Best Philanthropy & Charity Books of 2025

The Precipice by Toby Ord is an urgent call to action, highlighting the pressing moral issue of protecting humanity's future. The book explores the risks that threaten our existence, from nuclear weapons to climate change, and presents strategies to safeguard humanity. Toby Ord, an Oxford philosopher, draws on over a decade of research to offer a startling reassessment of human history and the future we are failing to protect. The book is a must-read for those concerned about the future of humanity and the world we leave for future generations.

The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need is a comprehensive guide for government, nonprofit, and individual grant seekers. Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox, both expert authors, share their decades of experience in grant writing and professional development to demystify the process of securing grants. The updated fifth edition includes in-depth interviews with funders, nonprofit leaders, and policy makers, as well as concrete suggestions for developing each section of a proposal. With hands-on exercises and strategies for diversifying funding, this book is a must-have for anyone seeking grants.

The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope is a captivating collection of stories and recipes from renowned chefs, local cooks, and celebrity friends of José Andrés’s beloved nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK). With stunning food photography and inspiring narratives from the chefs and volunteers on the front lines, each chapter reflects a value of the organization. The book is a celebration of dignity and perseverance, building longer tables, not higher walls. All author proceeds from the book will be used to support World Central Kitchen’s emergency response efforts. This book is a unique and inspiring addition to any gastronomy lover's collection.

HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time is a heartwarming book that shares true stories of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in people's lives. Brad Aronson's personal experience of his wife's leukemia diagnosis and the kindness they received from family, friends, and strangers inspired him to seek out and share even more stories of humankindness. The book not only shares these inspiring stories but also provides practical ways for readers to make a difference in their own communities. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for hope and inspiration in the midst of difficult times.

"Kisses from Katie" by Katie Davis Majors is a New York Times bestseller that tells the story of an eighteen-year-old who left her comfortable life in Nashville to become the adoptive mother of thirteen girls in Uganda. Her passion to follow Jesus led her to establish a ministry, Amazima, that feeds and educates hundreds of children while teaching them the Word of Jesus Christ. This book invites readers on a journey of radical love and challenges them to change the world one person at a time. The book is a breathtaking journey into the sorrow and beauty of abandon to Jesus Christ, and is a must-read for anyone willing to act upon their belief.

Doing Good Better by William MacAskill is a must-read for anyone who wants to make a positive impact in the world. MacAskill, a co-founder of the effective altruism movement, challenges readers to think differently about how they can do the most good possible. He presents a practical, data-driven approach to philanthropy that emphasizes evidence and careful reasoning rather than emotions and assumptions. The book is well-written and insightful, and it provides valuable guidance for anyone interested in charitable giving or volunteer work. Overall, Doing Good Better is an excellent resource that should be on every philanthropist's bookshelf.

What It Takes to Save a Life is a powerful memoir that tells the story of Dr. Kwane Stewart, a veterinarian who set out on a journey to care for pets and their owners living on the streets. Dr. Kwane's journey, spanning nine years, is filled with heartwarming and inspiring stories of human-animal relationships. The book is a reminder that animals provide more than companionship; they offer essential love, hope, and a sense of security. The author's frank assessment of the state of veterinary medicine today, where compassion fatigue, burnout, and suicide are facts of life, is eye-opening. This book is a call to action for kindness and loving attention to the homeless and their pets. Overall, this memoir is a must-read for anyone who cares about animals and their well-being.

From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth by Darren Walker is a timely and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to rethink philanthropy as a tool for achieving economic, social, and political justice. The book offers a bold vision for philanthropy in the twenty-first century and emphasizes the need for moral courage, humility, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values and institutions. The contributions from an array of thinkers, activists, and leaders, including Ai-jen Poo, Laurene Powell Jobs, David Rockefeller Jr., and Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, make this book an essential read for anyone interested in business ethics and social justice.

The Complete Book of Grant Writing is the go-to guide for anyone seeking funding through government grants, foundation grants, and specialty grants. Written by professional grant writer Nancy Burke Smith and philanthropy consultant E. Gabriel Works, this book unveils the secrets behind how to find and successfully apply for grants. It covers topics such as the five core components of every grant, what makes a grant compelling to funders, and the grant writing timetable. Packed with 20 samples, this book is a must-have for non-profits, educators, artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking funding. Overall, this book is an excellent resource and a comprehensive guide to successful grant writing.

The book "Systems Thinking For Social Change" by David Stroh is an essential guide for individuals engaged in social change. It provides an alternative to conventional thinking and offers practical guidance on how to incorporate systems thinking in problem solving, decision making, and strategic planning. Stroh's techniques have been used to tackle complex issues such as ending homelessness, improving public health, and resolving identity-based conflicts. The book is an excellent resource for donors, nonprofit leaders, and public policy makers who want to achieve lasting results and avoid unintended consequences. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to make a positive impact on society.