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Keep Your Donors: The Guide to Better Communications & Stronger Relationships

ISBN: 978-0-470-08039-9

November 2007

480 pages

Description

Praise for

Keep Your Donors

The Guide to Better Communications and Stronger Relationships

"No other book on the market addresses the primary role of fundraisers—building relationships. The duo of expertise from Tom Ahern and Simone Joyaux make this the book to own. An instant classic."
— Susan F. Rice, ACFRE, former chair, CFRE International

"At LAST! Ahern and Joyaux have produced a much-needed volume that combines concrete theory with the realities of fundraising to create a practical guide to fundraising communications. This will be an essential addition to every fundraiser's library and an important resource for CFRE exam candidates."
— Morgean Hirt, Executive Director, CFRE International

"A great book...a great read...value beyond words. Ahern and Joyaux have married ideas, insights, stories, and real-life examples to remind us all...it is all about the donor."
— J. A. (Tony) Myers, Advisor to the President (Strategic Initiatives) University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada

"Brilliant! A wonderful combination of big picture inspiration and practical know-how. A must-read for anyone in the nonprofit sector who cares about receiving contributions from donors."
— Alexcia WhiteCrow, CFRE, Development Services ManagerPlanned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota

"These pages are filled with everything you need to know about relationship fundraising—written in an easy conversational style that will have you fully engaged as a reader. The placement of sound, practical advice within the context of the deeper meaning of nonprofits and philanthropy creates an extraordinarily satisfying experience for the reader."
— Carol Golden, Executive Vice President & Chief Philanthropy OfficerThe Rhode Island Foundation

"Tom and Simone have made an invaluable contribution to the art and science of relationship building that is the hallmark of successful philanthropy. This timely, practical, and thought-provoking book should be shared with institutional leaders, volunteer boards, and development professionals who are committed to challenging themselves daily to be donor-centered. The writing style is engaging, opinions are supported by research and, in their usual style, the authors have liberally shared best practices that can be readily adapted to all sectors and program size. Read this book with a pen and pad in hand and learn how to master the art of telling donor stories."
— Pearl F. Veenema, FAHP, President & CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences FoundationImmediate past chair, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy

"A broadly nuanced view of written and personal fund development communications and their purpose—creating and sustaining relationships—that embraces philosophy, strategy, and practical tips. The counterpoint of their style intrigues, and their prose is lively and surprising: interspersing anecdotes with intermezzos with powerful challenges to the way we approach our work and our relationships. Bravo!"
— Kay Sprinkel Grace, Principal, Transforming Philanthropy, LLC

About the Author

Tom Ahern is recognized as one of North America's leading authorities on how to make nonprofit communications consistently effective. He speaks frequently in the United States and Canada on reader psychology, direct mail principles, good (and not very good) graphic design as applied to fundraising and nonprofit branding. He is president of Ahern Communications, Ink, a consultancy specializing in capital campaign materials and other nonprofit communications. Tom's popular e-news provides tips on donor communications. He wrote the first book on donor newsletters, published in 2005, as well as How to Write Fundraising Materials That Raise More Money.

Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE, is recognized internationally as a "thought leader" in the philanthropic sector. An expert in fund development, board and organizational development, and strategic planning, Simone is the author of Strategic Fund Development: Building Profitable Relationships That Last. This book has become an industry standard. Simone presents all over the world and is a faculty member in the Master's Program in Philanthropy and Development at Saint Mary's University, Minnesota. She serves regularly on boards, is the founder of the Women's Fund of Rhode Island, and is the former Chair of CFRE International.

New to Edition
  • Features case studies to highlight real-life examples (e.g., integrated fund development/communications plans, effective newsletters and case statements, cultivation strategies, newsy letters, etc.) of real organizations
  • Provides a glossary of terms and quotations, resource lists of pertinent books and websites, as well as tools and checklists to help develop strategies, plans and assessments
  • Two respected leaders in the profession cover topics including: Setting the context for philanthropy and fund development; Understanding the fundamentals of marketing and communications; Respecting the fundamentals of fund development; The role of communications in fund development; Acquiring clients and nurturing philanthropic relationships; Creating a marketing / communications plan.