“This 5th edition of Achieving Excellence in Fundraising offers a primer for all those engaged in the important work of securing philanthropic support for their organizations. By combining academic insight with practitioner experience, the new edition addresses the foundations of the profession with an eye on the future. It’s an important contribution to the canon for the profession.”

— Sue Cunningham, President & CEO, Council for Advancement and Support of Education

“Only a handful of books are so good to start with that the late author’s colleagues gather periodically to refresh the content for new generations. Achieving Excellence in Fundraising is both a classic and a contemporary exploration of the topics fundraisers, nonprofit CEOs, volunteers and students need to be confident, professional, and current in this unique role that is needed more and more around the world. The original deep experience, journalistic flair and sheer heart of fundraising pioneer and teacher Hank Rosso is intact, with core and principles conveyed for ready application. Add in the new channels, techniques, evidence and innovation in fundraising and you have the kind of book anyone wants both as brain food, and in the background of their Zoom meetings as a hallmark that they are a serious professional. The world needs more really skilled and authentic fundraisers. This book is a great contribution to that goal.”

— Wendy Scaife, Director, Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, QUT

“Kudos to the authors of the 5th edition of this must-read classic. New chapters and comprehensive revisions elevate the substantial value of this book for fundraising professionals, and anyone interested in the potential of philanthropy.”  

— Mary Tschirhart, Professor & Director, Trachtenberg School of Public Administration and Public Policy, The George Washington University

As a life-long fundraiser and learner, I leapt at the opportunity to teach fundraising at San Diego State University. Selecting Achieving Excellence in Fundraising as my class textbook was the very best choice I made in building my class. The provided syllabi—for undergraduate and graduate classes—with weekly readings and portfolio assignments made fundraising come to life for the students. Having them complete many of the assignments with a favorite nonprofit cemented their buy-in. The text provided the essential principles, I provided the real-life practice, and the assignments provided true application of what they learned. I will never use another textbook for a fundraising course and cannot wait to dig into the 5th edition.

— Mark A. Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, San Diego
Foundation

“The landscape of fundraising today is rapidly changing so keeping up with donors' priorities and wishes is more critical than ever. Achieving Excellence in Fundraising is the most comprehensive and knowledgeable guide to understanding fundraising principles in a global and diverse world. Adopting the most effective fundraising strategy will not only set you up for success, but also lead to a positive impact to improve the world. This guide is what every fundraiser and non-profit leader need in their toolbox.” 

— Ann Putnam Marks, Regional Partnerships Manager, UNICEF Private Fundraising & Partnerships  

“Building on the previous iterations, the authors provide modern and insightful perspectives on the evolution of the fundraising profession.  The compilation of lived experiences and current research will energize long-tenured fundraising practitioners and inspire the next generation of fundraising professionals. I would recommend sharing this book with your teams, close colleagues and others who desire to better understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of this noble profession.”

— James H. Moore, Jr., President & CEO, University of Illinois Foundation

"More than 50 authors affiliated with the Lilly School of Philanthropy share today's best practices guaranteed to enhance your fundraising performance. It's all in this 5th edition of Achieving Excellence in Fundraising."

— Don Campbell, Founder and Chairman Emeritus (Retired), Campbell & Company

“Donors are now activating their philanthropy in innovative ways that are meeting the moment. In this 5th edition, Achieving Excellence in Fundraising provides a comprehensive framework for all nonprofit organizations to design and implement a fundraising strategy that engages today’s donors and transforms institutions and the communities they serve.”

— Helene D. Gayle, President & CEO, The Chicago Community Trust