I enjoy learning new things and even on my busiest of days, appreciate the moment when I acquire a new piece of knowledge.  As a result, I am always on the look-out for resources that support my quest for "continuous improvement."  For anyone in the fundraising business, Kent Dove's Conducting a Successful Fundraising Program is a valuable resource to have on your shelf.

With more than 900 pages of content, this book has it all:  from mission statements to gift receipt templates, assessment tools to campaign models.  It is US based content - but as we know, our neighbours to the south have always provided solid "best-practice" tools for Canada's nonprofit sector (and vice-versa!).

The author knows his stuff.  Dove is vice president for development and executive director of capital campaigns for the Indiana University Foundation.  He has served on the educational fundraising committee of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) as well as on the board of directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  He organizes the book around the fundamental issues and challenges that must be met if a fundraising program is to achieve success.  For him, the ten prerequisites of success are:

• 1. Commitments of time and support from all key participants;
• 2. A clear organizational self-image and strategic plan for growth and improvement;
• 3. Fundraising objectives based on important and legitimate institutional plans, goals and budgets;
• 4. A written document that makes a compelling case for supporting the organization;
• 5. Regular assessments of the institutional development program;
• 6. Enlistment and education of volunteer leaders;
• 7. Ability and readiness of key donors to give substantial gifts;
• 8. Competent staff and perhaps, external professional counsel;
• 9. Adequate, even liberal funds for expenses; and
• 10. Consideration of other factors which tend to determine the size of the fundraising goal and timing in terms of length and start date.

 Like any worthwhile endeavour, sometimes getting started is the hardest part.  Take the first step to your next successful fundraising initiative by increasing your knowledge base.

Order Conducting a Successful Fundraising Program for $93.99.