Nonprofit Bookshelf

Books and resources for fundraising professionals and nonprofit executives

Technology Gear for Fundraisers

A collection of tested and trusted audio, video, lighting, and technology accessories for nonprofit professionals to host distraction-free virtual meetings.

Titles for Fundraisers Revisited

Fundraising is a necessary part of philanthropy, but it should not define philanthropy. How do we capture this in titles for fundraisers?

Fundraisers’ Toast: Raise Your Glass

Celebrate the achievements of your fundraising peers. What better excuse to do so but to raise a glass and recognize others with the fundraisers' toast.

Reconsidering the Titles We Give Professional Fundraisers

The titles we give fundraising professionals should bring connotations of trust, confidentiality, expertise, and ethics. What is your title?

Resume Tips for Fundraisers and Emerging Professionals

These resume tips for fundraisers are more than a how-to turn your work history into a fancy list of professional list of "humblebrags" Here are resume tips for fundraising professionals.

9 Steps to Encourage a Culture of Ethical Philanthropy

Solutions to fundraising ethics are rarely a clear choice between right and wrong. More often, they are some shade between the two. Here are nine steps to help guide the way.

Strategic Stewardship to Engage Hearts, Heads, and Hands

The future of fundraising includes strategic stewardship taking the same time and effort in cultivating a donors passion to make a difference.

Fundraising Ethics: Our Commitment to Community, Our Commitment to Trust

Organizations and individuals that assume the mantle of ethical fundraising will lead the sector. Relationships and trust are as critical to a donors first gift as they are to lifelong philanthropy.

Building Your Board of Advisors: Effective Career Mentoring

Explore effective ways professionals can engage in mentoring as part of their personal fundraising toolkit.

Burning Bridges, a Two-way Road

You know the adage "don't burn your bridges." As you leave positions for new career opportunities, remember that burning bridges are sometimes very good.

5 Ways Fundraising is Like Baseball

Consider these five ways fundraising is like baseball as we explore the "great American pastime" as a metaphor to understanding the fundraising profession.

Pull Up a Chair - Seating Strategies

Consider these seating strategies to more fully participate in conversation, thus keeping you in the game. Or use this to help enhance donor experiences.

4 Problems With GivingTuesday & How to Address Them

There are problems with GivingTuesday. But don't let that stop you from building a thoughtful #GivingTuesday strategy.

Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing [Book Review]

A book review of Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing, by Michael Rosen. This book brushes off the complexity of planned giving and challenges stereotypes.

The Nonprofit Development Companion [Book Review]

A book review of Nonprofit Development Companion, by Brydon DeWitt. This book clearly delineates the differences between "development" and "fundraising."

Thoughts on Future and Current Board Members

When interviewing board members for service, ask what they have read or are reading related to board leadership, governance, fundraising, or volunteerism.

An Executive's Guide to Fundraising Operations [Book Review]

A book review of Executive's Guide to Fundraising Operations, by Christopher Cannon, CFRE. This book is not exclusively for executives.

Breakthrough Nonprofit Branding [Book Review]

A book review of Breakthrough Nonprofit Branding, by Jocelyne Daw and Carol Cone. This book is valuable, but not for obvious reasons.

Being Deliberate About Non-profit Organizational Culture

Organizational leadership sets the tone for the culture. Things that shape organizational culture for nonprofits; meetings, communication, and cornerstones.

Professional Associations & Services

Collection of professional associations and select providers of research, technology, and tools to aid nonprofit leaders across several disciplines.

Turning Fundraising Nightmares Into Dreams

Whether positive or negative, the experiences of others can help provide a learning opportunity for our own work. Here we learn how to turn "small shop" scarcity mindset into an amazing opportunity.

Presentations

Listing of scheduled keynotes, presentations, and trainings, both virtual and in-person.

Ethics Rapid-fire for Your Next Staff Meeting

Ethical lapses don't have to happen. It's helpful to be talking about general ethical issues to help your fundraising staff how to respond should something crop up.

Fundraisers' Walk-up Song

Discover the top walk-up songs for fundraisers, curated on Spotify and Apple Music playlists. Whether you're hitting the conference room or the pitch, let these tunes be your soundtrack to success.

How Long Will it Take You to Raise the Money?

Time required to raise gifts varies depending on how the item relates to the mission, strategic plan, development plan, budget, board oversight, and donor linkage, ability and interest. So, not fast.

Pitch Your Own Game: Lessons from Baseball Legends to Enhance Donor Engagement and Major Gift Strategies

Like pitchers perfecting their grips and consistently hitting the strike zone, Fundraisers have mechanics that we focus on when we hone our craft.

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

We are committed to protecting the privacy of our users. This page includes the terms of use and privacy policy.

Ethical Red Flags in Fundraising - Been There, Done That (Unfortunately)

Ethical practices in fundraising are fundamental to building and maintaining trust with donors. Four experts share how to adhere to high ethical standards—based on their first-hand experience.

Building Bridges for Lasting Philanthropic Relationships

Discover how to forge lasting donor relationships by building bridges through understanding donor passions, embracing flexibility, and creating strong partnerships.

About GivingThree

We specialize in empowering organizations to navigate the landscape of the nonprofit sector. Our expertise is nonprofit fundraising, technology, planning, marketing, leadership, and innovation.

Campaign Success

We specialize in guiding nonprofits through the process of campaign feasibility, planning, and management. Our team brings decades of experience to ensure your campaign is successfully executed.

Elevate Your Board

We understand the pivotal role that an effective board plays in the success of any organization. Our comprehensive board development services are designed to transform your board for success.

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Assessment and Planning

At GivingThree, we offer comprehensive assessment, research, and strategy services designed to elevate your organization's fundraising efforts.

Executive Counsel

Elevate your leadership and enhance executive effectiveness with the support of a trusted executive sounding board.

Constituent Research: How Much Do You Need?

How do you right-size research to maximize effectiveness, streamline efficiency, and foster donor relationships? We tailor constituent research profiles to different engagement stages.

Giving Report

Activate data to find new insights. Boost donor engagement and retention with insights-driven strategies. Illuminate trends, cultivate loyalty & unlock potential for nonprofit sustainability.

Is Your Mid-Year Fundraising Strategy in Shape for 2025?

Fundraising trends show giving is up but participation is down. Is your mid-year strategy in shape? Explore 4 key insights & get tools to strengthen your fundraising results for the rest of 2025.