Major Gifts

Fundraising Grit

Slide030Last year I wrote about successful campaign teams having super human stick-to-it-tiveness like that of silver-screen character Ethan Hunt and his Mission Impossible crew. Nonprofit campaign leaders should demonstrate an unwavering belief that success is theirs and never, ever give up. I was basing my fundraising team conclusions on personal experiences from being a part of winning campaign teams over the past twenty years. Today, I am pleased to share with you research-based evidence (more…)

Solicitation Tips from 1891

Slide106Several years ago while preparing for a solicitation training I was to lead for a history museum, I thought it would be fun to weave in some quotes about philanthropy from famous historical figures during the session. I came across an interesting list online dated 1891 and attributed to John D. Rockefeller, Sr. entitled Ten Principles of Soliciting that served as an ideal icebreaker.

Today I discovered that the author was actually Frederick Taylor Gates, not Rockefeller. Gates was a trusted business and philanthropic adviser to Rockefeller who wrote a letter on April 20, 1891, to a gentleman named Sunderland containing 22 tips for “conducting a canvas.” This letter is part of the Rockefeller Archive Center collection. (more…)

The Right Campaign Team Makes The Impossible Possible

Slide04Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves leading the successful completion of AMAZING CHARITY’s $15 million campaign to accomplish the strategic priorities that you played a role in shaping that will change lives. First, make your own leadership gift. Then, help recruit a dedicated team of volunteer solicitors willing to do the same. However, it is essential that some of your team members have a proven record of securing major gifts.

You will also need an experienced campaign professional to keep you and your team on task. You have 48 hours to accept your assignment. As always, should any member of your team be caught off guard with a sudden gift, we will disavow its unexpected nature and happily celebrate. This message will self-destruct in five minutes. (more…)

Three solutions that might have helped Garth Brooks honor his parents while supporting a local hospital

Slide01How does the top-selling solo artist in U.S. history end up in court suing over a charitable gift? I’m not sure, but it certainly makes the mind wonder what went so wrong. I researched pages and pages of media coverage about the Garth Brooks trial and would like to offer three possible solutions that might have avoided an unfortunate trial that left a donor, a hospital, a city and the philanthropic community divided. (more…)

A culture of philanthropy

Slide68Nonprofit organizations that have nurtured a culture of philanthropy among its constituents are the most effective at raising money for their missions. What do I mean by culture of philanthropy? Nonprofits with a culture of philanthropy tend to:

  1. focus less on money and more on relationships.
  2. focus less on financial needs and more on winning people, programs and solutions.
  3. balance being donor-centered and mission-focused effectively.
  4. have established annual giving programs that support effective major gifts programs.
  5. have boards and staff who all donate.
  6. have volunteers involved at every level of fundraising.
  7. have engaged board members and senior leadership teams who accept responsibility in sustaining this culture of philanthropy.

It takes time to develop a culture of philanthropy.

Time well spent!

[updated with links]