BUILDING CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS
Special Feature Page 5

Klein, Kim and Stephanie Roth. Raise More Money: The Best of the Grassroots Fundraising Journal. Oakland, Cal.: GFJ Publications, 2001.

The two authors, cofounders of the 20-year-old Grassroots Fundraising Journal, have coedited and updated many of that magazine's most popular articles for this volume. Covering fund-raising from philosophy to planning and featuring many helpful case studies, it is recommended to anyone interested in fund-raising.

Warwick, Mal. How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters: Sample Letters, Style Tips, Useful Hints and Real-World Examples. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2001.

Mal Warwick takes a three-step approach to fund-raising by mail--first, donors are acquired; next, they become repeat donors; and finally, they are "upgraded to higher levels of generosity and commitment." This insightful guide covers everything from the philosophy of fund-raising to style and punctuation resources and is based on Warwick's extensive experience and studies with focus groups.

Weisman, Carol. Secrets of Successful Fundraising. St. Louis, Mo.: F.E. Robbins & Sons Press, 2000.

This tip-filled fund-raising book features essays by "nonprofit gurus," each with a different focus. The large number of authors brings many different perspectives to the application of fund-raising principles and their authority in each subject area is backed with personal experience. Each essay includes a bibliography for more in-depth study.

Klein, Kim. Fundraising for Social Change. 4th ed. San Francisco:  Jossey-Bass, 2001.

Geared toward grassroots organizations with budgets less than $500,000 per year, the newest edition of this book is a how-to that covers everything one needs to know to become independent from corporate, foundational, or government assistance. With strategies to assist nonprofit boards with all levels of fund-raising--from making an initial outline to keeping old donors interested--it is no wonder that this book has been described as "the Bible for grassroots fundraisers."

George, Worth. Fearless Fundraising for Nonprofit Boards. Washington, D.C.: BoardSource, 2003.

Worth George, the executive director of a nonprofit board for over 25 years, has written this guide for board chairs or members who want to inspire fellow members to raise more money. Includes worksheets and role-playing exercises to help people become more comfortable in asking for money.

Schumacher, Edward C. Capital Campaigns: Constructing a Successful Fundraising Drive. Washington, D.C.: BoardSource, 2001.

In a practical question-and-answer format, Schumacher's book on fund-raising for a large-scale capital project is useful for setting goals and considering the finer nuances of such an undertaking.

Speaking of Money: A Guide to Fund Raising for Non Profit Board Members. Videocassette. Washington, D.C.: BoardSource, 1996. 30 min. 

According to a survey on philanthropic giving conducted by the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel, gifts from private individuals make up about 90% of over $125 billion donated each year. This 30-minute video and accompanying user's guide helps board members tap some of that money for their organizations.

Klein, Kim. Getting Major Gifts. Oakland, Cal.: Chardon Press, 1999.

Whether asking by phone, by letter, or in person, requesting donations can be very complicated. Klein's articles on who should do the asking, what they should say, and how everyone in an organization can improve the fund-raising process is very helpful to those who hope to be the recipient of large gifts.

Klein, Kim. Board of Directors. 3rd ed. Oakland, Cal.: Chardon Press, 2000.

Kim Klein suggests revisions in the traditional roles of board directors to increase their participation in fund-raising for the benefit of all involved.

Stevens, Susan Kenny. All the Way to the Bank: Smart Money Management for Tomorrow's Nonprofit Organizations. St. Paul, Minn.: Stevens Group, 1997.

The Stevens Group, a top financial management consulting firm for nonprofits and foundations in North America, has put together an excellent handbook, full of tools and techniques to help nonprofits maximize program outcomes with solid financial support. Advice on how to determine your organization’s financial worth, improve cash flow, spot problem areas in financial statements, select the right bank, secure financing, and more.

Directory of Funding Sources for Grassroots River and Watershed Conservation Groups 2003-04. Portland, Ore.: River Network, 2004.

Written specifically for the river and watershed conservation community, the latest edition of this directory lists over 200 foundations, corporations, state and federal agencies, and other organizations that provide funding to not-for-profit watershed groups. The focus is on funding organizations that are broad or national in scope. An online version of the directory is available to all River Network Partners at www.rivernetwork.org/library/libfundir.cfm.

Foundations in Wisconsin: A Directory. 22nd ed. Milwaukee, Wis.: Marquette University Memorial Library, 2003.

The updated edition of this indispensible guide has contact, grant, and focus information for an even greater number of foundations in Wisconsin organized by area of interest.