Join the festivities. The spirit is contagious. "Celebrating Philanthropy" is what we are formally about at the Foundation Center every November. It seems an appropriate occasion to bring to your attention a new publication that enthusiastically encourages philanthropic thinking and giving. Author Todd Baker challenges readers of Champions of Philanthropy: The Quest to Discover Your Destiny to "become inspired to assess your life and take positive action to help you become more effective as a person, as well as a champion of philanthropy."

This small, quick-read-of-a-book is chock full of stories of people and actions that have made a difference. Beginning with why people give, and exploring how to tap into the passion for outreach, the author moves on to a discussion of establishing and maintaining relationships with donors. Baker credits himself with the invention of the term "mission-driven marketing" which he asserts is a crucial concept for achieving a successful outcome in any project and is critical to the internal workings of nonprofits. He provides a "Baker's Dozen" list of ideas for writing inspirational appeal letters, and a similar one for interaction with donors. "Wake up and begin your metamorphosis…present your message so it will win the hearts of people," he exhorts.

With preacherly verve and storytelling acumen, Baker relates stirring anecdotes that tug at the heartstrings, often involving a Saki-like twist with transformation of character or action. Quotes from famous people, liberally sprinkled throughout the pages of the book, lend weight to the vignettes. He also includes a short essay by Stephen King.

Todd Baker is a writer and speaker and has worked with a number of different nonprofits in implementing his "mission-driven marketing" strategy. He worked with World Vision and is the author of an e-book, Nonprofit Websites. His fieldwork appears to have inspired this volume.

Champions of Philanthropy is a self-published manuscript that reads like a motivational book. Baker finds his voice as a cheerleader for fundraising techniques, for individual as well as institutional giving. However, it is a bit unclear whom he intends as the audience. The book is on the simplistic side for veteran development professionals, although the ardent sentiments that shape it ring true for anyone involved in the field of fundraising. Baker's storytelling is a good hook, but, at times, platitudes substitute for substantive material. Still, this would be a good publication to have board members read and absorb, and it could serve as a useful resource for speakers because it indeed champions the spirit of philanthropy.

For citations to additional materials on this topic refer to the Literature of the Nonprofit Sector Online, using the subject headings "Philanthropy" or "Philanthropists."