One of the jobs that I gave myself as a volunteer for my fraternity is to create a few scholarship funds. My drive behind comes from a few different sources. First, I have some of the worst student loan debt in America (which has been documented in USA Today). So if I can help out some kid to have less student loan debt when he graduates, I want to help.
Second, I think this is the ideal way to give back to a fraternity in a positive way after graduating. Between volunteering time, money, and skills – I think there are myriad ways for a person to give back to a fraternity (or a sorority for that matter). But I digress…
To help me along with these fundraising goals, I read Tony Poderis’ It’s a Great Day to Fundraise! This is the second of three fundraising books that I’m reading and I have to say that it was very helpful in terms of laying out a plan. Tony uses lists to explain things, which are helpful to those of us who are organizing fundraisers. Also, the book is written in a very readable manner and should appeal to anyone looking for a fresh vision on how to raise money.
I should also mention that the book is a little dated, but the points are still relevant. I always feel that it is a good point to make (especially in the information age) when a book was published before the major advent of e-mail and web-based campaigns. This book will not give you great strategies on how to run a web-based campaign, but chances are that if you are ready to start such a huge undertaking, then you don’t need someone to tell you how to get it going! Besides, the core ideas in this book will help you design the concepts behind your fundraising campaign, which should be help enough.
Now I admit that due to a crazy schedule I read this book over the course of two months, which is never a good idea. I also admit that I began reading two other books at the same time – also not a good idea. However, I think that I can reasonably give a recommendation for this book if you are looking for a good discussion on fundraising.
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