Curiosity & Connection: How Listening Fuels Major Gift Success

AdvancementEDU founder Chris Dudley often presents at conferences and moderates discussions and webinars. Recently, he was asked to prepare for a conversation on major gift fundraising meetings, and how best to engage philanthropic investors. One key theme emerged:

The power of curiosity and listening.

Start with a question—or a series of questions—and truly listen to the recipient’s replies. You must build trust and connection with your philanthropic investors and that starts every time with listening. Show genuine interest and curiosity in your replies. The impact cannot be overstated.

Investor and philanthropist Megan Oglesby recently wrote on her LinkedIn page about Chris and a “Meet the Donor” panel that he moderated. “I’ve participated in a lot of events over the years, but this one stands out the most,” she wrote. “Chris pointed out that you can learn a lot about someone by asking thoughtful questions … Chris wove our stories into the rest of the panel, grounding the conversation in who we are and what drives us. He built a stronger connection between us as panelists and the audience, then he tied it all back to what great fundraising is really about: relationships, trust, and authentic connection.”

When people feel heard, seen, and valued, they’re far more likely to engage with you and invest in your school. Before your next major gift fundraising meeting, take a moment to prepare genuine questions to facilitate the conversation. You’ll be surprised just how well those conversations can go.

Email us at chris@advancementedu.com for a list of great questions for your next fundraising meeting.