Major Gifts

There are hundreds of ways to do just that. But none of them will do any good unless you actually do them!

Inviting major donors to an event defeats the requirement of creating personal, cause-connected relationships with them and results in raising less money from those who attend.

My business partner and good friend, Richard Perry, has this sign he put up in his office that says, "Preserve Self." I love it because it's a constant reminder to first take care of you.

Objections are simply signals of something deeper. Embrace them and look for the real meaning. That meaning will lead you to the place you need to be in your relationship with the donor.

I've realized that no's are my friends. They provide a learning. They give me wisdom. They shine a light on my path so I can figure out where to go.

This is crucial. Your organization will never grow if your top leader cannot embrace fundraising and understand it's a large part of the job.

One of the most frustrating things a major-gifts officer can experience is an objection. But an objection is nothing more than a signal or marker for something else.

Make the most of the first date. With practice, your comfort zone and confidence will increase.  Who knows where the conversation will lead! 

If you allow yourself to let someone who knows how to manage keep you accountable and focused on your plan and goals, you simply cannot fail.

How are you going to approach fundraising? From the Magnificent Side or from the Dark Side?