The Little Book of Gold: Fundraising for Small (and Very Small) Nonprofits - Paperback

by Erik Hanberg (Author)

Revised and expanded in 2025

The Little Book of Gold is a practical and step-by-step guide to professional fundraising. It's 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 book has helped thousands of nonprofits improve their fundraising.

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).

Updated for Modern Fundraising
This edition includes comprehensive guidance on online donations, recurring gifts, mobile payments, and email campaigns-all integrated seamlessly with the book's proven low-cost approach.

Enhanced Digital Strategy
Learn how to set up donation forms that actually convert, use QR codes for easy giving, and leverage email for cultivation without overwhelming your donors. Plus updated guidance on donor databases and payment processing for today's digital-first world.

Deeper Implementation Guidance
The core strategies remain the same, but now with more detailed timelines, troubleshooting tips, and step-by-step checklists. Follow along as "Linda" at the Smallville Historical Society implements each strategy with even more specific guidance on execution.

Expanded Coverage of Major Topics

• More comprehensive event planning information
• Enhanced donor cultivation and stewardship strategies
• More guidance on when and how to hire development staff
• Expanded section on grant writing and foundation research
• New coverage of planned giving and capital campaigns

Still the Same Practical Approach
Despite the updates, this remains the same focused, actionable guide that thousands of small nonprofits have used to transform their fundraising. The "little book" philosophy stays intact-just better equipped for 2025 and beyond.

Author Biography

When he was just 23, Erik Hanberg was hired to run a non-profit arts organization with an annual budget just over $600,000. Two years later, he had increased the budget to $800,000, and increasing fundraising more than 400%. Since then he has worked in development at a multi-million dollar non-profit, and has volunteered on many boards. He is currently the Executive Director of a small civic non-profit and sits on the distribution committee for a foundation that gives away more than $200,000 a year. In 2011, he was elected to a six year term on the Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners.