The Complete Fundraising Handbook

Available to pre-order. Published September 2026.

(Print copy available to pre-order now. Published September 2026. Digital copies will be available to purchase on publication).

The Complete Fundraising Handbook has been helping fundraisers to make the world better since it was first published in 1992. It has more than earned its place on your fundraising department’s bookshelf as the most complete reference guide to fundraising, with detailed information about the theory and practice of effective fundraising.

Comprehensively revised by new author Robin Peake, this eighth edition contains new chapters on learning and development including advice both on growing your specialist technical knowledge and how to master the key elements of fundraising management including managing tasks, projects, people, change and managing yourself.

Who should buy this book?

Professional or would-be fundraisers will benefit from this core resource. It is also a key text for chief executives, trustees and managers.

What does it cover?

This is a one-stop shop that encompasses all of the main fundraising sources and techniques. You’ll find yourself dipping into it almost every day. The book includes:

• Authoritative chapters covering all of the main fundraising sources and techniques as well as chapters that will help with your career development
• Practical advice and relatable stories, which will give you all you need to make your fundraising that much better
• Fully updated text to reflect today’s current environment and rapid changes in technology

 

‘Robin is one of the most passionate people I have met in fundraising – just hearing him speak makes you want to get involved. That same energy and conviction come through in this book. It is both inspiring and highly practical, full of ideas you can put into action immediately. I found myself making notes throughout and will be coming back to it time and again. A must-read for new fundraisers and a brilliant refresher for anyone in the sector.’

Angie Turner, Head of Philanthropy, The Children’s Trust

 

‘Over two decades working in fundraising and charity leadership, I’ve seen techniques, technologies and trends come and go; the principles that underpin great fundraising, however, endure. Grounded in those timeless principles, this new edition combines practical guidance with contemporary insight, making it an invaluable resource for fundraisers at every stage of their careers.’

Meredith Niles, Deputy Chair, Plan International UK

 

‘Fundraising has never been more important – or more challenging. The Complete Fundraising Handbook remains one of the most trusted and useful resources available. It brings together the fundamentals of great fundraising with fresh ideas, emerging trends and practical insights from across the sector. It is a book I would recommend to every fundraiser, whatever stage of their career they are at.’

Katie Docherty FRSA, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Fundraising

 

‘Great fundraising has never focused on “the money”. It’s about humans, values, generosity, hope and helping donors in their desire to change the world. Whether you’re brand new to fundraising or decades into your career, you’ll find practical ideas, proven principles and plenty of wisdom packed into these pages. Keep it on your desk, add sticky notes to its edges, highlight the very best bits. You’ll come back to it more often than you think!’

John Lepp, Partner, Agents of Good

 

‘None of us fundraise in isolation. We are all building on the efforts of those who came before us, and we all have a responsibility to leave a legacy for those who will follow. This handbook is a wonderful contribution to that legacy. Whether you are taking your first steps in fundraising or continuing a career already rich in experience, I warmly recommend The Complete Fundraising Handbook and wish you every success in putting its many insights into practice.’

Liz Tait, Director of Fundraising, Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity [from the foreword]

 

Look inside the previous edition

Have a look inside The Complete Fundraising Handbook, 7th edition.

About the author

Robin Peake

Robin has been a donor for most of his life and a professional fundraiser since 2012, doubling fundraised income in under four years at three successive charities. He’s been a lone fundraiser at a small charity, founded his own housing charity from scratch, and been a Director of Fundraising at a £10m charity. Robin is currently the Deputy CEO at Wycliffe Bible Translators (recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s best places to work in 2025), where he oversees fundraising. He is also a trustee of a grant-making charity. His proudest fundraising moments are convincing the government to fund his master’s in football history and helping his two children develop generosity with their pocket money.

Free digital copies available

Digital copies of this book are available free, as part of our funding programme from City Bridge Foundation, for small-income London-based charities. Find out more here.

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