Whether you are in social services or any of the scores of nonprofit causes that exist today, you can feel deeply about it.
Richard Perry
Most decisions are driven by emotion, not logic. And that is how you need to approach your work in major gifts.
Several blogs ago, I explained why I object to using the word “prospect” when someone talks about a donor.
The general operating rule we suggest in this situation is to serve the person whose interests and passions match those of yours.
There are two words in fundraising that cause my stomach to tighten every time I hear them: “prospect” and “annual.”
There’s a lot of chatter about developing a culture of philanthropy. And quite a few people have pretty good ideas on how to do it.
Crediting for major gift pledges won’t work, which is why we suggest that you celebrate securing the pledge.
We believe a focus on helping donors fulfill their passions and interests through the organization is a far better approach.
We are often asked if corporations/businesses and foundations should be included in a major gift program.
The choice of words we use often carry more meaning than we might intend.
This is basic stuff. And you will get bored doing it because you will be doing it over and over again. But it works.
Remember, everything you do in major gifts is just one donor at a time.
Be sure you know the story of every donor on your caseload.
I am fascinated by the idea that it’s good to tell donors that 100% of their donation can go to program with none going to overhead.
There are a lot of Millennials in our country. And they may eventually be a force to contend with.
