Reliable Fundraising in Unreliable Times: What Good Causes Need to Know to Survive and Thrive

by Kim Klein

Praise for Reliable Fundraising in Unreliable Times "Kim Klein has been a guru to social justice fundraisers for many years. She shows us by her efforts, and not just by her words, that it is possible to raise the money you need, no matter how marginal you feel or are considered in the larger society."
— Rinku Sen , executive director, Applied Research Center, New York, New York; author, Stir It Up and The Accidental American "With wisdom gleaned from over 30 years of experience, Kim Klein delivers her can-do message with wit, grace, and unabashed optimism—even in times like these. She taught us at JVP that there is still plenty of money out there; it's just unevenly distributed. Her consistent message: people give because we ask. Poking fun at money taboos, assuring us that fundraising is not that hard, Kim reminds us that the system is held in place by money: if we don't learn about it, we can't change it!"
— Penny Rosenwasser , National Board, Jewish Voice for Peace, Oakland, California "This book is an extraordinary combination of philosophy and how to, all aimed at helping nonprofits build a movement for social justice. Kim distills three decades of fundraising and organizing experience into a book that will be helpful for novice and veteran alike."
— Lance Evoy , director, Institute for Community Development, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author initially alienated me with her focus on wealth distribution and tax reform. After all, I came for a book about fundraising, not whether or not to call an estate tax a "death tax." But, once I got past the first few chapters, I found the book extremely practical and informative. Lots of great content here, ranging from what to do in times of crisis to how to better prep board members. Definitely worth a perusal if you're interested in the topic. I would even consider buying.

[Renee Rubin Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is responsible for fundraising for non-profits? And how is it done?

Anyone who works for a non-profit organization or with a non-profit organization should read this book.

I've finished it but plan to buy it so I can use as a resource.

It would also be a great book to discuss with any non-profit Board.

[Robert Hoggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing text for fundraisers, especially within small nonprofits. Written in the 08’-09’ economic crisis, it can teach us lessons as we head for a second Great Depression. An awesome tool for a fundraiser to have in economic crisis.

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out as a potential source and inspiration for writing grants. I'm investigating grant writing to continue the computer classes I had been teaching. Not sure if it was good for that purpose, but it's an excellent book for those who work in the nonprofit sector. Klein has a very conversational writing style and her book is full of good advice, compiled from her years in working the nonprofit sector. For the most part I found myself nodding in agreement with her suggestions and observations. I wanted to cheer when she hit on something I've thought for years, although she articulated far better than I could: That the emphasis on "administrative costs" in terms of determining the worthiness of a charity is overblown and can actually be harmful. I've always said- you get what you pay for. And if someone is working 40+ hours for a nonprofit they should be compensated for their effort and skills. I've always been a bit suspicious myself of nonprofits that claim to have a tiny administrative overheard. They are either a. very small or not "full time", b. overworking their volunteers or c. massaging the books. She also make some interesting observations on boards, their functions and -- mostly-- the problems with boards. While she is talking specifically about nonprofit boards, I'd say the same philosophies and issues come up with bodies such as school boards. But I digress.
I did disagree with a couple points, personally, like the issue with newsletters. I had to chuckle a bit. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but... does anyone really read those? Maybe it's because I'm a bit jaded-- so many organizations send newsletters to newspapers, either instead of a press release or thinking the papers will be interested (please, save yourself the postage-- newsletters are NOT a press release and no staffer is going to do anything but chuck them). But all in all, this should be a must-read for nonprofits, whether they are struggling or are, for now, doing well. Klein has actually written a series of books for nonprofits, and she does well with giving suggestions on fundraising in not just these uncertain economic times, but she points out that uncertainty is always going to be an issue.

[Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the field for nonprofits. I knew nothing about the subject and felt the material was interesting, well presented and offered a blueprint for the novice as well as those more experienced.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Covered a lot of really good basics but organized in such a way that is good for more experienced fundraisers as well.