The Seven Faces of Philanthropy introduces development professionals to an effective method of approaching major donors for gifts. The authors begin by establishing and analyzing the characteristics of seven distinctive classifications of individual donor types:

1. The Communitarian: Doing Good Makes Sense.
2. The Devout: Doing Good is God's Will.
3. The Investor: Doing Good is Good Business.
4. The Socialite: Doing Good is Fun.
5. The Altruist: Doing Good Feels Right.
6. The Repayer: Doing Good in Return.
7. The Dynast: Doing Good is a Family Tradition.

Then detailed strategies on how to identify and foster relationships with prospective funders in each of these donor groups are provided.