Tomorrow –April 22^nd—we’ll celebrate the 51^st anniversary of the first Earth Day.  Here at The Agitator we’re also aware that somewhere north of Toronto in Canada’s Happy Valley Forest David Love will be marking his 51^st year of raising money and raising hell on behalf of nature.

I first met David 25 years ago while working on the design of The Living Planet Campaign for WWF. I had followed his work for years before that but never laid eyes on him until we met in the US offices of WWF.  To describe him as a talented ball of fierce and joyous energy is somewhat of an understatement.  Like the bulb in a refrigerator, open the fundraising door and David is on.

And so, it’s more than fitting this Earth Day to announce the April 22^nd publication of David’s new book, Green Green: Reflections on 51 Years of Raising Money for Nature.

Unlike any book on fundraising I’ve ever read, Green Green delivers laughs, tears, awe and inspiration –often at the same time.  Believe me, more than ever we need fundraisers –not only for nature, but for every issue –whose batteries are fully charged and willing to learn from the success, wisdom and humility of David love.

Tom Ahern, who’s written many, great how-to books  awards Green Green a place in his pantheon: “”If I were new to fundraising and could only afford three books, which titles would be absolutely worth your money and time?”  One of the three, notes Tom, “is this shockingly complete new book, Green Green by David Love, a.k.a., The Godfather of Good”—a reference to the title he sports on at Agents of Good a fundraising firm run by daughter Jen Love and her partner John Lepp.

Before I set forth several reasons why you want Green Green dog-eared and in use ASAP here’s a money-saving tip for those quick to act. For the next 8 days – April 22-30—if you enter SN20 at checkout you’ll receive a 20% discount.  PLUS…all proceeds from the book go to the Love Family and Friends Education Fund at Birds Canada.

Don’t be fooled by the title.  Although David has dedicated his life’s work to raising funds for nature this 141-page book (plus a Pandemic Afterword) contains detailed how-to wisdom applicable to almost every charity.

From moving stories and case histories to stone cold advice on money and metrics, David has covered virtually every topic a beginning fundraiser will ever need; and every topic that veterans would be wise to revisit.  Just check out the Table of Contents and then head for the checkout cart.

I’m far from alone in praise for Green Green.

• Ken Burnett: “The book in your hands is a treasure trove of rare gems.  Into it David love has poured the ripened fruits of his decades of labour in the cause of a better world and safer future for our grandkids. Think of the brightest people you know who show the most promise and go buy them this book.  You and they will love it and learn from it.”
• Kyla Makela:  “If you haven’t had the life-changing opportunity to have David as a mento, this book is your chance.”
• Rosemary Oliver. “With tips on everything from how to get new donors to creating a legacy program, including what you should measure and how, this book is packed with everything you need to know to raise funds successfully for environmental causes. I just wish I’d had a copy during my seven years at Greenpeace.
• Harvey McKinnon. “[David] is one of our great fundraisers, and I’m so pleased that he has put his decades of experience into print. Everyone who reads this will become a better practitioner, and perhaps save our long-suffering earth.”

Finally, I do want to point out that the final chapters of Green Green deal with legacy gift programs.  They deserve special attention.  As David notes, “Legacies are the biggest and most rapidly changing fundraising source, and hence, this is the most important part of my book.”

If you’re hesitant, fearful or simply confused about what it takes to start a legacy program and why it’s worth it, Chapters Nine, Ten and Eleven—packed with checklists, charts, samples, inspirational copy—are must reading.

An Agitator Raise to David Love on this 51^st Earth Day and David’s 51st Year as Nature’s Fundraiser.

Roger

P.S.  SEE DAVID LIVE ON EARTHDAY. From 1:00-1:30 on April 22^nd David is featured in a Special Free Earth Day Webinar.  Register here.