October 19, 2000 | Read Time: 1 minute
Fundraising for Dummies
by John Mutz and Katherine Murray
These are fund-raising-friendly times that charities need to learn to take full advantage of, say John Mutz and Katherine Murray.
Using the straightforward, lighthearted language of the “Dummies” series, Mr. Mutz, former president of the Lilly Endowment in Indianapolis, and Ms. Murray, an Indianapolis nonprofit consultant, offer charities advice on how to improve their fund raising.
The easy-to-use guide offers tips on conducting research on foundations, writing winning grant proposals, defining an organization’s focus, using direct mail and Internet marketing, planning special fund-raising events, and building a board of directors.
Mr. Mutz and Ms. Murray present their suggestions by offering real-life case studies and anecdotes. They explain how organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Habitat for Humanity have relied on uncomplicated fund-raising techniques to grow from local grassroots charities into powerful organizations that have influence worldwide.
The book also includes a section of “top ten” lists for fund raisers. Among the top 10 fund-raising horror stories, for example, the authors cite no-show speakers, food poisoning at a benefit dinner, and feuding celebrity guests. Other lists focus on opening lines, sure-fire turnoffs (and ways to avoid them), excuses for a failed event, and ethical dilemmas.
Publisher: IDG Books Worldwide, 909 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10022; (212) 884-5000 or (800) 762-2974; siteemail@idgbooks.com; http://www.idgbooks.com; 359 pages; $19.99; I.S.B.N. 0-7645-5220-1.
