Favorite Books
I developed this page for your convenience and mine.
For you — whether you’re a veteran nonprofit leader or fundraiser, starting out fresh from college or making a mid-career leap, here are some of the best titles to move ahead your career, your search, and knowledge of the nonprofit world.
For me — when I recommend a book, I simply say “it’s on my web site,” saving both of us the time of a lengthy description.
By way of full disclosure — when you click on the picture or description below, it will take you to the Barnes & Noble web site. Yes, Fundraising Talent gets a small bit with every purchase. Again — more for your convenience, it won’t pay the rent (and it doesn’t increase your price).
(AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series), Vol. 1 by Lilya D. Wagner, Timothy L. Seiler
The only resource on the market that discusses fundraising as a career path. — Matt
by Jay Conrad Levinson, David E. Perry
A spin off from the classic directed specifically to job seekers. — Matt
by Jeffrey H. Gitomer
An excellent resource on networking. — Matt
Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You through the Secrets of Personality Type
by Paul D. Tieger, Barbara Barron-Tieger
Ever wonder why some jobs just didn’t “fit,” and others were perfect? — Matt
Transitions 25th Anniversary Edition
by William Bridges
Everyone should read this book; there really is a pattern to the changes in our lives. — Matt
The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World
by Marti Olsen Laney
No, they’re not weird, they’re different! If you THINK you know an introvert, read this to get the inside scoop. — Matt
Go It Alone! The Secret to Building a Successful Business on Your Own
by Bruce Judson
An excellent system for working your own business or working your search. — Matt
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
by Malcolm Gladwell
A modern classic that has put words into our 21st century lexicon. How will your career reach its “Tipping Point”? — Matt
How to Work a Room: The Ultimate Guide to Savvy Socializing in Person and Online
by Susan RoAne
An essential skill for any job search. — Matt
By Michael Port
All the tools you’ll need to promote your service enterprise. — Matt
by Alan Weiss
If you’re thinking about consulting, start here. Learn from Weiss so you don’t have to learn through trial by fire and lots of errors! — Matt
Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits
by Ilona M. Bray
A fine textbook on the variety and types of fundraising. — Matt
Relationship Fundraising: A Donor-Based Approach to the Business of Raising Money
by Ken Burnett
All fundraising is based on relationships. In case you forgot, Burnett tells us why this concept is central to all philanthropy. — Matt
by Ken Burnett
If you’re in fundraising, this is an essential. If you’re in nonprofit leadership, then it’s extremely valuable, and if you’re a volunteer or considering breaking into the work professionally, Burnett is a fine translator between your world and your favorite nonprofit’s. — Matt
Raising Funds for Your Child’s School: Over Sixty Great Ideas for Parents and Teachers
by Cynthia Francis Gensheimer
A secret handbook that I’d pull out whenever my child’s teacher would say, “So I hear you’re a fundraiser…” — Matt
Achieving Excellence in Fund Raising
by Eugene R. Tempel (Editor), Hank Rosso, 2nd edition.
Achieving Excellence is a super resource on a variety of fundraising techniques. — Matt
