There are some books, The Bridges of Madison County comes to mind, that are best read in one sitting. Then there are others, the Holy Bible being the quintessential example, that speak to you as your needs arise. Certainly, The Nonprofit Handbook: Fund Raising , is in the latter category. In fact, it could legitimately be called the bible of fund raising, brimming as it is with the insights, wisdom, and expertise of 63 of the nation's best minds on all facets of fund raising. This revised, updated, and significantly expanded third edition is an unrivaled desktop reference. No, you won't consult it daily or even weekly. But when in the course of your job you need sound guidance or an infusion of fresh ideas on virtually any topic in fund raising, The Nonprofit Handbook will serve as a reliable and reassuring source to which to turn. Certainly the roster of contributors is impressive: from hands-on practitioners, to seasoned consultants, to "big picture" thinkers. And chapters such as, "Fund Raising on the Net," and "New Media and Direct-Response Fund Raising," show that editor James Greenfield is current in his thinking and outlook. A massive work (54 chapters, 1140 pages), The Nonprofit Handbook: Fund Raising is nonetheless sleekly presented in seven major parts: Managing Fund Development, Institutional Readiness, Annual Giving Programs, Major Giving Programs, Select Audiences and Environments, Ethics and Governance, and Support Ingredients. And under each of these broad headings you'll find 10 or more chapters devoted to nearly every conceivable sub-topic of importance. For example, in the part devoted to major giving programs, there are individual chapters on corporate fund raising, cause-related marketing, prospect development, capital fund appeals, planned giving, marketing to donors, the grant-seeking process, and more. If you want the comfort and convenience of having a seasoned "consultant" to turn to, or a steady hand to grasp as you navigate professional conundrums, then The Nonprofit Handbook: Fund Raising belongs on your bookshelf. (Jerry Cianciolo) "...a classic in its field..." (Business Wire, 24 April 2002)