Fifty years since this seminal book on the art and science of fundraising was published and we’re still having the same conversation.

It was, is, and always will be about people.

“But what about corporate and foundation giving?”  People run those programs.

And what do people need?  According to Maslow, after food, air, water, shelter, it’s love & belonging.  Or, in other words, relationships.

Fifty years on and we’re still trying to figure out how to create deep, long-lasting relationships with people.  He did say, “. . . always let it light your way.”

(If you haven’t read this book, don’t read another word of anything anyone else writes and go get Designs for Fundraising asap.  Amazon can get it to you in two days or less.  Every fundraiser should have a well-worn, highlighted, underlined, nearly-falling-apart copy in their library.)