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. Add these to your TBR list, and let us know 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.

 

 

More Recommendations…

In addition to the list above, we also asked our team to share what they’ve been reading lately. The following books are not specific to fundraising, but they have some great insights for personal growth and professional development.

How to Know a Person by David Brooks: “Brooks calls them ‘illuminators’ — people who have a genuine curiosity about others that makes people feel truly seen and understood. This thought-provoking book explores how we can develop this quality in ourselves by asking the kinds of questions that lead to deeper relationships.”

Slow Productivity by Cal Newport: “So helpful for anyone feeling burned out by our ‘hustle culture’ and looking for real strategies that create space for deep thinking, instead of just responding quickly to every single ping or notification.”

Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg: “This is a must-read for anyone seeking to learn more about how to have conversations that result in more meaningful connections.”

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell: “A fascinating exploration of the assumptions we make about people we don’t know and the miscommunications that too often result.” 

The Obstacle is The Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday: “This is an awesome book that helps reframes obstacles as opportunities for growth. The principles taught in this book can be applied anywhere in your life to transform your personal and professional trajectory.”

My Soul Says Yes: Stories of PowHer as told by Black Women in America and Africa by Theresa Campbell: “This book is an unapologetic memoir that boldly shakes the reader to their core. For me, it ignited an urgent call to trust my inner voice, embrace my natural gift, and unleash the power of my authentic essence.”

The Song of Significance: A Manifesto for Teams by Seth Godin: “This is at the top of my reading list! Seth Godin has such a clear and relevant way of talking about a variety of topics, so I can’t wait to dig into this book.”

Atomic Habits by James Clear: “Atomic Habits helps you break down goals into long-term efforts and you learn the value of improving just 1% every day. It’s helped me embrace the process instead of just the outcome.”

Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Ambitious Women by Kate Northrup: “Essential reading for anyone who identifies as a woman. I appreciated the perspective this book offers on self-compassion and the helpful exercises to practice doing less while having more joy.”

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I hope you get some time to read, relax, and reflect this season. And be sure to join our Community Hub if you’d like to learn more about our virtual book discussion we’ll be hosting in the weeks ahead!

Jeff

A previous version of this post was published on July 16, 2021.