Welcome back to the major gifts challenge. If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge, check out the introductory video here. Fundraising is a cycle. It doesn’t stop after one gift. Each step is important. Stewardship is the fourth and final stage of the fundraising cycle. It’s the super-important follow up work after a gift is made. We … [Read more...]
Planned Giving and Major Gifts: A Winning Combination
The Major Gift Challenge has taught you how to plan. Planned Giving is future-oriented, and designed to benefit the donor and your cause. It’s not your plan, it’s your donor’s plan, and it’s an important part of your Major Gift program. If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge, you can learn more about it here. Planned Giving can … [Read more...]
After Asking for a Major Gift: How to Respond to Yes, No, and Maybe
We’re right in the midst of the Major Gifts Challenge. If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge, check out the introductory video here. Every conversation, negotiation and meeting has a close. While I’m not talking about closing a deal, I am talking about closing the ask meeting. Regardless of the donor’s decision, you need to leave the … [Read more...]
Practice and Prepare: A Strategic Pair for Your Ask Meeting Agenda
We’re right in the middle of the Major Gifts Challenge. If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge, check out the introductory video here. In the last video, you learned how to determine an ask amount. Once you’ve determined that amount, you want to ask for it with confidence. There’s an old adage that teaches you the basics -- “practice … [Read more...]
How to Determine an Exact Ask Amount for Each of Your Major Gift Donors
We’re right in the midst of the Major Gifts Challenge. To start from the beginning, check out the introductory video here! That’s perfect. Hearing that brings a smile to your face. Determining an appropriate ask amount can be one of the most daunting tasks of the major gift process. Nevertheless, you’ll need to determine an … [Read more...]
An Airtight, Bullet-Proof Way to Overcome Your Fear of Asking
We’re right in the midst of the Major Gifts Challenge. If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge, check out the introductory video here! Religion and politics may be traditional taboos for conversation, but let’s be honest, asking for money is, for most, the hardest conversation. You have your list of best prospective donors. You’ve … [Read more...]
How to Prime Your Donors BEFORE You Ask for a Major Gift
Welcome to the next video in the Major Gifts Challenge series! If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge, check out the introductory video here. Here’s some good advice in the pursuit of mastering major gifts. “It's not so much about what you ask as what you don't ask,” says Michael Parkinson, a British Journalist. He speaks volumes about … [Read more...]
Your Secret Weapon to Raising the Biggest Gifts: An Engaged Board
Welcome to the next video in the Major Gifts Challenge series! If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge, check out the introductory video here. There’s a Secret Weapon in your toolbox for raising major gifts. When this tool is engaged major gift victory becomes more certain. It never fails to make annual and capital campaigns more … [Read more...]
3 Brilliant Ways to Cultivate Long Distance Donors for Major Gifts
Welcome back to the Major Gifts Challenge! If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge, check out the introductory video here. When distance enters a relationship you usually make this request, “Stay in touch.” It’s no different when cultivating relationships with potential major gift donors. Frequently, donors live far from you, or spend … [Read more...]
Precisely How to Conduct Your First Meeting with a Major Donor
We’re in the middle of the Major Gifts Challenge. If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge, check out the introductory video here! In the last video, you learned how to secure your first meeting with a prospective major gift donor. Hopefully you’ve secured a meeting with a prospective major gift donor. Great job! Set a Goal for Your … [Read more...]
