It might not be “light” reading, but I still think you should go poolside with the suggestions from Helen Brown in her recent blog post Summer Reading: Wealth and Philanthropy.

All of the reports she mentions give great insight into donor motivations and capacity. But I can hear you moaning now: “I want to RELAX at the pool!”

All I can say to that is that I do my best philanthropy reading poolside. Sure beats being in my office. Get a blue or colored pen and circle the most important bits as you go along. When you are back at your computer, cut and paste the important bits into one document.

I went so far as to create a table with characteristics (inherited wealth, real estate wealth, etc.) in one column and the quote in the other. That way I have a quick reference guide when I’m doing my donor research profiles. Yes, it’s a little go-getter geeky, but it saves me a lot of time…

Happy reading!