Explore the “How-to’s” for your personal giving adventure
The Art and Science of Donor Bliss provides a straightforward guide to discovering your philanthropic passion for creating life-changing impact.
Think back to a time when…
…someone unexpectedly gave you something you especially needed or wanted. How did you feel? It is a great feeling, right?
Think about how you feel when you are the person who does the giving – feeling great for a brief moment becomes a lingering joy.
Joy is transformed to bliss. You become blessed because of your giving.
Now imagine what it feels like when you give in a way that not only changes lives, but also changes the world, even if it is in a very small way.
Leaders Review The Art and Science of Donor Bliss
“[Donor Bliss] was truly a very interesting read – I was particularly drawn to the way that Eric and Sandra weave through the concept of giving as a spiritual act. We don’t often think about philanthropy in this way but, ultimately, the desire to give to others is spiritual in nature. Eric and Sandra capture that beautifully throughout the book.”
– Nuvyn L. Peters
Vice-President, Development & Alumni Engagement, University of Calgary
“I experienced this book as both a funder and fundraiser. It was an enlightening reminder that fundraising must be relational and joyful for both the giver and receiver. The many examples demonstrate how to provide and ultimately transformative experiences on the journey to achieving Donor Bliss.”
– Monica Koechlein
President, Stamm Koechlein Family Foundation and Executive Director, Richmond Symphony Orchestra
““Donor Bliss” is an outstanding guidebook to learn about philanthropy and, even more importantly, to have a more meaningful life. Eric and Sandra present fundamental and time-honored concepts in philanthropy organized in a new, approachable way.”
– Martha A. Taylor
As an internationally known author, philanthropist, scholar, and teacher of philanthropy, Martha pioneered the field of women’s philanthropy.
“[The Art and Science of Donor Bliss is] an essential read for anyone looking to change their community and beyond. I think it is a great piece to help donors.”
– Weston Bruner
Director of Advancement, University of Queensland Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
“I enjoyed [Donor Bliss] and hope others will, too, as we all need reminders of why philanthropy reading is rewarding, fun, and blissful.”
– Matthew T. Lambert
Vice President for University Advancement, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA
“The Art and Science of Donor Bliss surprised me with the number of ways the Donor Bliss state of being can be pursued. This book makes a contribution to those who earnestly want and hope for more from their giving and to those who want to help donors as they make their way.”
– Rick Harig, CFP®
Chicago Chair, Tiger 21
Planner & Legacy Strategist, Legacy Resources, L.L.C., www.legacy-resources.com
“So many people want to GET more donations, GET more members, GET more from others. In my four decades of public service I have discovered that: Getting Is Very Easy (Circle the first letter of the previous four words) G-I-V-E!
This book is filled with strategies on how to GET more of what you want— simply by ‘GIVE-ing’ more. Use the insights in this book to accelerate your organization’s objectives and achieve your dreams faster.”
– Barry Spilchuk
Founder – http://www.TheLEGACY.club
Coauthor – A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul
Past Senior Board Member for Numerous Charities and Not-for-Profit groups
“Congratulations to Eric and Sandra Page Billman on authoring Donor Bliss…a magnificent contribution to advancing philanthropy, to finding one’s passion, and discovering within our soul compassion and joy. I’m not only ecstatic about what they said, but how well they said it. It’s tough to compliment them enough.”
– Don Campbell
Chairman Emeritus, Campbell & Company, Chicago;
Past Chairman: Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP); Founding Chairman, Board of Directors, Center on Philanthropy, now Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
“A really lovely book… and I don’t think I have experienced one that focuses so much on both the positive AND the practical. I like how [the Billmans] offer both perspectives for a potential donor to understand the opportunities and the challenges. I like the use of many examples and I particularly appreciate both the aspirational tone and the practical advice.”
– Jennifer McFarland
Associate Vice President of Development and Managing Director, Office of Gift Planning, University of Wisconsin, Madison
“I think the value [the Billmans] bring to the conversation is the idea that giving to others can elevate the human experience in ways that simply cannot be achieved through any other activity. It is a huge idea that goes far beyond being a “donor.””
– Thea Kleiber, MHA, CFRE
Director of Advancement, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
“[The Art and Science of] Donor Bliss is a joy to read and provides a very thoughtful approach to building your own roadmap to becoming a philanthropist.”
– Albert J. Novak, Jr.
Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Excela Health https://www.excelahealth.org/excela-health-foundations
Donor Bliss International 