The Giving Garden, launched this month, is the first book written by Sandi Frost Steensma, Founder of Kennari Consulting. With over 30 years of experience in fundraising and public service, Sandi offers a unique and comprehensive perspective and valuable insights for her clients. Now, some of that knowledge is imparted in The Giving Garden

The Kennari Consulting team celebrates Sandi’s book release at a recent local gathering.

In writing her first book, Sandi was determined to create something directed toward nonprofit board members, fundraising volunteers, and fundraising executive staff. At just about an hour-long read, this resource offers a real orientation to successful fundraising and cultivation practices that are relatively simple to implement and can have a real return on investment. The Giving Garden really speaks to how to take someone from first-time donor to fully engaged major giver. The title of the book was inspired by the work of master gardeners. Sandi admires the work they put into cultivating individual floral varietals, carefully providing each with what they need to thrive. It struck her that not enough is done in the fundraising arena to treat donors as individuals – with individual wants and needs – and she hopes this book will offer some insight into how to change that.

“This resource offers a real orientation to successful fundraising and cultivation practices that are relatively simple to implement and can have a real return on investment.”

Sandi celebrates the release of The Giving Garden as Kennari Consulting celebrates its 15th anniversary. In 2007, Sandi started Kennari because she realized that nonprofit organizations needed more customized, day-to-day, “nuts and bolts” fundraising support as well as campaign coaching – and she set out to do just that. The firm currently has 13 team members and serves around 100 organizations yearly through consulting and direct services. Throughout this growth, Kennari has remained committed to its mission – to change the face of philanthropy, moving nonprofits of all sizes to greater capacity and meaningful impact within the communities they serve.

For more information on The Giving Garden – including how to find your copy – please visit the book’s page on our website here.