Making big gifts is most often a function of age. The older you are, the more capable you tend to be of making a major gift. It’s perhaps one of the few areas where it’s more beneficial to be older rather than younger.

Public-Private partnerships in fundraising are often the key to accomplishing big projects that require significant philanthropy but also have goals that would be otherwise unattainable without government support.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

Well-respected fundraising leaders have often shared the importance of asking great questions of and listening to prospective donors as critically vital to unlocking philanthropy.

Calls + Demos = Sales

It’s invaluable to have the mindset that your cause is worthy of investment. Mission confidence is critical.

Pay attention to your $1,000 donors. In due time they can become your $1 million dollars.

You never know in fundraising if you are going to be planting seeds or harvesting the crop.

Consider starting the relationship with your prospective donor with a tour of your facility and program to create an immediate connection to your organization’s impact and people.

It’s not entirely possible to eliminate the preemptive gift or “go away” gift but the savvy fundraiser can often turn that first gift into a down payment on a much larger commitment later.

Successful development professionals tie donors to the mission of the organization.

The CEO of a nonprofit organization is expected by savvy donors to also be the CDO (Chief Development Officer).

A strong annual donor is like a golden goose. They are an annuity that keeps paying. Amazing to me how easily organizations neglect these donors and elevate the risk of losing their cumulative impact to the organization forever.

In describing Moves Management, David Dunlap explains that the system is about “changing people’s attitudes so they want to give.”

You know the timing is right to ask for the big gift when doing so won’t change your relationship with the prospective donor, even if they can’t give at the level requested.

It’s commonly understood and repeated that you should thank a donor seven times before making the next ask.