People ask me all the time: “Pam, what should I be reading?”
Because, yes, I’ve read hundreds of fundraising books over the years. But the ones below? These are the books I’ve used. The ones that are dog-eared and highlighted and stained with coffee. The ones I reach for when I’m stuck, when I’m teaching, when I need to remember why this work matters.
I keep them close. You should too.
Donor-Centered Fundraising | Penelope Burk
If you read just one fundraising book in your lifetime, make it this one. Penelope Burk’s research-backed classic reveals exactly why donors stop giving — and what it takes to win their loyalty for good.
Donor-Centered Leadership | Penelope Burk
Most fundraisers get the concept of donor-centered fundraising. This book — the one I consider the absolute necessary companion piece — shows you how to build a team and a culture that actually lives it every single day.
Great Fundraising Organizations | Alan Clayton
Alan Clayton spent more than a decade studying what the world’s best fundraising organizations do differently — and the answer will stop you in your tracks: the biggest driver of growth isn’t budget or staff size, it’s behavioral. This may be the most important fundraising book I’ve read in years, and I’ve already sent copies to clients.
Relationship Fundraising | Ken Burnett
Ken wrote this in the 1990s and our sector has been trying to catch up ever since. It’s not about transactions. It’s about people. Now in its third revised edition, this book remains as urgent and alive as the day it was published.
The Power of Visual Storytelling | Ekaterina Walter & Jessica Gioglio
A smart, practical primer on what actually works in social media, video, and presentations. If you’ve ever wondered why some stories stop people in their tracks and others fall flat, this book will show you.
How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters | Mal Warwick
Mal Warwick belongs on every serious fundraiser’s shelf — full stop. This is the classic direct mail guide I still pull down regularly, decades into my career.
Storytelling for Grantseekers | Cheryl A. Clarke
I started my career with a grantmaking foundation, so I know firsthand that there’s a real human being sitting on the other side of that review. Cheryl Clarke’s book teaches you to write grant proposals that reach that person — not just check all the boxes.
Thankology | Lisa Sargent
Keeping your donors is more than half the battle. And nobody — nobody — knows donor thank-you’s like Lisa Sargent. This book should be in the hands of every person on your team.
Monthly Giving: The Sleeping Giant and Monthly Giving Made Easy | Erica Waasdorp
Monthly giving has never been more important than it is right now — and Erica Waasdorp’s two books are the most practical, actionable guides you’ll find on building a sustainer program that lasts. Monthly donors give for decades, upgrade their gifts, and are far more likely to leave bequests. Start here.
Hidden Gold | Harvey McKinnon
I literally built my first monthly giving campaign with this book. Harvey McKinnon is one of the giants of this space, and Hidden Gold delivers exactly what its title promises — page after page.
On Writing | Stephen King
I re-read this every single year. Every single year I pick up — or remember — something that makes my donor writing sharper and more human. If you write anything for donors, this book belongs on your nightstand.
Asking Styles | Brian Saber
Brian Saber’s breakthrough concept changes everything about how we approach the ask. Your fundraising strength isn’t about fitting a mold — it’s about knowing your style and learning to use it well.
Fundraising for Introverts | Brian Saber
Everyone can be a fundraising powerhouse. Yes — everyone. Brian makes a powerful, research-backed case that introverts often make the very best askers. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Influence | Robert B. Cialdini, PhD
If you read just one book from this entire list, make it this one. Cialdini’s science of persuasion is the bedrock beneath everything we do in fundraising — whether we know it or not.
Decisive and Made to Stick | Chip & Dan Heath
Two different books. One powerful truth: the way you frame an idea determines whether people act on it. Read them both. Then read them again.
Creative Deviations | John Lepp (not pictured)
John Lepp of Agents of Good has spent his career producing some of the most memorable, donor-centered direct response fundraising on the planet — and this book is his love letter to you. It will change how you think about every single element of your next mailing, from your envelope to your letterhead to your stamp to your signature.
Type & Layout | Colin Wheildon
Even the most talented Pratt graduate graphic designer may not know the first thing about designing to be read. This book — beloved by direct response pros for decades — will show you why that distinction matters enormously for your donor communications.
Direct Mail: The Real Digital Disruptor | Malcolm Auld
The single biggest mistake I see small organizations make is dropping direct mail. Malcolm Auld makes the bracing, data-packed case that the channel David Ogilvy called his secret weapon never stopped working — and right now, it’s more powerful than ever.
Raising $1,000 Gifts by Mail | Mal Warwick
Mal Warwick again, because he belongs on your shelf twice. This slim, practical book proves that direct mail can move major donors — and shows you exactly how to make it happen.
Raising Thousands (if Not Tens of Thousands) of Dollars with Email | Madeline Stanionis
Yeah, this one’s old. Yes, it may be out of print. It is still one of the best books ever written about email fundraising. Hunt it down. Its lessons are more relevant than ever.
What’s on your must-read list?
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