When we start working with a new fundraiser, we often get asked what books we recommend to help them create a strong foundation in fundraising or to support them in a new part of their role. Our team similarly enjoys picking up a new book to help us continue to refine and develop our own skills, interests, and approach to training.

This round-up is a list of books we actively recommend to new fundraisers and leaders, and books that we’ve loved ourselves. We’d love to hear your favorite books in the comments!

The Millionaire Next Door

The Millionaire Next Door is a valuable read that speaks to the common traits of those who accumulate wealth. It provides a helpful foundation and potential reset for what we think wealthy people should look like, and reminds us all that generosity can come from even the most unsuspected places.

Ask Without Fear

Ask Without Fear is a short and easy read that will help reframe how you approach asking for a gift, so you stay focused on connecting the donor with your cause in a way that matters to them!

Forces for Good

Forces for Good focuses in on what truly makes non-profits great. This book has been newly updated and now includes additional content for smaller non-profits and some additional context around how non-profits operate in today’s world. There is so much to learn from the counterintuitive practices highlighted in this book.

Collecting Courage

Collecting Courage is an eye-opening book that highlights a wide range of experiences from Black fundraisers working in charities across North America. This is a must-read for any non-profit leader. You can read our full review of it here.

Seven Faces of Philanthropy

Seven Faces of Philanthropy is a data nerd’s dream! If you’re curious about the psychology behind fundraising, then this book is a great choice. The strategies and ideas presented in this book have been thoroughly researched, and it provides a great foundation for your work with donors.

It’s Not JUST About the Money & It’s Not JUST About the Donor

We would be remiss if we didn’t include our own books on major gifts and leadership. Both of these books were written from years of experience working with frontline fundraisers and non-profit leaders. They include specific tools and strategies we use every day in our consulting and training work.

We hope you’re able to make some time to read and continue to learn this summer. We’re looking forward to hearing about what you’re reading!

Richard & Jeff