Yours for the Asking – An Indispensable Guide to Fundraising and Management

Most of us, when placed in a position to ask for a contribution--even for a very worthy cause--are uncomfortable doing so. But Americans give habitually to organizations and causes they care about. People, corporations, and foundations donate funds largely because they are asked to do so.

So why aren't you asking? And how can you do so more easily, more persuasively, and, even, more enjoyably?

The must-read, must-own guide to raising funds in the twenty-first century, Yours for the Asking will greatly enhance your effectiveness and confidence in fundraising. Drawing on his experience in raising over one billion dollars in six years as President of Lincoln Center, Reynold Levy has written the ultimate insider's guide to asking for and receiving funds.

Rich with insights and invaluable advice from Dr. Levy's own lessons learned, this powerful book is intended for anyone involved in the fundraising process--nonprofit executives, development staff, trustees, fundraising consultants, board members, or volunteers. Whether your organization is concerned with health, education, the arts, human affairs, research, or advocacy groups, established or fledgling, Yours for the Asking draws back the curtain to disclose Dr. Levy's secrets of success and reveals how you can:

• Tap into the resources of donors, large and small, for your institution or cause
• Reach wealthy people--face-to-face, in writing, in large groups, at special events, or over the Internet--and successfully bring home the bacon
• Put aside fears, qualms, and hesitancies and confidently ask for funds
• Locate the intersection between the interests of business and the needs of your nonprofit organization
• Solve the mystery of fundraising from foundations
• Explore your organization's future in fundraising and discern its long-term trends

This hands-on guide is written out of a conviction that those charged with the privilege of raising funds can do better. Much better. Filled with countless examples, case studies, sample letters, and illustrative materials, Yours for the Asking will transform your view of fundraising from a dreaded task to a high calling, from "pleading" for money to helping donors find pleasure in advancing social causes and strengthening key nonprofit institutions.

Affluence and generosity abound. It's all yours--for the asking.