It seems to be a recurring problem that executives don’t have a sufficient number of substantial projects to offer qualified prospects. If your organisation cannot break down its work into themes and ‘projectise’ it into exciting fundable pieces it will …
A Substantial Major Gift requires a Substantial project Read more »
When developing a major gift programme within a charity it is really important to set out ways to develop the culture of philanthropy. An organisation doesn’t initially have this. It includes many aspects of working with high level individuals that …
Developing a Philanthropy Culture: Set up a Steering Group Read more »
One of the questions major gifts executives often ask me is: ‘How do I build a deep, meaningful relationship with a prospect?’ The first point is to say is that it is really important to do this! Until a potential …
Over the years I have heard Major Gifts executives say this over and over again to persuade a would-be prospect to see them. But does it really work? I would venture to say ‘No it doesn’t!’ and here are lots …
It is well documented that contacting three potential donors a day is a must for a full-time Major Gifts Executive. But what exactly does that mean? Does this refer to those donors you are ‘managing’, your qualified caseload? Or does …
It is really helpful in relationship building to invite the individual or preferably, couple to visit your office. This gives the potential donor some experience of the ‘atmosphere’ and culture of your organisation and really helps them on their relationship …
This is a question that I have pondered for many years. They are hugely time consuming and often do not achieve what they were set out to do. So why do Major Gifts Executives buckle under the pressure of their …
Menus, Venues and lack of Revenues – Why do Leaders like Major Donor events? Read more »
It is a well known fact this it is extremely hard to secure Major Donor meetings in August and December. Perhaps in December it is slightly easier up until about the 10th. After that it is difficult to get anyone’s …
Don’t Let the Dead Two Months of the Year for Major Donor Meetings turn into Four Months Read more »
Sometimes we can’t see the Wood for the Trees. The Cambridge Dictionary describes this phrase as “to be unable to understand a situation clearly because you are too involved in it”. If you are a Director of Fundraising, team leader or a Major Gifts Executive you may have developed …
A strategy is simply your plan to get you where you want to go using the resources you have available. To have a strategy for each of your qualified donors is important. I am often asked ‘How can I write …
