The Fundraiser's Guide to Irresistible Communications: Real-World, Field-tested Strategies for Raising More Money

by Jeff Brooks

The Fundraiser's Guide to Irresistible Communication reveals ways of communicating to motivate donors to give generously, wholeheartedly, and repeatedly. Jeff Brooks takes you on a step-by-step tour of the unique strategies, writing style, and design techniques of irresistible fundraising messages. This book is designed help the reader to start writing, designing, and thinking like a seasoned fundraising pro.

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development

143 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Rachel B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, helpful book about fundraising, especially through direct mail.

There were enough anecdotes to keep it interesting, but they didn't overtake the real purpose of the book.

This is a super practical read that I would recommend to anyone who needs to fundraise.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

dont come for me this is a work related read

[Robin Peake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a difficult task for anyone, to write something that gives advice on how someone should write. But what I loved about Brooks' contribution was that this was as much show, not tell: his ability to hook me in with a sentence or even a word making his point for him.

I would highly recommend this for anyone tasked with writing fundraising appeals who wants to raise money for their cause.

[Bill Welte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every CEO, Director if Development and marketing director. I wish I had read this 10 years ago.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting information, much of it counter-intuitive.

[Niccy O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that is easy to read and full of great ideas! Would recommend for anyone writing within charities/non-profits, not just fundraisers.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read for any fundraiser. It gave great tips for writing like a fundraiser - and the difference between that and formal writing we all learned in school. It is an excellent resource for me and I'm sure I'll go back to it many times. I definitely kept my highlighter close during this read.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic resource for anyone in a nonprofit. Speaking clearly, sharing stories, and writing simply - but not too simply - are at the heart of the advice contained within this quicky, easy read. I find myself returning to it frequently as I begin to write donor requests for a small nonprofit.

[Beth Ann Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and easy-to-follow book on why - and how - to tailor your writing to the needs of donors, rather than the tastes of marketers, fundraising staff or current design asthetics.

Jeff is an engaging writer and offers great examples.

This should be purchased for fundraising libraries in charities - an important read.

I highly recommend and my husband is reading it now!

[Dan Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book, and I am already employing some of its lessons in my own fundraising letters. That said, it assures readers that all its conclusions are based on research, but none of that research is shared or footnoted. The book would have had more credibility if the author had shared some of the data he claims he's using.

[Chella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read books with this subject matter, but this book is incredibly informative, it passes quickly, and it provides the reader with a whole host of specific, real-world examples. It is personal, down-to-earth, and funny. It is excellent for a beginner like me, but I'm sure a seasoned expert could benefit from it as well.

[Kate Woods Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff. Clear, concise, helpful information about communicating with potential givers. I'm eager to put these ideas into practice.

Chapter 14, "Plain, Corny and Obvious," was particularly interesting. As a longtime fan of these qualitiies, I was glad to read they're so effective.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I keep a copy beside my desk and ordered copies for everyone on my team who signs off on fundraising copy. His approach is helping us shift our perspective back to what donors what. The book is easy to read and a great introduction to writing for fundraisers.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book that every fundraiser needs to read. It's a quick read, too. Even the slowest reader will get through it in just a couple of hours. It's written like good fundraising copy: skim-able, easy language with repetitive key points.

[Perri · Rating 5 out of 5]

No interest or experience in fundraising, but the cover hooked me and the book delivered-a successful case of judging the book by the cover! Witty, breezy and I learned some things. Really!?! Fundraising,huh

[Mills College Library]

658.15224 B8734 2012

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. It includes so many great reminders for anyone writing fundraising copy. This is a resource I hope to dip in and out of whenever I need a fundraising communications refresher.

[Bethany]

I feel like I should come back and review this in a year, after I've had some time in the field to test these theories.

[J Mark Brinkmoeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific short course on fundraising. Simple, with stories, data backed guidelines, and practical guidance. I've purchased several copies for my team.

[Laurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collegue sent this book to me as a starting place to understand how fundraising copy works. I thought the chapters were succinct and interesting and I'm happy I read this book.

I really liked these line at the end of the book:

"Think for a moment about the impact charity has on society. Not because of the important causes it funds, but because of the millions healthier, happier, more involved donor-citizens it empowers. The whole world is better because of those donors and the way they live."

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was asked to read this for work. As a writer with no fundraising background, this is a solid book. I think it's useful for experienced writers to be able to note the difference between their existing work and what Brooks says are best practices. His writing in the book itself is simplistic but effective at getting his point across, which is a microcosm of what he's preaching. I can't speak to how this changes fundraising appeals and returns just yet, but it's a good primer for me to remember lots of little tips to check myself on. A good handy refresher reference.

[Danny Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brooks qualifies well. And he needs the qualifications because most of his stuff is really counter-intuitive. Perhaps I will be like the examples in his book who end up not raising much money, but I don’t know if I can bring myself around to following all of his tips (i.e. it should be corny)

Either way, some good stuff here. I just don’t know how to separate the good from the bad and I don’t know Brooks enough to take it on faith.

[Kathryn Grace Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

don’t judge me lol—had to read this for work but actually thoroughly enjoyed! if you’re in fundraising, you absolutely must read. helped me get a mentality check on the benefits of giving and how to properly view donors.

[Matt Nixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple and straight-forward, Brooks’ book will help you better engage donors through effective communication and marketing.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

All you need to know. You just have to have the courage to do it this way.

[Laura Gilmour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with practical tips for folks new to fundraising.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very practical advise. Following the format for our annual appeal.

[Katie]

Me 🤝 Nonprofits

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and Short read. It was very imformational.

[Kyra Atterbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful!