Major Gifts

Who are your highest value donors? A major gift officer would likely answer the question with a list of the top 10 donors from the past year or current top prospects. A direct marketer might quote the top RFM segments or pluck a group with the largest previous contribution...

We’ve been working with major gift officers for quite a long time. I think Richard and I, along with our associates, have seen just about every type of personality, work ethic and passion, or lack of, in the MGOs we have managed...

The idea of raising major gifts can seem elusive and mysterious. However, recent research shows that even those at small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations can raise major gifts with a few small shifts in process and mindset...

The point is that in major gifts, the successful major gifts officer (MGO) needs to identify the interests and passions of the donor, then present a program to that donor that matches those interests and passions. Done correctly, these activities eventually cause an economic transaction...

How often is “enough” for a prospective donor to see you? Often, organizations have stewardship and cultivation plans that may outline five, 10 or even more “touches” for donors...

Today, we’re going to look at a great tool for building those important relationships with top prospects over time. And we all know that is what will result in the big gift. You know how important it is to put a plan in place to build relationships, right? It’s super de-duper important if you want to secure major gifts. I’m talking about “moves management...

Making a mistake is one of the best things you can do. Did I just say that? Yes. And, I mean it. I’ve talked many times about how we all need to own up to our mistakes and that donors will appreciate it when you do. Today, I want to urge you not to be afraid to make mistakes...

Is the summer season of vacation home getaways to the lake, mountain, vineyard or coast making face time with your major donors elusive? As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Yes, join them on vacation!...

Welcome back to #NPPTrendingNow, a weekly video series where NonProfit PRO Editor-in-Chief Nhu Te breaks down the top three coveted stories of the week. Reigning this week are articles about getting major donor prospects, strategies for building nonprofit sustainability and the effectiveness of fundraising programs...

You want to develop a major gift program for your nonprofit, but you’re not sure you have enough donors to warrant hiring a major gift officer. Or you are growing your major gift program, and you’re wondering when it makes sense to hire another MGO to add to your team...