Erik Hanberg

The Little Book of Gold Erik Hanberg

A practical step-by-step guide to fundraising that has helped thousands of small nonprofits around the country.




A Forbes.com Top 12 Must-Read Book For Nonprofit Employees.




The Little Book of Gold is dedicated to helping small (and very small) non-profits unlock their fundraising potential. Avoid common pitfalls and get tips on proven methods that work. This short guide helps new Executive Directors, active board chairs, and other key staff in charge of fundraising to learn the basics of professional and sustainable fundraising. Geared specifically for non-profits with small and very small budgets (a few hundred thousand dollars a year down to the smallest budgets).


Revised and expanded in 2011!


Major Topics in The Little Book of Gold




Learn how to:


Board Giving


Approach a Board of Directors about board giving and "ask without asking"Deal with different kinds of board members - those who don't want to give, who see themselves as "rebels," those who are already good givers, new board members, and more. Set up monthly giving for board membersIncrease board giving a year later


Asking Outside the Board


Ask without sounding desperateBuild more monthly donationsGet "loose change" donationsSet up online givingThank donors so they want to give again


Fundraising Events


Avoid events that suck your time for not-enough moneyGet more money out of events you currently throwSet up one of the most lucrative fundraising events that no one ever thinks of


New Grants


Be your best selfFind new grant opportunities easilyGet your foot in the door


Thinking Big


Build your donors from the year beforeSet up donor levels without giving away too muchStay friends with donors


Thinking Bigger


Evaluate whether your non-profit can handle a capital campaignMake your organization open for planned giving