What do all major gifts have in common?
- Chris B.
- Jul 9
- 1 min read
What do all major gifts have in common?
They are meaningful to both the donor and the organization.
They should be celebrated.
They stem from authentic relationships with individual donors.
They take time.
Out of all these commonalities – it’s time that’s often overlooked by nonprofit leaders.
At a recent conference, the presenter showed a slide with the largest gifts received by nonprofits in the region. Some of the attendees were excited to see the size and impact of the gifts.
But the presenter failed to mention that the gifts took time to realize.
Put another way – the gifts highlighted in the presentation didn’t show up in the morning mail one day. They were the result of …
cultivating a relationship with a donor.
exploring a donor’s connection with the mission.
creating a gift vehicle that met both the donor’s and the organization’s needs.
Too often, nonprofit leaders think that a major gift materializes out of thin air – a spontaneous act of generosity. So, they take a passive approach to major gifts, acting like it’s a thing that just happens, instead of a thing you build.
Just like planting a tree, the best time to build a major gifts program was 10 years ago. The next best time is right now.
Here’s where to start. Click below to set up a time to chat.
If you are ready to raise more to build a sustainable fundraising program, I’m ready to help.
Together, we can Align and Accelerate your efforts to do more for your mission and your cause.
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