“I have another $1.6 million in other places” he said.
My heart leapt at his words. Quick mental math told me this could be a gift worth more than $3 million!
We have all heard of really big gifts that come “over the transom,” out of nowhere. I even have a couple of stories myself. However, the truth is, really big gifts from “over the transom” are too few and too far between to hang your hat on or even worse – your budget.
Really big gifts don’t happen every day. But, big gifts can happen more often than you may think. The steps leading to big gifts include;
- Identifying prospects
- Qualifying the donor
- Donor cultivation
- Making the “ask”
- Gift design
- Stewarding the gift
Circumstances of time and place can make the specifics of each step vary, but make no mistake about it big gifts are the result of intentional actions, keen listening and good fortune (No pun intended).
What is intentional action? Specific actions designed to accomplish each of the 6 steps listed above in a organized, managed process. Consider that about 85% of all philanthropy in the USA comes from private individuals - NOT corporations like many people believe. It is clear that big gifts should be on the radar screen of all donor supported nonprofit organizations.
Intentional action, some call it "moves management," is the proven path to "big gifts." Regardless of the name, when more than 80% of charitable giving comes from 20% of the donors or less - asking for major gifts is the way to go. An anonymous survey respondent to the Nonprofit Research Collaborative, Summer/Early Fall 2011 may have said it best:
Intentional action, some call it "moves management," is the proven path to "big gifts." Regardless of the name, when more than 80% of charitable giving comes from 20% of the donors or less - asking for major gifts is the way to go. An anonymous survey respondent to the Nonprofit Research Collaborative, Summer/Early Fall 2011 may have said it best:
"I used to have four people working for me and all of them have been laid-off. This means that our board has had to take on greater responsibility in fundraising. We have limited resources for fundraising so asking for major gifts is the most time-efficient way to do fundraising."
Common barriers to establishing major gift programs involve "I don't know ...... who to ask, how to ask, when to ask, how much to ask for, and on and on and on...."
Learning from your peers is a great way to go.
==> By joining your local AFP chapter, low cost or no cost training may be available.
==> Another more focused approach for your organization to establish a major gift program can include seeking the specific training, knowledge, and guidance designed for your organization that a consultant can offer.
Whichever way you decide to go - an organized, managed, major gift program and the significant funding it can provide can transform your organization forever!
==> By joining your local AFP chapter, low cost or no cost training may be available.
==> Another more focused approach for your organization to establish a major gift program can include seeking the specific training, knowledge, and guidance designed for your organization that a consultant can offer.
Whichever way you decide to go - an organized, managed, major gift program and the significant funding it can provide can transform your organization forever!
Your comments are welcome.
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