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The Complete Guide to Careers in Fund Raising

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PHILANTHROPY NEWS DIGEST
Vol. 4, Issue 38
September 23, 1998

The Complete Guide to Careers in Fund Raising, by Margaret M. Holman and Jeanne Sigler. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 1998. 88 p. ISBN: 0-7872-4172-5. $29.95

On first inspection, the compact size of this book would make the title less than believable, but look again. For the right audience, this is the perfect first pass on reviewing possible employment in the nonprofit sector in a concise manner. Although the diversity of the field makes it impossible for this work to be all things to all people, it does cover some areas exceedingly well.
       For example, authors Margaret Holman and Jeanne Sigler, who are each president of their own fundraising consulting firm and collectively have held fundraising and development positions in six different organizations, do an excellent job of covering the variety of job skills necessary to do a competent job in a small shop. They also spell out, for those targeting a large organization, just where their skill set would be utilized best. Even though job titles might vary by organization, the book offers a quick review of the work that might fall into seven job categories: prospect research, direct mail, special events organizing, major donor solicitation, grant writing, planned giving, and consulting.
       The book also contains helpful lists of recommended publications, books, professional organizations, and academic centers, and when relevant, includes Web site addresses for further research online.
       Chapter 2 strays from the mark when it lists the personality traits necessary to be successful as a fundraiser. The 20 characteristics listed -- ranging from intelligence to humor/wit, are qualities that anyone would like to possess, no matter what the profession of choice.
       The anecdotes about career planning and negotiating with employers are useful for anyone entering the workforce for the first time. Seasoned professionals, however, will probably decide to pass these chapters by.
       The Complete Guide to Careers in Fund Raising is a welcome read for the novice who is considering a fundraising career, and would be an appropriate choice for libraries with career guidance materials. "Fundraising is both a career and an art," note the authors. And "careers in fundraising are directly tied to the health of nonprofit organizations." As their numbers increase, so will the need for ethical and certified professionals.