Beyond Fund Raising: New Strategies for Nonprofit Innovation and Investment

by Kay Sprinkel Grace

Beyond Fund What It Means "Because this book is written for volunteers and staff people working in a sector that is based on the measurable success of its fund raising, the title may seem odd. The principle is To go beyond fund raising, organizations must do more than fund raise. They The need for the nonprofit sector to go beyond fund raising and to understand and apply development principles is growing. Increased competition among funders and a higher level of sophistication among donors have changed the nature of philanthropy, development, and fund raising. This shift in expectations requires organizations to practice the longer-term process of to go beyond fund raising." —Kay Sprinkel Grace A donation to a nonprofit organization is an investment in the community the organization serves.... The philanthropic sector has an opportunity to build stronger communities through boldness, innovation, and new models for action that are based on results, not needs; on investment opportunities, not institutional financial urgency.... Donors do not give to organizations because organizations have needs; they give because organizations meet needs. It is time to infuse the nonprofit sector with innovation and investment strategies that will develop long-term relationships with funders and volunteers. These relationships must be based on an understanding between organizations and their donor-investors of their mutual responsibility to provide essential community services. They must be inspired by shared values, partnership, respect, and vision. The request for a gift is less an appeal for money to meet the organization's budget goals than an invitation to join in an entrepreneurial venture, an opportunity to invest in a process that will pay dividends in the form of a stronger, more vital community. Beyond Fund Raising is a blueprint for building new donor-organization relationships and explains how organizations can integrate fund-raising practices into the far more dynamic, comprehensive, and rewarding process of development. This book helps nonprofit organizations replace the feeling of begging with innovative practices that will create stable, ongoing donor-investor relationships. Beyond Fund Raising examines the common concerns of many nonprofits and offers proven steps to attract and retain donor-investors—not just to the organization, but to its mission. Supplemented with forms, task lists, and charts to help readers incorporate this new philosophy into their own organizations, this book shows nonprofits how For fund-raising professionals, nonprofit executives, board members, other volunteers and consultants, Beyond Fund Raising offers the key to both a successful financial future and a reinvigorated organization.

Genres: Business, Education

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 1997

Reviews

[Scott Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was published in 1997 but it is still relevant. I was able to pick out many practical tips that will inform some of my work. There’s a lot of content around the responsibilities of a board of directors, and how to engage them in the development process, that I found very helpful.

There is a section at the end where the author gives predictions for future trends and they are spot on! From declines in donations to United Ways, through the advent of small donations being processed online. I was very impressed that the author had such strong foresight. It speaks to her knowledge and experience in the industry.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter how long you've worked in fundraising, this book serves up great reminders. It is inspiring to refreshing to remind oneself why those of us who undertake this career are in this career in the first place. So much of the advice had me either nodding along and thinking about how things went well when my organization followed that advice, or shaking my head and thinking about how things went terribly when my organization ignored such advice.

[Leeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview on how to build a culture of philanthropy throughout an organization. Hint: it's not just about money! Highly recommended for any nonprofit professional or anyone looking to get involved in one as a volunteer or board member.

[Rachal T · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is full of valuable steps and practices in the non-profit sector. Grace offers great examples of how each step is building onto the next. I had read this to gain an insight of non-profit building and have gained a new knowledge of how I should see social good done in the community.

[Teresa Kmetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for those wanting to start or re-energize their stewardship efforts. Easy to read and full of helpful tips.

[Adam Meents · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have your cause broken down in the three levels of philosophy, strategy, and tactics? A lot of good insight in this book.