Amy Eisenstein

Empowering Your Nonprofit and You

Empowering Your Nonprofit – And You

Fame and Fortune Await! Take the NEW Major Gifts Challenge

By 359 Comments

Fame and fortune can be yours — raise major gifts for your cause and you can be both RICH and FAMOUS!

Enjoy FAME…

In less than a year be revered by your boss, board members and colleagues for securing huge gifts for your cause.

Enjoy FORTUNE…

In less than a year you can increase your organization’s annual fund by 10%, 20%, 100% or more!

Become a fundraising superstar and you’ll find fame and fortune. Keep watching —this video could change your life.

YES! You *CAN* Raise Major Gifts!

Raising Major Gifts and achieving fame and fortune for your nonprofit is within reach. A decade of coaching Development professionals and consulting for Executive Directors and Board members has given me a front row seat to such success.

Watching development directors ask for and receive their first 4, 5 and even 6 figure gifts, and seeing organizations transformed by raising major gifts for the first time, achieving fame and fortune, is my passion.

Just think, a single major gift can increase your fundraising revenue by 10% or more.

Think about it. If your goal is $100,000, then one gift of $10,000 is 10%. Same goes if your goal is $1 M,… one new (or additional) gift of $100,000 and you’ve surpassed your goal by 10%.

If one gift makes that kind of difference, think about the benefit of two, three or four major gifts.

The great thing about major gifts is you don’t need a hundred donors to make a real difference… you only need a handful.

What is the Major Gifts Challenge?

You can do more than “dream about” fame and fortune… you can take the Major Gifts Challenge.

The Challenge was originally presented five years ago. It’s simple: commit just a few hours each week dedicated to raising major gifts.

The challenge caught on like wildfire. It continues to be my most popular series of posts.

The original Major Gifts Challenge offered people like you the opportunity to learn major gifts fundraising in less than one year. The challenge was to read my blog and take the recommended action, investing only a few hours each week.

Now I’m updating and expanding the challenge. It will feature weekly video posts based on new research, new data, and lessons learned.

Here’s How You Can Be Rich and Famous

Those who raise major gifts are the royalty of our sector. They have the best jobs and are the highest paid.

I want you to have the best jobs in our sector. But that’s not my only motivation for creating the challenge. The country and our world depend on your work. Some of our most vulnerable citizens and critical issues need your help.

So I’m reissuing the Major Gifts Challenge and I hope you’ll take it!

I’m dedicating dozens of upcoming posts to help you successfully raise more major gifts. Whether you have never asked for a major gift before or are already an expert, I know you can raise more. And it’s not going to take tons of time — just a few hours each week.

Pledge Your Commitment

  • Watch and Read:  Watch my video posts each week. Or read the transcript, if you prefer.
  • Take a Few Hours:  Dedicate time every week (5 hours is optimal) and take the action recommended in each post. This is key – you must take action. Some week’s tasks will take longer than others, but you’ve got to put in the time if you want to be successful. I know you can do it!
  • Leave Comments:  Lastly, Let me know how it’s going in the comments so I know what’s working and when you need more help.

That’s it. Pretty simple, right?

I promise, you’ll raise more money this year and be successful in soliciting major gifts. But, you have to follow through. Deal?

You will be “rich” with donations and “famous” at your organization. Not bad for only a few hours per week.

So… are you in?

Challenge Yourself Action Item

The first Challenge Yourself action item is just one simple step that will literally take you less than a minute.

Step 1: Pledge your commitment in the comments below.

Simply let me know in the blog comments that you’re willing to publicly commit to taking the Major Gifts Challenge. That’s it!

If you’ve taken the challenge before, go ahead and recommit. Let us know how it has helped you. Provide some inspiration and motivation for others.

If you’ve always wished you could solicit major gifts, but never had the confidence or know-how, this is your chance! I’m offering free coaching (via this blog) so don’t miss this opportunity. Come with me on this important journey. I know you’ll be glad you did.

Go for it — fame and fortune await!

Comments

  1. Alford Alfred Sungani says

    Ooooh! This is awesome .From this very minute I do pledge to double my commitment three folds. I wish to get an outstanding achievement award this year. I have changed my (KRAS) That is KEY RESULT AREAS with more 10% per every donation I ask from today. Thanks Amy for boosting our fund raising spirits.

    Reply

  6. Lori Stewart says

    Hi Amy:
    I heard you speak in San Antonio at the AFP conference there and found you so inspiring. I must admit that the little things on the to do list often take over, so I am recommitting to spend 5 hours per week (on Monday) to take the Major Gifts Challenge. Thanks for providing someone to be accountable to–that always helps

    Reply

  27. Gabi Lloyd says

    I have learned so much in your Mastering Major Gifts class. It has helped me to confidently say that “Yes, I will commit 5 hours per week to major gifts!” So far the only major gift I raised came from a planned gift and the donor reached out to me first. But I’m excited to see that number grow over the next year! Especially as my organization gets ready to celebrate 100 years and begin a capital campaign in 2018.

    Reply

  29. MacKenzie Kuecks-Winger says

    I am ready to take on the challenge. I am brand new to fundraising and so excited to learn from you!

    Reply

  38. Lisa Kalal says

    So excited to join the group and get started. I have indeed dreamt of raising major gifts and making a big difference for our community.

    Reply

  40. Chaya Malka Abramson says

    Bli Neder, that is, we do not pledge, but I, to the best of my ability am committing to spend 3-5 hours every week to raise major gifts.
    Thank you for your gift,

    Chaya Malka,
    Director, Chaya Malka Burn Fondation

    Reply

  52. Elizabeth says

    I am in! So glad you are starting this again. I had started doing the last one on my own, but by following with you each week I feel more of a sense of accountability. Thank you!

    Reply

  65. Amanda Manly says

    I’m in! This is perfect timing for me, and Amy you have rockstar status in our shop so I’m always up for new opportunities 🙂

    Reply

  71. Christina Haselhorst says

    I’m completely new to this field/career and to our Foundation at our community college. Starting as director in December, my life has focused around simply getting things organized as it was total chaos before I showed up. I have a large $500,000 bill looming on the horizon in 2018 (long story) plus the pressure of raising major funds for all sorts of projects (buildings, new website, parking lots, and more) and scholarships needed at this aging community college. I ran across your information after I joined AFP and am VERY excited to commit to this challenge! Let’s DO this!

    Reply

  79. Pat Taddei says

    Wow…I could not have found you at a more opportune moment! Just this week I added Development to my responsibilities at our small, non-profit professional theatre…despite the fact that I’ve never fundraised before in my career! But I’m feeling confident about it, and with help like this…even more so! I am excited and I am in!

    Reply

  85. Michelle H. says

    Hi. A couple days late to the party; however, I have personally spent hours this week doing research on organizations that may be able to help our cause. So, this is certainly timely and I’m excited to receive some guidance while on this journey to supporting veterans and their families. Currently our modest organization receives donations from very generous individuals. Given our desire to continue to grow and expand services, we need to think and ask bigger! Thank you for the opportunity!

    Reply

  86. Sylvia Velez says

    I’m in! My hope is to raise a significant amount of Major gifts and be able to help those most in need.

    Reply

  90. Emma R says

    Bit late to the party, but throwing my hat into the ring and committing to this challenge which is very timely for me as fairly new in post heading up fundraising for a small charity where part of my remit is to set up a major gifts programme. So looking for some inspiration and also some accountability. Let’s do it!

    Reply

  93. Barb Swanson says

    I’m in…..I’ve been in various development roles in the agency I work for. Just moved upward and looking forward to advancement and sustainable of our programs through major gifts.

    Reply

  96. Patti says

    I’m new to my position, new to the organization. I’m eager to learn. I’m in, to the extent that I am able as I ramp up here.

    Reply

  101. Kim R says

    Hi Amy!

    I am in! Thank you so much for your willingness to share such valuable information! My associates and I saw you at the International AFP Conference in San Francisco this year. After your presentation everyone was saying “wow she is awesome….she gets it…so knowledgeable and passionate.” I am so excited to learn more and apply what I learn to be able to help people around the world!

    Reply

  102. Ellen says

    I am transitioning to a role where half my time is dedicated to major gifts. I feel very fortunate that my board and CEO recognize the importance of major gifts and want to develop a truly “systematic” program. I am committing to the 5 hours per week plus moving toward 15 hours.
    Thank you for all your wonderful education and advice and for saving me from reinventing the wheel!

    Reply

  106. Michael Slaby says

    I’m on board, joining from Germany! What you are offering is exactly what I have been looking for! Looking forward to learning more and diving deeper into the existing knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising. Can’t wait to see the gifts hit the ceiling 😉

    Reply

  114. Lorrie Erusha says

    This program works! I’ve been cultivating a couple and in April they’d told me to come to them in January with a proposal. I continued to just keep in touch and Friday afternoon he called saying they had ‘found an extra $25,000’ and we could still talk in January!! Woo hoo!!! This is so much FUN!

    Reply

  120. Kemberly Greene says

    HI!!! I’m Kemberly Greene and I started my fundraising career one year ago @ South Carolina State University. I have no experience in major gifts but I am eager to learn and ready to change lives here in South Carolina..with that being said…I accept the major gifts challenge!

    Reply

  123. Lauren Peterson says

    I’m in! I just started as a major gift officer in my organization, and I am excited to learn more!

    Reply

  127. Darlene Cullivan says

    I am in! I am transitioning to fund development. I am inspired to learn, to set goals and to achieve them. . Thank you, Amy, for this opportunity and this timely resource.

    Reply

  129. Anita Rodriguez, CFRE says

    Just discovered this challenged via LinkedIn and I think it is great. I just started a position where I get to focus on major gifts so I am definitely in for this challenge and look forward to the support! Thank you

    Reply

  130. Gina Machado says

    Is it too late to start? I have recently taken a role to build major gifts within our non-profit and really enjoyed the webinar that you hosted on the Major Gifts challenge!

    Reply

  131. Tara Howard says

    I’m in!!! I just started at a small, rural Humane Society that has zero major gifts donors and little motivation. Yet, it sits in one of the most affluent countrysides in our nation….AND my hometown! So, I’m SO in and ready to commit to making the lives of my communities homeless pets remarkable! They, in turn, will feel like celebrities and I will provide THEM the feeling of being rich and famous!

    Reply

  133. Shayna says

    I’m late-but I’m in! I am new to Major Gifts and I need all the help I can get. So excited about this challenge!

    Reply

  135. Laura Kay says

    Count me in! I’m ready to make big strides in Major Gift fundraising for our organization. Thanks for the guidance!

    Reply

  142. Deb says

    Being new to an exciting non-profit organization and new to fundraising, this is perfect timing. I’m excited to learn how we will increase our organization’s annual funds, and most importantly, help make a difference for the community we support. YES, count me in!

    Reply

  146. Michael says

    OK, enough procrastinating. Here’s hoping the structure of this challenge will get me over the hump and into action.

    Reply

  149. Roberta Lindbeck says

    I will…watch or read, and dedicate time to do the work so that I can grow and cultivate major donors along the way. I’m ready!

    Reply

  154. Dena says

    I’m very committed to my organization and am thrilled to find your information to reinforce that passion and drive to raise the needed funds. Looking forward to reading the additional materials.

    Reply

  155. Ann says

    I hereby commit to the Major Gifts Challenge in order to close out our 2017 fiscal year with a BANG. We have clients WAITING for services that depend upon increased fund raising. This IS my most important FOCUS for this year. So I MUST and WILL commit FIVE of the MOST PRODUCTIVE hours of my week to TAKE ACTION.
    Thanks Amy!

    Reply

  159. Kathy says

    Hi Amy,

    So glad I found you! I was just hired as development manager at our organization with a focus on major gifts. Can’t wait to become rich and famous!!

    Reply

  167. Ann Gallo says

    I solemnly swear that I will dedicate 5 hours per week to raising major gifts. If I do this every week for one year, I will raise significantly more money for my organization and the cause that I love. Thank you!!

    Reply

  172. Carol Wilson says

    What a great idea, Amy! I have stumbled my way through two major gifts to our organization this year (in conjunction with others on my team, not a solo effort!) totaling $100,000. I’m sold on major gifts. The difference between the $25, $50 and $100 gifts we receive and these gifts makes all the difference in the world in what we can accomplish. There is much we need to do better and I look forward to committing meaningful time the remainder of this year and next year to learn more about and to cultivate major gifts.

    Reply

  174. Diana Kutlow says

    Just started at a new nonprofit with tremendous potential and would love to build my capacity as I build theirs. Thanks for making the Major Gifts Challenge sounds like fun! We can all use a little more fun in our lives.

    Reply

  176. Roberta says

    Following the action steps is key – don’t think you don’t have time! Recommitting – I’ve learned my lesson!

    Reply

  185. Autumn says

    I’m in! Just found this blog and started my first development job 3 months ago. I’m looking forward to learning how this works and help my organization grow.

    Reply

  188. Lindsey Jakiel Diulus says

    Saw your session at AFP in San Francisco. I’ve since started a new job (as of Nov. 2017). Pledging to do the major gifts challenge for my new org.

    Reply

  202. Kerri Michael says

    I’m in! Excited to learn all I can about raising major gifts and helping our donors feel great about their impact.

    Reply

  203. James Rosenberg says

    I am in Amy. I enjoy your presentations and written material. First timer here, and I am on Social Security. But, I founded a NP organization that needs fund$. So, this is my FOCUS_MY COMMITMENT to Arts & Entertainment 4 DFW Youths to raise the funds necessary, to take the next GIANT leap for Kid-Kind.

    Thank you Amy; you are AWESOME!

    Reply

  211. Andrew Lay says

    I am in! Thanks for repeating your message and being willing to share your ideas. Now I plan to block 5 hours a week into my schedule. Had a successful board development committee this week and look forward to more.

    Reply

  212. Nicole says

    I’m in and thank you for providing great information about our field as well as your words of encouragement and inspiration!

    Reply

  216. James Rosenberg says

    Thank you Amy Eisenstein. You have a dynamite personality, are a gr8 professional in the fundraising field, and you are to be blessed for the information that you share with us.

    By the way, I am in all the way!

    Reply

  221. Paul Oloo says

    Hi-Amy
    I am and willing to learn. I willcommit 5 hours per week and with your guidance i will gain better skills week by week

    Reply

  231. Giselle says

    Thank you Amy! I look forward to building closer relationships and raising more funds for our organization.
    I’m up for the challenge and eager to get started.

    Reply

  234. Julie Diaz says

    Hi Amy!
    I’m committed to making the challenge. I am a new Development Director and have mainly been responsible for Annual Gifts, Grants, and Events. Major Gifts is a new challenge for me and I’m ready!

    Thanks!
    Julie

    Reply

  235. Kate says

    I’m a few years late to this party, but after taking Amy’s Major Gifts Pre-Conference Session at AFP ICON, I have been getting us ready. My organization is IN for the major gifts challenge!

    Reply

  236. Meg says

    Was out of the field when this started but back in the game now. Saw this post and so excited to take this as we gear up our major gifts program!

    Reply

  238. Jamé says

    I too am IN! I’m excited to be a part of a wonderful group of Development people and looking forward to raising more for my organization.

    Reply

  244. Melynda Parks says

    I am committed to taking the Major Gifts Challenge and excited to start! Our fiscal year begins next month and this is great way to prepare for the upcoming new year. I look forward to being better equipped and exceeding my goals for FY2020! Thank you for providing a resource that helps non-profits flourish and grow 🙂

    Reply

  245. Melynda Parks says

    I am committed to taking the Major Gifts Challenge and excited to start! Our fiscal year begins next month and this is great way to prepare for the upcoming new year. I look forward to being better equipped and exceeding my goals for FY2020! Thank you for providing a resource that helps non-profits flourish and grow 🙂

    Melynda

    Reply

  247. Brandi says

    I am committed to taking the Major Gift Challenge. As I go forward in my role as Board Chair for th 2019-20 year I want to inspire my team of leaders and grow our organization. Thank you for providing resources and mentorship.

    Reply

  251. Anna says

    I pledge to commit to spending 5 hours a week learning how to master major gifts or until I master them – big time!

    Reply

  253. Laura Willumsen says

    Hi Amy,
    I’m a Development Director with multiple fundraising challenges (like everyone!), and successfully soliciting new major gifts to meet both our annual and campaign goals is critical to the success of our incredible theatre and phenomenal new Artistic Director. Thanks for making this challenge available – I’m grateful and ready to dig it!
    Laura

    Reply

  254. Lisa says

    I’m a new Major Gift Development Officer and, although I’m so excited about it – it’s a little daunting!
    I’m fully committed to my new role, the organization and the major gifts challenge.

    Reply

  309. Mayra Degiovanni says

    I’m committed and I feel blessed that I found you Amy.
    I’m from Agentina and currently living here but I am part of a Non profit organization In Los Angeles and part of another one here in Argentina.

    Reply

  310. Amie says

    Late to the party, but I am in! Really needing some refreshing on major gift fundraising, so I am very excited to have found this challenge.

    Reply

  312. Tamara Winters says

    Our theatre – Know Theatre of Cincinnati – turns 25 this year and I want to make the most out of this anniversary. I’m in! Let’s raise some major gifts.

    Reply

  313. Michelle Eu says

    This is awesome and just what I’ve been looking for.
    I can’t wait to learn and grow through this challenge to support the fundraising efforts to empower our clients.

    Reply

  320. Allegra says

    Working on building a major gifts program at our organization with a one-person development shop (me) – this is great accountability! I’m in!

    Reply

  322. Carrie says

    Thanks for continuing to make this available to our community. Due to workload, I’ve never been able to complete the challenge but I always find the information valuable. Hoping to complete it this season – third time’s the charm! 7-10-23

    Reply

  335. John E. Parman says

    Hi Amy, I am transitioning back to major gifts from grants and trust development. I am committing myself to raising major gifts and achieving fame and fortune for my organisation. I am so happy I came across this exciting and useful program!

    Reply

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