Being Authentic: The Only Way You Can Be as a Major-Gifts Officer
One of the greatest struggles as a major-gifts officer, and for colleagues who work with major donors, is to be authentic. By being authentic, I mean being true to yourself and your motives when working with your donors.
People with vast amounts of money are naturally skeptical about the motives of those they encounter. Put yourself in their shoes. There are always people around them either wanting something from them or being asked for help. It's hard to know whom can be trusted. "Do they really seek a relationship, or do they just want my money? Are they really interested in helping me find an expression for my charitable interests?" I've talked to many wealthy individuals, and this concern is on their minds constantly.
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Jeff Schreifels is the principal owner of Veritus Group — an agency that partners with nonprofits to create, build and manage mid-level fundraising, major gifts and planned giving programs. In his 32-plus year career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of nonprofits, helping to raise more than $400 million in revenue.
