Top Fundraising books recommended by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we've connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Fundraising books – and here are the answers.

Table of Contents

Fundamentals of Fundraising

Understanding the concepts of Fundraising starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Born to raise

It shook the earth under fundraising is how one development professional described the impact of Jerold Panas's book, Born to Raise, when it was released thirty years ago. In his quest to identify what makes a great fundraiser great, Panas conducted in-depth interviews with some fifty men and women considered to be the greatest in the US. He also sought the counsel of development professionals…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

It's NOT JUST about the Money

Here is the first really practical book on major gift fundraising. It is a step-by-step guide to ensuring a success.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Donor-centered Fundraising: How to Hold on to Your Donors and Raise Much More Money

Working from research conducted over six years with hundreds of charities and donors, 'Donor-Centered Fundraising' paints a candid picture of why donors stop giving to charities they once supported, and what it will take to preserve their loyalty in the future. ... This fifth edition offers the information that has made the book a classic: proven know-how on asking for money, planning and cond…

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Achieving Excellence in Fundraising

Achieving Excellence in Fundraising is the go-to reference for fundraising principles, concepts, and techniques. With comprehensive guidance toward the fundraising role, this book reflects the latest advances in fundraising knowledge. ...

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Making a Case Your Donors Will Love: The Secret to Selling the Dream

Responsive Fundraising: The Donor-Centric Framework Helping Today's Leading Nonprofits Grow Giving provides a three-step solution for nonprofit fundraisers looking to overcome the growing generosity crisis. Since the 1950s, nonprofits have relied on impersonal outreach to inspire generosity from their donors. ...

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Relationship Fundraising: A Donor-Based Approach to the Business of Raising Money

This is not a "how to" book. Not in the conventional sense. "How to" fundraising books have, unfortunately, flooded the market. What you'll rarely find on the bookshelves of our profession is a guide to thinking deeply about fundraising. That's what Laurence A. Pagnoni has written for you. ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Additional Fundraising Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Fundraising, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

The Little Book of Gold: Fundraising for Small (and Very Small) Nonprofits

The Little Book of Gold is dedicated to helping small (and very small) non-profits unlock their fundraising potential. ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Compelling Conversations for Fundraisers: Talk Your Way to Success with Donors and Funders

Are you searching for the next big idea in fundraising to help your organization soar? It's actually right under your nose in your database. Major Donors. Right here, right now, you have the donors who have the capacity to give five, six, and yes, seven figure gifts. ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Specializations and Deeper Fundraising Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Fundraising is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

Nonprofit Fundraising 101: A Practical Guide to Easy to Implement Ideas and Tips from Industry Experts

Raise more money for your cause! Based on expert advice and insights from a variety of respected industry experts, Nonprofit Fundraising 101 is an essential text for nonprofit professionals, volunteers, activists, and social entrepreneurs who want to leverage best practices to promote their cause. ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Fundraising 401: Masterclasses in Nonprofit Fundraising That Would Make Peter Drucker Proud

Writing to raise money takes more than a few choice words. Highly profitable communications use a wide array of "trade secrets" to boost response. ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

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I'm a happy father, deliberate optimist, and entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience, who built a business from day 1 with an initial team of 3 to managing a 400+ person workforce. I am proud to be a YCombinator alum and I've raised millions $$ from venture capital firms …

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Software engineer, turned entrepreneur, turned advisor and investor. I've been a serial entrepreneur for 20+ years, currently sharing experience and guidance with driven entrepreneurs and CEO's. My mission is to help entrepreneurs start or growing their business, proving thoughtful feedback and guidance. I manage a startup incubator in Europe, supporting …

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First and foremost, I am a happy, optimistic and innovative person. I am an introvert, but most people don't believe that. I have a background in the financial sector, where I was a Senior Loan Officer and was responsible for Syndicated lending on a global level. Later, I helped create …

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