Excerpt from The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Three seasoned fundraisers share proven tactics — and real examples — to help you adapt your big-gifts strategy to the current climate and maximize results.
By Lisa Schohl
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
1. Focus on midlevel donors.
…because oftentimes, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 is more accessible than higher-end major gifts, and people are more inclined to maintain their giving to an institution in that regard.
2. Identify gaps in your donor pool.
… such as communities that might have a natural connection to your cause but aren’t yet giving.
3. Diversify your board.
- Ask corporate partners to recommend company leaders who care about your organization’s mission and might be interested in serving on the board.
- Consider donors who demonstrate passion for your work.
- Create a “young patrons’ board.”
4. Tap into big donors’ networks.
5. Maximize your board.
… set clear expectations for their annual giving and involvement in fundraising from the get-go, including asking them to sign a board member commitment form where they could indicate their interest in helping with specific types of donor outreach, such as visits, hosting a gathering, or sponsoring an event.
6. Streamline your donor communications.
… Automate as many processes as you can to help ensure that all donors get attention throughout the year, while freeing up fundraisers to focus on building relationships with big donors and bringing in new supporters.
7. Be vulnerable.
… you don’t want to be existential, but it’s OK to be honest and open with donors about your nonprofit’s need.
8. Highlight gifts to inspire more giving.
9. Use matching gifts to boost results.
10. Prioritize donors who have DAFs or family foundations.
…start by mining the donor database to identify individuals who have given in one of these ways. Don’t wait until November or December to talk with DAF donors- that is when many are focused on adding money to their DAF, rather than distributing it.