Demonstrate Strong Organizational Leadership and Successful Operations

– All fundraising success starts with leadership.

– Successful people invest in successful organizations.

Communicate Clearly and Frequently About Your Mission, Vision, and Values

– People give to organizations that promote values they are passionate about.

– It’s okay if everyone does NOT like your institution. In fact, if some don’t like your organization, it probably means that you are doing a good job of clearly communicating who you are and the impact you are making.

Develop Giving Priorities That Connect to Your Mission, Vision, and Values

– Large gifts are only important to your organization if they help you achieve your goals.

– Your priorities should have components for capital projects, scholarship support, and operations.

Spend Your Time With Prospects That Have Both Capacity and Affinity for Your Organization

– For an individual to be a good major gift prospect, they must have these two qualities.

– Be curious and ask questions to get to know your prospects.

– Role play to perfect your “curious conversations” with prospects.

Hire Fundraising Leaders and MGOs That Are Strategic, Curious, Kind, and Competitive

– When hiring leadership and MGOs, look for these traits, and your organization will get great results.

Focus on Major Gift Fundraising

– Securing major gifts does not happen without focus.

– The fundraising leader in your organization must have a major gift mindset and be given the time to dedicate to the process.

– MGOs should only have one responsibility: major gift fundraising. Do not give them other responsibilities like event planning.

Develop Consistent Stewardship Practices

– Get this right, or you will not retain existing donors.

– Your stewardship efforts don’t need to be expensive or complicated.

– Donors need to know you care about them, they are important to your organization, and they are making an impact.