I love to read. I don't always have enough time to read as much as I'd like, but I've found that in the summertime, I have been able to spend a little more time devoted to a good book. In fact, I have a running list at all times of at least 10 books I want to read in the near future. By the time I check a few books off my list, I find myself discovering new covers that I am adding on. And so, the cycle continues
Usually, I shoot for easy-read fiction stories--especially when I'm on a beach vacation, but lately I have been more interested in reading professional development books focused on fundraising to help me improve my skills as a development officer.
Most recently, I have been reading How to Write Fundraising Materials that Raise More Money by Tom Ahern. It has given me some great insight and ideas to think of as I appeal to our donors year-round. As I said in my last blog post, fundraising is a large focus in my role at the non-profit organization for which I work. Although I am responsible for raising money to support our annual operating budget, I also serve as the Research and Data Manager. Many times, I find myself limited in the time I can spend on research. I find myself focusing more on fundraising and less on prospecting but I would love it if I could find a good book, focused on prospecting and donor research that would help me hone my skills and tactics. Most of the books I have been finding are geared toward fundraising specifically, but surely, there has to be some great information out there about prospect research as well. If so, where can I find it?
How many of you have read a great prospect/research book (or even helpful articles) that you can recommend?
I look forward to hearing any feedback that you have that can help me better myself not only as a fundraiser, but as a prospect researcher as well.
As I gear up for the last holiday weekend of the summer, I am looking forward to spending time with my family grilling, playing outside, possibly heading to the pool for one last dip, and hopefully relaxing with a good book. I hope you can do the same.
Have a great holiday weekend everyone!
Amanda Madonia, Membership Director, APRA MidSouth
membership@apramidsouth.org
Hi Amanda-
ReplyDeleteBrand, new, hot-off-the-presses (July 31), is "Fundraising Research Made Easy: A Practical Guide for Fundraisers" -I'm a researcher and the VP of APRA-IL, and I co-wrote this with another researcher from APRA-IL. We directed it toward what fundraisers would need to know about research if they don't have someone, or what someone with many hats would want to know if they need to try to fit a bit of research into their already-crazy schedules. (http://charitychannel.com/bookstore/productid/165/catreferrer/2051)
A second on a similar topic is Jen Fila and Helen Brown's Prospect Research for Fundraisers (Jen's with Aspire Research Group in FL), which came out this past spring.