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Winning: The Five Truths of Fundraising
To me, fundraising is simple. We’re extending an invitation to invest in a cause, in an organization the donor has come to believe in. It’s helping donors do the great things they want to do.
How lucky we are to do that, every day!
Weaving together inspiring stories with four decades in the trenches, this nationally recognized expert charts the roadmap to success in “Winning: The Five Truths of Fundraising.
How do relationships begin? What’s the most important skill to master? “Winning” uncovers the fundamental keys to achievement everyone can master in a warm, approachable style.
For more than 40 years, the author, Rob Cummings, has been a development leader for many of Chicago’s oldest and best-known institutions. “Winning” draws from his acclaimed Weekend Briefing, delivered every Sunday night to 1,500 fundraising professionals across the United States and around the world.
Long before the concept of storytelling became fashionable, I knew that telling a story was the best way to engage a donor with the organization. I also realized that a story is how fundraisers can learn. Sharing a story, a true story, with fundraising professionals at an early stage of their career has proven itself time and again as the best way to teach the important lessons of our craft.
When I began writing The Weekend Briefing over a decade ago, I saw that stories resonated with younger fundraisers, but also with those in the profession a long time. And it didn’t matter whether the person served a small organization or a big, sophisticated shop; the stories and lessons had the same impact.
A few years ago I began to think about a book that could distill the most important lessons I have learned into concepts everyone can practice.
These five truths of fundraising really are the road to Winning.
How lucky we are to do that, every day!
Weaving together inspiring stories with four decades in the trenches, this nationally recognized expert charts the roadmap to success in “Winning: The Five Truths of Fundraising.
How do relationships begin? What’s the most important skill to master? “Winning” uncovers the fundamental keys to achievement everyone can master in a warm, approachable style.
For more than 40 years, the author, Rob Cummings, has been a development leader for many of Chicago’s oldest and best-known institutions. “Winning” draws from his acclaimed Weekend Briefing, delivered every Sunday night to 1,500 fundraising professionals across the United States and around the world.
Long before the concept of storytelling became fashionable, I knew that telling a story was the best way to engage a donor with the organization. I also realized that a story is how fundraisers can learn. Sharing a story, a true story, with fundraising professionals at an early stage of their career has proven itself time and again as the best way to teach the important lessons of our craft.
When I began writing The Weekend Briefing over a decade ago, I saw that stories resonated with younger fundraisers, but also with those in the profession a long time. And it didn’t matter whether the person served a small organization or a big, sophisticated shop; the stories and lessons had the same impact.
A few years ago I began to think about a book that could distill the most important lessons I have learned into concepts everyone can practice.
These five truths of fundraising really are the road to Winning.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2019
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Rob Cummings
1 book2 followersFor more than four decades, Rob Cummings has served as a development leader for many of the Chicago area’s oldest and best-known institutions.
Through his deep understanding of the field, and his enthusiasm and capacity to nurture the growth and commitment of development professionals, Rob has established a distinguished record of success in major gift solicitation and building strong development teams.
He personally managed three successful capital campaigns and has raised multiple seven-figure gifts. With clients throughout the Midwest, his consulting practice specializes in capital campaigns, coaching major gift fundraisers, and growing sustainable development programs.
Rob is a regular teacher and presenter for AFP and other local and national organizations. He is the author of The Weekend Briefing, a weekly email combining development best practice with an inspiring message that resonates with senior professionals and new fundraisers alike.
Through his deep understanding of the field, and his enthusiasm and capacity to nurture the growth and commitment of development professionals, Rob has established a distinguished record of success in major gift solicitation and building strong development teams.
He personally managed three successful capital campaigns and has raised multiple seven-figure gifts. With clients throughout the Midwest, his consulting practice specializes in capital campaigns, coaching major gift fundraisers, and growing sustainable development programs.
Rob is a regular teacher and presenter for AFP and other local and national organizations. He is the author of The Weekend Briefing, a weekly email combining development best practice with an inspiring message that resonates with senior professionals and new fundraisers alike.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 11, 2021
I love my profession and love reading inspiration to continue to improve how I fundraise. This book gave me this today. What a gift!
March 16, 2020
Wonderful development focused stories illustrate his points! Thank you!
March 30, 2023
Practical advice and counsel from one of the gurus of professional fundraising. An invaluable book for Development professionals.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews