Major Donor Fundraising

These 3 words strike fear into development directors and CEOs.

You grew up being taught it’s not nice to talk about money. It’s not polite to inquire about someone else’s finances, let alone ask for help.

But here you are. You are responsible for raising funds to help your beneficiaries. And you’ve found yourself in a predicament.

Here are 3 truths to keep in mind as you think about major donor fundraising:

  1. Your major donors are used to being asked for donations. While this is foreign to you, it is not new to them. Your major donors expect to be asked for a gift. And they don’t see it as impolite.
  2. Without you, your major donor would be unable to make the difference she wants to see in the world. She doesn’t have the time, team, or resources to help your beneficiaries. Your major donors need you. And they’re grateful for you. This isn’t a one-sided relationship.
  3. Every email, text, and phone call to a major donor is valuable. When you reach out, you’re subliminally establishing a few things. You care about them, you think about them, they’re valuable to you, and they’re needed.

Don’t do what most fundraisers do. Fear silences them. Fear boxes them in. The only time they ask for a gift is when pressure is high, and they’re forced into action.

Ask for major gifts when stakes aren’t high. Do the work and practice your skills when the wellbeing of your organization and beneficiaries are NOT on the line. This will set you up for success when pressure rises.