From the Introduction:
Whether you are raising money or developing people, power, influence, things, or time - it's all the same.
Remember, your ultimate goal in resource development is to build relationships - long and fruitful relationships. You want people to become ready and willing volunteers. You want people to give once and to continue giving more and more, year after year.
And, above all, have fun! If you aren't having fun, then how can you expect anyone around you to get excited about your fundraising project or to volunteer their time to your very special cause?
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The author, Jean Block, takes fundraising very seriously. But don't get me wrong, she covers the basic principles of fundraising with enthusiasm in a fun to read style.
The book isn't so much about the nuts and bolts of fundraising, although there are plenty spelled out, but about attitude. She challenges you to think creatively and urges you to acquire a positive, can-do approach towards the tasks required. I enjoyed the book and got a lot from it. If you follow Jean's suggestions you will be successful in fundraising and have more fun doing it. When you finish the book you will have new perspectives on what fundraising really is.
Each chapter in the book covers one idea and includes several examples of how that idea is put to use for different kinds of nonprofits. She encourages you to think about how you can use each idea and includes plenty of room for taking notes through out the book.
Chapter One, "Marketing" Most nonprofits don't have any idea of what it's really about. Learn how to apply the "for profit" principles of marketing to your nonprofit marketing.
Chapter Two, "The You : I Ratio" Count how many times the words you and I are used in your donor solicitations. Who are you focusing on?
Chapter Three, "Selling vs. Opportunity" Believe it or not, don't sell to your donors - give to them!
The Secret of Money & Jean's 10 Rules
Jean explains it like this, "Here it is - the reason you bought this book! The secret of raising money (or any other resource)". The next ten chapters are nuggets of gold just waiting for you!
Chapter Four, "Ask for What You Want" Forget the soft ask - get to the point, don't beat around the bush.
Chapter Five, "Create Opportunities" Get creative and give your donors different ways to donate.
Chapter Six, "Assume a Yes" This chapter alone is worth the price of the book. It's about getting your head on straight when your asking for money. It's about attitude and knowing when to shut up. She will even teach you how to get your kids to bed early.
Chapter Seven, "If your Prospect Says Yes ..." Was getting the money to easy? They you probably could have done better.
Chapter Eight, "Never Speak to the Person ..." Don't explain yourself to the person who can only say no.
Chapter Nine, "No Won't Make You Shrivel ..." It's true. Learn how to take a no and make something positive out of it.
Chapter Ten, "People Give to People" Rules for creating the relationship.
Chapter Eleven, "Back a Winner" Don't use negatives when asking for money, use positive reasons.
Chapter Twelve, "You Can't Ask Others ..." Is your board reluctant to fundraise? They need to know - You can't ask others to do what you haven't done.
Chapter Thirteen, "Thank You, Merci, Gracias ..." We all know we need to say thank you. Jean teaches you how to be meaningful, creative and connect with the donor when you say thank you.
Transition
Use what you have learned.
Chapter Fourteen, "Thing You Should Know" Raffles, Events, A-thons, Prizes and Direct Mail Campaigns.
Chapter Fifteen, "Plan, Plan, Plan" How to plan better by uncomplicating your plan. Includes a planning worksheet and examples.
Chapter Sixteen, "Some Ways to Raise Money" Five pages of fundraising ideas and events.
Chapter Seventeen, "Sources of Resources" Where to look first, second, third, fourth, ... for the resources you need. Good worksheet with examples.
Chapter Eighteen, "The Etiquette of Asking" The things never to do when asking and the things always to do when asking.
Chapter Nineteen, "Getting the Word Out" Basic public relations for your group.
About the Author:
Jean Block was 13 years old when she organized her first fundraiser, a backyard carnival for C.A.R.E., and she hasn't looked back since. She became hooked on developing both people and dollar resources for nonprofit organizations and created her own business, Jean Block Consulting, Inc. in 1995. She has served as staff, executive director, campaign director and volunteer in a variety of leadership positions for both local and national nonprofit agencies.
Jean's mission is to strengthen the base of support for America's worthwhile nonprofit agencies and organizations, from school bands to multi-million dollar national programs.
To order the book:
Price: $19.95 (U.S. dollars please) plus $4.50 shipping and handling -
Total: $24.45 for each book prepaid (credit cards are welcome)
Order by fax: 505-890-5285
email: JBlockInc@aol.com
or on the internet through her web site:
http://www.jblockinc.com/bookorder.htm
Find out more about the services Jean offers through her company, Jean Block Consulting, Inc., and how to subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting her web site at
http://www.jblockinc.com
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Grant Writing for Beginners "No more struggling"
