Reading helps teams become more prosperous in 2025
Nonprofits rely on financial support, strong leaders and radical new ideas to sustain their operations, which makes it critical to master the art of running a nonprofit as one might run a corporation or highly productive private firm. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field – one of the most effective ways to improve your team operations is by learning from others – that’s where specialized books come in.
This reading list provides valuable insight into successful strategies, lessons learned, and common pitfalls to avoid when growing leaders, adapting to change and managing to thrive in uncertain times. Nonprofits and their staffs can always seek opportunities to grow professionally and refine their methods to strengthen the mission. Dive in, learn and innovate in 2025…your team is counting on it!
She Thinks Like a Boss: 9 Essential Skills for New Female Leaders in Business & The Workplace
By Jemma Roedel
Jemma Roedel, 2021
UK entrepreneur Jemma Roedel offers strategies for becoming an effective woman in leadership. From dealing with imposter syndrome and overcoming fears to building a great team and communication tools for setting boundaries, She Thinks Like a Boss offers practical techniques for building a successful career.
The Nonprofit Dilemma: Insights & Strategies for Purpose-Driven Leaders
By DC Armijo
Milford Books, 2024
Based on the simple idea that nonprofit leaders frequently encounter a choice between advancing their organization’s impact or its financial health, The Nonprofit Dilemma explores why nonprofit management is so challenging. Nearly every decision comes with the same underlying question – which aim to prioritize? The Nonprofit Dilemma aims to help nonprofit leaders gain the clarity and strategic intent needed to become exceptional leaders.
Fundraising Without Burnout: Radically Reimagining Philanthropy to Transform Your Impact
By Radha Freedman
Difference Press, 2023
Fundraising for a nonprofit can feel never-ending and stressful, causing many fundraisers to burn out and quit. In Fundraising Without Burnout, philanthropic advisor Radha Friedman critiques how accepted industry best practices may be sabotaging an organization’s fundraising efforts. Friedman dispels industry myths while offering solutions that help nonprofit leaders redefine their purpose, prevent burnout and meet their fundraising goals.
The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders
By Mark J. Silverman
Ink Heart Press, 2024
Are you a corporate leader aiming to thrive rather than just survive? The Rising Leader Handbook offers strategies for mastering leadership and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced corporate environment. The Rising Leader Handbook explores leadership from four crucial perspectives: leading up (advising senior executives), leading across (how to excel in leading a team of peers), leading our team (achieving success through empowering others) and leading you (being your best in all situations).
The Gift of Influence
By Tommy Spaulding
Currency, 2022
Tommy Spaulding explores the potential each of us has to effect positive change by fully embracing the power we have to influence those around us. Through a collection of stories, Spaulding considers how we can harness our gift of influence more mindfully and effectively.
Meaningful Philanthropy: The Person Behind the Giving
Jen Shang and Adrian Sargeant
Policy Press, 2024
In this 2024 title, authors Jen Shang and Adrian Sargeant give readers the opportunity to get to know 48 high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, sharing their philanthropic journeys and revealing the people behind the giving.
The Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership and Management
By David O. Renz, William A. Brown, Fredrik O. Andersson
John Wiley & Sons, 2024
In this revised fifth edition, the authors review the latest research, theory and practices that impact today’s nonprofits. Featuring contributions from more than two dozen nonprofit leaders, the book explores the challenges confronting nonprofit leaders, including the concept of accountability and the pressure to demonstrate concrete outcomes and results during a time of extreme economic challenge.
24 Fundraising Trends and Predictions for 2024
By Jeremy Reis
Nonprofit Donor Press, 2024
Jeremy Reis breaks down strategies, technologies and trends into five parts exploring donor-centric strategies, tech-powered fundraising, community and collaboration, impact and accountability and macro trends, providing an essential guide for the nonprofit ready to elevate their philanthropic game.
The Practice of Philanthropy: A Guide for Foundation Boards and Staff
By Malcolm Macleod
Barlow Books, 2023
Drawing on his experience as a nonprofit leader, author Malcolm Macleod explores the elements required for a nonprofit organization to make a significant impact – from building strong relationships with other nonprofits and getting the most out of a governing board to managing an endowment. Topics covered include the principles of grantmaking, recruiting an effective board, making grants that will have an impact and achieving superior investment returns.
Social Media and Philanthropy: A Match Made in Heaven
By Clifford D. Wheeler
Clifford Wheeler, 2023
This book asserts that social media is revolutionizing traditional philanthropy practices, exploring the dynamics of “social philanthropy.” Wheeler aims to offer insight into how traditional charity barriers are disappearing and viral philanthropy is making an impact. Through real-world case studies, the book helps fundraisers prepare for the future of online giving.
