Donor-Centered Leadership

by Penelope Burk

In Donor-Centered Leadership Penelope Burk tackles one of our most frustrating and costly problems - the high turnover rate of staff and the financial toll it takes on not-for-profits. In plain language, backed by compelling research with over 6,000 fundraisers, Board members, CEOs, and donors, Penelope reveals how not-for-profits can raise much more money by bringing staff attrition under control.

While the book speaks directly to decision-makers, Donor-Centered Leadership is also an essential resource for fundraisers at any level, including Development staff working in or aspiring to management and leadership positions. Penelope puts real numbers to the coming exodus of senior fundraisers on the verge of retirement and offers a win-win solution that capitalizes on young workers' eagerness for more responsibility and earlier promotion.

Donor-Centered Leadership exposes mistaken beliefs and out-of-date practices that make it harder for fundraisers to raise money and much easier for them to move on. And it goes further to examine an issue sitting just below the surface - the role that Leadership Volunteers play in fundraising. Penelope presents a riveting case for focusing Board members' attention on the things they do best and which donors say will unleash their philanthropy at a whole new level.

Written in a style that is distinctly hers and with her trademark humor, Penelope draws readers through a narrative punctuated by compelling research data and real-life stories towards a conclusion that is nothing short of inspiring. Donor-Centered Leadership is a must-read for everyone in fundraising and in the not-for-profit sector.

Genres: Business, Professional Development, Nonfiction

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Beth Ann Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Penelope's work and believe that this is an important extension of her previous book, Donor Centered Fundraising. This book is full of great ideas for hiring and building a terrific fundraising team, pitfalls to avoid, discussion of "outside the box" thinking on benefits and salaries for fundraisers... so much good information, and studies to back it up. If you aspire to be a leader in fundraising (whether your are the President / Executive Director or not) then this is a must-read.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs...NEEDS to be read by every manager, director, executive! In non-profits...and corporate orgs. Really well done. Informative! Just for the data on how much money an organization can lose when a fundraiser leaves alone is worth the price of this book. Check it out.