25
This is a good intro, without much information on actual grants for specific purposes. If you are an educator, non-profit, or individual interested in grants related to technology, for innovation, curriculum, development, emerging technologies, I recommend Technology Grant News: Everything Technology: Awards-Contests-Grants-Scholarships. Technology Grant News: Everything Technology [2007]:Awards ¿ Contests ¿ Grants -Scholarships ¿ Fellowships
Grant writing for dummies....as a reference.......2006-11-13
This is a good starter book, but it does not provide quality resources for you to practice the skills gained. You should build your skills with quality templates, references, wording techniques. I would caution readers to move on to a good intermediate work like Government Funding and You. This book will provide you with the skills to put together a quality grant with the potential LAND that grant. This book is an excellent start, but Government Funding and You is a crucial next step.
Awarded $250,000 Federal grant because of this book!.......2006-08-26
I was working at a NON-PROFIT organization and the departing Executive Director refused to submit a renewed grant request to a Federal agency. I was tasked to do it instead within one week. I had no support of the staff or Board of Directors because they did not have a clue of the process. I had never written a grant. So, I purchased this book and read it over the weekend. It was easy to read and made sense. I simply followed the book...identified a problem/an unmet need and a way to solve it. Thank you! The agency was awarded $250,000 to fund two of the full-time employees over a 2 year period.
Love this series!.......2006-07-22
Each one of the "Dummies" books has been so helpful, not only for me but for my daughter who is in high school. Everything from religion to business. "Grant Writing for Dummies" is in keeping with the others: very informative, gets to the point for the layperson, and is done in a very easy-to-use format. So far, I haven't come across one book in this series that isn't helpful!
I Can Do This!.......2005-07-26
I found this book extemely helpful and easy to read. It reduced the mystery of the grant world to something even I could understand. Based on the title, I have to say that I can do this!
Book Description
This is the revised and expanded edition of the most sought-after guide for everyone seeking grants: nonprofits, state and local governments, universities, school administrators, teachers, artists, and those seeking funds for scholarly and cultural enterprises. Written by two authors who have won millions of dollars in grants — and updated to include vital information and advice accumulated since The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need first appeared — this new edition provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for grant writers, demystifying the process while offering indispensable advice from funders and grant recipients. It includes the following.
• Guidance on developing a realistic, cost-effective, collaborative program
• Concrete suggestions (with practice exercises and examples) for approaching each section of a grant so that the proposal is absolutely clear to the funder
• A glossary of terms with any word, phrase, or concept a grant writer may need, plus fifty tips for writing a winning proposal
• Funders roundtables put you inside the minds of the people who award grants
Customer Reviews:
Grant-Writing book recommendation.......2007-09-11
This book is very well-organized, presenting the information in a step-by-step manner that makes it manageable for neophyte would-be grant-writers. I have no doubt that it will serve me well as a continuing resource even as I gain skills and experience.
Helped me through my class!.......2007-05-14
I used this book for a grant writing class I've taken and found it to be a great guide. It's written well and very user friendly. This is definately a book that I'll keep and use through the years when it comes to writing future grants! The resources in the back are helpful and it's fun taking the quizzes and realizing how much I know. Good book...worth buying.
More for organizations than individuals.......2007-04-05
It more geared towards someone writing for grants for a non-profit as opposed to artist/business grants.
Outstanding Guideline.......2007-01-10
Outstanding guideline for anyone needing advice and direction
in regards to writing proposals. Also shows how to present your
group or organization in the best light.
I enjoyed this book.............2006-11-14
This was the first grant-writing book I ever purchased. It has been some time indeed. This is a quality book, but it doesn't provide alot of sources for funding. I would suggest Government Funding and You for a more complete view. But I would very strongly suggest this book.
Book Description
"This book is highly recommended for development professionals, as well as board members and administrators who believe that a few million can easily be raised by development personnel in their spare time."--National Society of Fund Raising Executives Journal on the 1st edition
Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign has been the definitive resource on capital campaigns for a decade. Now, in the long-awaited second edition of the best-selling guide, Kent Dove offers an updated and expanded blueprint for planning and managing a successful capital campaign. He not only gives authoritative guidance to every aspect of a capital campaign but also provides new discussions on such important topics as linking strategic planning to fundraising, conducting external market surveys, defining leadership roles, establishing a campaign and solicitation process, and more. Other enhancements include:
- A dramatically expanded resource section that includes samples of a strategic plan, market surveys, case statements, financial reports, pledge forms, newsletters, program brochures, a complete volunteer kit, and a post-campaign evaluation
- New chapters on technology in fundraising, leadership gifts, and developing lasting relationships with donors
- Updated examples and real-world lessons from diverse organizations that have conducted their own capital campaigns
- The Dove Preparedness Index (DPI), a unique measurement tool that helps organizations simply and accurately assess their readiness to embark on a capital campaign
- The new Continuous Lifetime Giving Program Model, including an analytical and segmented marketing approach to its implementation
- A modernized version of the 80/20 rule, addressing the size and number of gifts that are needed to conduct a successful capital campaign
Packed with checklists, formulas, and tables, Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign is sure to make difference in your capital campaign.
Customer Reviews:
Solid Basics, a must for any Board.......2007-08-09
This book provides the fundamental outline to a successful Capital Campaign. It is not a how-to and will clearly state that a seasoned professional consultant should still be considered a vital part of any effort. But, short of that, any Board of Directors should have this book as a guide to understanding the depth of their own responsibilities, how to manage a consultant, the seriousness of the effort and planning ongoing giving programs. I did not give it a 5 only because it does not spell out oversite structures for committees. William
A must have resource for a Capital Campaign.......2007-03-21
I had a copy of the first edition of this excellent book but when I enbarked on a new Capital Campaign I bought the new edition. It is a book which anyone - experience and otherwise - must have if you have to venture into capital campaigning.
Even if you been there and done that, it is excellent as a check to see if you're on track.
The updated version has looked at Capital Campaigns in the light of the changing world of philanthrophy.
In Australia, our Capital Camapigns may not be as large as some in USA but never the less are run in just the same way.
A must have reference and the best one out there as far as I'm concerned.
Capital Campaign bible..........2006-09-21
Kent Dove's book is the bible for how to do capital fund raising. I have been asked as a development officer and consultant to do it other ways, and his is the ONLY way that works. I'm buying the updated book with joy that it has been published.
The Best Guide for Plannind Major Gift Campaigns.......2005-07-21
In the short time I've had this book, I've used it extensivly to plan a forthcoming $25 million campaign in a college within a university. After 15 years of experience in major gift fund raising, I've finally found the book that includes ALMOST everything we need to launch a very successful effort. I deeply appreciate Mr. Dove's efforts to update his work and provide this useful guide.
Useful but disappointing.......2002-11-30
Although there is useful information in this book, I found it disappointing compared with the recommendations that I read.
Part 1, which is about 200 pages, is the text of the book and covers planning and implementing your campaign. Part 2 which is about 300 pages is a collection of about 35 sample documents.
I found the text, which included chapters by other authors, rambling and verbose, giving lists of functions and lists of alternatives without reaching conclusions. I skimmed this part and found little worth reading carefully. (In contrast, I just read Tony Poderis concise and excellent "Its A Great Day to Fundraise" from cover to cover.) The author attempts an academic approach, with unhelpful citations. Examples of somewhat useful items were an outline of a case statement and examples of gift charts.
Particularly weak was a chapter entitled "Technology in Fundraising" which claimed that it was about the single most important support factor in fundraising. We learn that we need a broad team to select this technology; that we need to attend user groups of the system we are considering; that we need to meet current users; that we need to test the system at our site; that the system should be easy to support; that to install the system we need leadership, time, funding, involvement, communication, expertise, testing, training, defined reports, standards, process, etc.; and on and on and on with more generalities. We are NOT told what it is reasonable to expect such a system to do, what features have proved useful, or any other specific information that someone who had actually used such a system might provided.
The sample documents, which were largely from an Indiana University campaign, struck me as examples that I would not want to follow, although I found some useful items.
Product Description
This invaluable resource is a collection of over 350 sample letters and models, plus excerpts, teasers, and opening lines that will deliver thousands of dollars of contributions for your organization. Use the models "as is" or adapt them easily to your own purposes. Either way, theyll help your requests jump out of the multitude of requests that flood the mail, get them read, and - most importantly - get a response. Youll find letters for every kind of fund-raising effort. In addition, this book provides ingenious "hooks" that will help get your envelope opened; pointers for writing strong opening copy, plus tips on asking for the right gift amount; structuring your fund-raising request; designing your direct mail packing; producing cost-effect mailings, testing, and much more!
Customer Reviews:
Great Reference .......2006-04-27
I found this book to be a great overview with lots of examples. It's been shared around our office over and over again!
Jam Packed with Samples.......2005-05-14
In addition to advice on how to write successful fundraising letters, this book contains hundreds of models, samples, and excerpts of actual letters. One section covers letters soliciting volunteer help. (summary by South TX Library System)
This book has 378 pages, so chances are very good that you will find a sample letter close to what you need. Inexperienced letter writers tend to be too wordy and turn off their potential funders. I really recommend that people pay close attention to the advice in this book.
The most frequently borrowed fund raising book I own.......2001-04-25
Chapter 15, Obtaining Substantial Financial Support with the Foundation and Corporate Request Letter, is the most dog-eared chapter of my copy. Government and non-profit colleagues whose core job and expertise is not in the area of fund raising, love this book.
moderately helpful.......2000-07-14
My pleasure in the book was minimized when I came to the sections on telemarketing, etc. . . not what I expected. The portions of the book that were helpful, were A-1.
Extremely useful shelf-reference for fund-raisers.......1999-11-18
Not only does this book offer real-life examples of letters for every conceivable fund-raising campaign and situation, it explains the structure of successful fund-raising letters. I refer to it frequently. 5 stars I reserve for anything written by Mal Warwick, who is in a class by himself. But 4 stars means I found Mr. Kuniholm's book well worth the money, repeatedly useful, practical, educational and wise.
Book Description
Unlike many formal professions, foundation grantmaking is a calling with no training programs and little definitive literature on the latest and best practices. Written for program officers and of considerable value to grantseekers, this volume is the first and only practical guide to making foundation grants and developing essential skills for effective and ethical grantmaking. Author Joel J. Orosz provides:
- The history, structure, and function of foundations in society.
- The complex role that program officers play in their day-to-day activities.
- Real-world advice on a myriad of tasks--from meeting with applicants and reviewing their proposals to assisting the funded project and managing foundation initiatives.
- A useful overview for those new to the field, helps more experienced program officers to think more deeply about their work, and shares rich insights for the thousands of nonprofit leaders who pursue foundation grants.
Customer Reviews:
I learned more than I already knew about my own job!.......2000-10-10
I've been a grantmaker for approximately five years now. During the course of my on-the-job training, I've heard certain maxims over and over again until they've become ingrained in my mind and in my responses to applicants for grant funds -- now, after reading this book, I actually understand the philosophies behind them.
Every grantseeker who bemoans the fact that foundations don't want to fund ongoing operating expenses should read this book simply for the explanation of the difference between charity and philanthropy and where foundations fit in.
Likewise, the tips on meeting etiquette, attributes of a good grant proposal, and top four reasons proposals are denied will benefit professionals on both sides of the proposal.
Had the opportunity to see the author speak -- if you get the same opportunity, don't pass it by.
An Outstanding Contributation.......2000-08-03
Dr. Joel Orosz continues his tireless efforts on behalf of philanthropy and those interested in philanthropy in his current book.
The Insider's Guide to Grantmaking is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in seeking funds from a foundation, or anyone interested in a career in a foundation. His years of experience give both experienced and inexperienced readers a window into a sometimes-shadowy world. Orosz lets the light shine in a way that is understandable and justifiable.
This long over due body of work is a must have for everyone in the third sector and especially should be required reading for those working in and leading foundations.
Don't give away another dollar until you've read this.......2000-07-28
It's an art, it's a science, and it doesn't need to be a mystery -- since there's no academic training for a career in philanthropy (it's harder than you think!) Insider Orosz bridges the gap with this warm and rewarding User's Guide.
Outsiders will read it for its clear-cut description of philanthropy worklife and practice; insiders will find themselves affirmed or inspired. Both will enjoy the author's mix of humor and scholarship. Sure to be a classic in its field.
A Much Needed Perspective.......2000-06-26
This is a much needed look at life in foundation grant making. As a retired executive director of a corporate foundation,books such as The Corporate Contributions Handbook and Corporate Social Investing were extremely helpful to the corporate grant maker. This book is a well-thought out look at foundation reality. While it is not meant to help those seeking grants, it certainly gives the donor a window on the inside process. It will serve as a good reference for those who wish to enter this field and provides sage advice to those who have been there for some time. The historical research was a plus.
Book Description
"Sage advice." -- Booklist, March 15, 1983 "The" classic book on fund raising. "The Raising of Money" quickly became the all-time bestselling book in the world on fund raising, a distinction it continues to maintain because the human principles are timeless. It's also still the only book that distills the most important ideas - the essence - of fund raising and presents them in such a concise and useful format. It's like a checklist. The core of fund raising's key ideas are delivered each in a few hundred words. Often, called "the bible of fund raising," it's also being used as a desk-top reference for the professional, including the organization's CEO. Professionals give the book to volunteers as a gift to do their work for them: It gives them a quick grasp of work works in fund raising and what doesn't. It is designed to add weight and credibility to the ideas that the most successful development executives emphasize to their volunteers. ?? Author Jim Lord's life has been dedicated to advancing society, beginning with a 1975 series of articles on quality of life in American cities. In the first decades of his work, he facilitated the investments that people wanted to make in social sector organizations. And indeed billions of dollars have been contributed to causes where Jim has served as "thinking partner" in the relationship. A complement to "The Raising of Money" is "The Philanthropic Quest," a nine-installment series for the professional in fund raising. Looking beyond the rewards of that pathway, he committed himself to expanding the idea of what is possible for humanity, studying that question in intensive workshops with small groups of selected leaders from more than 50 countries. From that groundbreaking work, new ideas and practices emerged to advance our society to its next level through causes and organizations of social good. Now, more than a decade after the first learning lab, those discoveries will become available in his title, "What Kind of World Do You Want?" The author is listed in 'Who's Who in the World.' www.lord.org. Three Volunteer Leaders Comment on Jim Lord's work . . . From the founder of Procura A.C., the first institute in Latin America to teach institutional development . . . "Jim has helped me visualize where donors and non-profit organizations converge, where we can make the difference in a positive, human and ethical way. Bravo, Jim! Your way of thinking has inspired the 6,000 participants Procura has trained in Mexico and Latin America." - Marcela Orvananos de Rovzar, President of the Board, UNICEF Mexico From the former vice chair of the largest privately held company in the world . . . "When I was introduced to this approach, it was the first time an organization had ever asked what was important to me. It influenced how I think about myself philanthropically and how we need to treat others." - Barney Saunders, Civic leader; Vice chair (retired) Cargill, Inc. From the co-founder of a ten-year old school in Vancouver, widely considered the best in British Columbia . . . "We always felt we were on a heroic journey and it was confirmed to us by an introduction to Jim Lord's Philanthropic Quest. Jim's talent lies in helping individuals and organizations discover their strengths and articulate their highest aspirations for themselves and for society at large. This process energizes and inspires the commitment of volunteers and donors. What a gift for us all." - Debbie MacDougall, Board member, Southridge School, Vancouver
Customer Reviews:
Enjoyable, with an intellectual appeal........2000-08-08
This book will likely not become obsolete as long as nonprofits are raising money. It doesn't attempt to address many specifics, as are different in every situation and with every organization wishing to raise money. Instead, it addresses the theories and philosophies of philanthropy and the ideas behind the core art of fund raising. I'm having my employees and board of directors review this book when I am finished with it.
Book Description
Written for both novice and experienced grantwriters, the workbook is filled with practical advice and illustrative examples, including
- Important information such as determining whether your program or idea is fundable
- Clear examples that make it easier to create a well-written letter of intent
- How to do the necessary research to find the right funder to approach
- Targeting your proposal to meet the priorities of the funder
- What happens to your proposal once it reaches the funder
- How to adapt this program- and project-specific funding approach to assist in general funding
Once the workbook exercises are completed, your organization will have a fully developed grant proposal.
Customer Reviews:
great condition.......2007-09-22
Thank you, the book arrived before the required date, which is always a bonus. the book was also in great condition. Again, I thank you!
Very useful book.......2007-03-08
I have been reading lots of books on how to write grants, being new to the field. They are all good, this one is concise and well laid out, the information is clear and the samples are good. I would recommend it. We will see how successful I am...that will be the real test of how well the book worked.
Pragmatic worksheets.......2004-04-09
If you come in to our nonprofit management support organization and ask for a book on grant proposal writing, there are two we'll pull out right away: Grassroots Grants and Winning Grants Step by Step. We're often asked which to choose. Of all the books we see, these are the two we most often recommend, but they do have different approaches.
Winning Grants Step by Step takes a pragmatic tone. It accepts the rules of the game and offers to show you how to win within them. "Most funders prefer to give grants for new and expanding programs or in support of special projects and new ideas rather than for the general operating expenses of an organization or the ongoing costs of established programs," it explains. "Because funders have these preferences, this workbook uses the idea of creating a new program as the basis for developing a proposal." (The book does also give examples of core operating support proposals, and does start with a planning guide to help you see which programs fit your priorities).
In the introduction to Grassroots Grants, on the other hand, the publisher shares her qualms about publishing a book about grants at all, preferring that the reader focus first on developing more renewable and less restricted gifts from individual donors. "This book is about two things: money and power," says Grassroots Grants, and calmly analyzes the dynamics of both in the grant proposal process. This big-picture view is in the end more pragmatic - it encourages you to take control of the grantseeking process by searching out those funders and pitching those programs that really best fit with what you are trying to do.
Both books have excellent project planning guidelines. As Winning Grants Step by Step observes, "Generally, organizations will spend approximately 80 percent of their time planning a project and only 20 percent of their time writing and packaging a proposal," so this section is obviously very important. Both books ask questions such as "What is unique about your organization's project?" "Is anyone else working on a similar project?" "What members of your community support each project?"
Both also contain useful information about finding appropriate funders, which is key to the process - much more important than your writing skills is finding the right funder who cares about projects like yours. Although Winning Grants Step by Step puts this information at the end in an appendix, you should really read it first, particularly the excellent section on corporate giving programs. Grassroots Grants contains very helpful guidelines about what to consider when deciding whether a funder is really a good fit for your organization, and detailed information about ways to develop good relationships with potential funders.
The books have different approaches to how they help you with your own writing. Winning Grants Step by Step has a workbook format, with questionnaires you fill out as you go, so that by the time you have completed them you will have addressed most of the subjects covered in a typical proposal, and it will be easy to cut and paste the appropriate bits into the funder's preferred format. It comes with all the worksheets on a CD-ROM so you can fill them out electronically and reuse them. If you like project planning, but get nervous about the writing process, this format may help walk you through. Grassroots Grants has questionnaires throughout the text, and it has more examples of proposals, query letters, and other documents with notes on how they were developed. If you like to write by reading examples to inspire you to your own purposes, this book will suit you.
Ultimately, these books complement one another. Even if you prefer the workbook format of Winning Grants Step by Step, the "big picture" you get from reading Grassroots Grants will help you answer all those questions. Likewise, if you prefer the style of Grassroots Grants, you can still benefit from the excellent sections on overhead costs and planning for sustainability in Winning Grants Step by Step.
good, basic overview but don't use alone.......2003-09-25
I am a consultant, grantwriter, and trainer who specializes in technical assistance and training for HIV/AIDS services. I provide a copy of this workbook to participants in my grantwriting ("Bringing Home the Money!) workshops, because it's a good, basic overview of many of the different parts of the request for funding proposal.
What's most useful about Carlson's book is that it provides a summary for participants and another way of explaining some of the things I teach. There are also good worksheets included in Carlson's book, designed to help first-time grantwriters grapple with the different proposal elements. Carlson also includes a CD-ROM with different forms that can also be helpful.
However, there are important limits to Carlson's book, thus the caveat in my review title that you NOT use this book alone.
1. Carlson's book is very general. For certain funders or funding areas (such as in HIV/AIDS), grantwriters need to include and be very familiar with things like public health data and certain standardized evaluation methods. You will not get that kind of information or guidance in Carlson's book.
2. Some of the sections lack sufficient details that can help first-time grantwriters better understand the concepts. For example, the budget and budget justification section are weak. She does not provide any explanation for "priority/target populations," a concept important to HIV/AIDS and other public health programs.
3. Carlson starts off with a good premise: Helping grantwriters understand the writing of a good proposal by having funders--the people who would actually read and decide on your proposal--speak about what makes good and bad proposals. It's a great idea and one that is the backbone to my own workshop. However, it is a thread that Carlson quickly drops and doesn't bother to integrate into the entire workbook.
4. Finally, the different elements are presented in such a way that they remain disintegrated, separate, fragmented from each other. In reality, a good proposal (i.e., one that is most likely to be funded) includes all the required elements (abstract, description of need, work plan, goals and objectives, evaluation, etc.) that are written well, are strong in content, and all work together in an integrated way.
To Carlson's credit on my last point, I should note that very few writers of grantwriting books and guides have succeeded in showing the latter, although I think it's one of the best signs of a well-written, strong, viable program.
In summary, then, this is a good first place to start if you're new to grantwriting or need a refresher. But definitely use it in conjunction with a great workshop and/or other grantwriting resources that are available.
Good for foundation grants, not so good for gov't grants.......2003-05-15
The information contained in this book primarily applies to non-governmental entities soliciting grants from non-profit foundations. Organizations like the NSF, NIH, etc., have fairly strict guidelines and don't permit the "excesses" encouraged in this book.
As the review title states, this would probably be a very useful book for a charitable organization looking to obtain funds from corporate foundations. However, if you're looking for research money from a government organization like Nat'l Science Foundation or Dep't of Education, this book is virtually useless.
Customer Reviews:
Non Profits you need this book.......2007-05-24
Highly recommend reading this book. It has great real-life examples and useful tips. Very easy to read and follow. I love how it allows you to be creative and realistic at the same time.
Social Enterprise and Donor Partners for nonprofits.......2007-04-23
This guide to fundraising for non profits covers the newest strategy and grand writing plans that are needed in the future.
Good Book for Start-Up Non-Profits.......2007-04-10
I found this book VERY helpful. In fact, I was so fascinated with it, I couldn't put it down. It was like a good novel. I immediately changed some of my thank you letters and re-did my Corporate request for funding letter. I will continue to use it's suggestions. The book is well written and not full of 'filler info', but very solid recommendations that one can put to use right away.
A fundraising book for the small nonprofit, or one that is not well organized!.......2006-09-06
This is a great book for the small nonprofit that does not know much about fundraising. If it were for a more established nonprofit, then it would not have referred to major gifts as those starting at $500. I'm used to major gifts starting at $10,000 and going up well into the 6 figures.
This book explains how to do the following:
1. Work with individual donors
2. Plan special events
3. Solicit grants from foundations and corporations
4. Get media coverage (publicity)
5. Use the Internet to help in the fundraising process
6. Create print marketing materials like brochures, newsletters, and annual reports
All the above are important parts of a fundraising plan. One has to set goals, strategize how to attain the goals. Then attract individual donors and develop a rapport with those donors so they give more and more each year. Eventually those donors will become major donors, but that topic is best left for another book.
The book includes a good list of Web sites for prospect research. But the appendix materials didn't seem to be up to par.
All in all, this book provides grassroots strategies for struggling nonprofits. It is no-nonsense and well organized. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the basics about nonprofit fundraising. Topics beyond the scope of this book are planned giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, and endowments. But if you read this book and understand it, then you will be ready to learn about the other topics just mentioned. 5 stars!
Clear and Simple Explanations of What Works.......2005-06-01
There are a tremendous number of non-profits around. There are also a tremendous number of funding organizations. Your job as the fundraising manager (whatever your exact job title may be) is to put your particular non-profit together with one or more funding organizations to raise the money you need.
There is a basic set of fundraising skills and technologies that you can use to fund nearly any non-profit. Gone are the days (in most places) where you can put together some simply fund raising activity and gain enough money to get you through the year.
Here in one simple book is an excellent summary of all of the most modern techniques. It includes:
Developing a Plan that will include your goal, the assets you have to do fundraising, and a strategy to use these assets in the most profitable manner.
Attracting Individual Supporters, which means making your organization look wupport-worthy, understanding your supporters and attracting new ones.
Your best supporters are those that have given you money before. Here are the techniques to keep them giving.
These techniques and many more are discused here by an expert in the field. It should be required reading for anyone responsible for fund-raising in a worthy organization.
Books:
- Service Orient or Be Doomed!: How Service Orientation Will Change Your Business
- Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): A Planning and Implementation Guide for Business and Technology
- Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): A Planning and Implementation Guide for Business and Technology
- Six Sigma for IT Management
- Software Asset Management (It Infrastructure Library Services)
- Stop Sitting on Your Assets: How to Safely Leverage the Equity Trapped in Your Home and Transform It Into a Constant Flow of Wealth and Security
- Strategic Fund Development, 2nd Edition: Building Profitable Relationships That Last (Aspen's Fund Raising Series for the 21st Century)
- Strategic Fund Development, 2nd Edition: Building Profitable Relationships That Last (Aspen's Fund Raising Series for the 21st Century)
- Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement, 3rd Edition
- Talking Back to OCD: The Program That Helps Kids and Teens Say "No Way" -- and Parents Say "Way to Go"
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- History: Fiction or Science
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- Introduction to Animal Science: Global, Biological, Social and Industry Perspectives
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- Development of Accounting: The International Context
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General
| Popular Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters
The Seven Faces of Philanthropy: A New Approach to Cultivating Major Donors (JOSSEY-BASS NONPROFIT & PUBLIC MANAGEMENT SERIES)
Asking: A 59-Minute Guide to Everything Board Members, Volunteers, and Staff Must Know to Secure the Gift
The Zen of Fundraising: 89 Timeless Ideas to Strengthen and Develop Your Donor Relationships
The Ask: How to Ask Anyone for Any Amount for Any Purpose
