The Accidental Fundraiser - by Haley Bash & Stephanie Roth (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A new book by fundraising experts Haley Bash and Stephanie Roth, The Accidental Fundraiser: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Money for Your Cause, 2nd Edition, was written for people who find themselves needing to raise money, whether they are volunteers in their community or staff members of a nonprofit. Many important projects and causes rise and fall on their ability to raise money. The Accidental Fundraiser provides practical tools and tips for successful fundraising.

A how-to resource for raising money from your community, this book covers nine proven fundraising strategies that are easy to carry out and don't require significant funds, large numbers of people, or extensive knowledge of fundraising. Readers will learn how to choose the best fundraising strategy to meet their goals, who they can ask to support their cause, and how to build a team of people to help out. The book includes a wealth of worksheets, sample plans, and stories of successful fundraising that will both inspire and reassure readers that they can do it too!

Review Quotes

"I don't know where to start, and I'm not a professional fundraiser!" Like wise aunties, Bash and Roth counter these and many other excuses that we give for resisting raising money in our community with a common sense-based, detailed guide on how to do just that. This historical moment demands that we gather resources of all kinds from our community. Re-envisioning our relationship to money, people power and each other is what this book challenges us to do."

-Tammy Johnson, Co-Director of In-Advance's Spadework Organizer Training Program

"Like so many of us, I truly am an accidental fundraiser. Given six months to raise money or shutter a program I loved, I needed to learn fundraising basics quickly. One of the books I found early on was the prior edition of The Accidental Fundraiser and it gave me the basics-and much, much more-in a clear format, with examples, templates, and exercises. Trust me when I say you've got a great book in your hands and two skilled, experienced, and creative guides for the journey."

-Mike Daly, Development Director of U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights

"I started grassroots fundraising 25 years ago with no strategy or guidance. I would have saved years of time and effort if I'd had The Accidental Fundraiser. Since then I've learned that the practical, easy-to-follow lessons in this book are exactly what will create a joyful, effective, sustainable, fundraising plan. The Accidental Fundraiser has everything you need-from concrete work plans and creative fundraising suggestions to guidance on dealing with the fear of asking for money. Learn from the best in the business-Haley Bash and Stephanie Roth."

-Chanelle Gallant, Board Member of Showing Up for Racial Justice

"If you're thinking about fundraising for a cause you care about-or if someone's asked you to help-you don't have to figure it out by yourself. With The Accidental Fundraiser, Stephanie Roth and Haley Bash ensure you're accompanied every step of the way. In clear, simple, and direct language, they give you everything you need to get started-and just as importantly, help keep you from holding yourself back. This book is the invitation and guide we need, helping more of us step into fundraising with confidence, clarity, purpose, and love."

-Mario Lugay, Senior Innovation Director of Justice Funders