Opening Doors: Pathways to Diverse Donors

The American population is becoming increasingly ethnically and racially diverse. What many fundraisers don't take into account is that these diverse groups have long traditions of philanthropy and participation in nonprofits. Opening Doors argues that it's time for professional fundraisers to address these populations—particularly African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans—more directly and consistently. Author Diana S. Newman, principal of Philanthropic Resource Group, explains the unique challenges inherent in working with diverse communities and provides concrete guidance on how to tap into this donor base. Diverse donors respond to different types of solicitation, says Newman, and offer insights into the best ways to address these differences, whether it's by tapping into the heritage of "collective giving" that is part of the African American tradition, working with the mutualistas (mutual assistance societies) in the Latino community, or working with Native American tribal governments.