Over nearly three decades in nonprofit fundraising, I’ve seen countless innovations reshape how we engage donors. But few have been as transformative as artificial intelligence (AI). AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a transformative tool that empowers fundraisers to personalize communication at scale, anticipate donor needs, and optimize outreach in ways we couldn’t have imagined even a decade ago. In this edition of Scaling Major Gifts, I’ll share how AI can enhance your moves management strategies at every stage, helping you build stronger donor relationships and elevate your major gift efforts.

In my nearly 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, I’ve seen one recurring challenge: engaging board members in major gift fundraising. Whether you’re a major gift officer, development director, executive director, or board member, you’ve likely encountered hesitation or outright reluctance when it comes to asking for large donations. In this edition, I want to share insights on overcoming those fears and transforming your board into confident ambassadors for your cause.

In my nearly three decades as a major gifts consultant, I've seen firsthand how critical leadership is in driving successful fundraising efforts. Whether you're an executive director, development director, or board member, your role in cultivating a high-performing major gifts team cannot be overstated. Today, I want to share some insights I've gained over the years and offer practical advice for nurturing a team that consistently secures those game-changing donations.

As a seasoned major gift expert with nearly 30 years in the field, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of challenge gifts in capital campaigns. These dynamic tools have an unparalleled ability to ignite donor enthusiasm and drive fundraising success. Let's explore how you can harness the power of challenge gifts to elevate your capital campaign to new heights.

Have you ever wondered how some nonprofits seem to achieve their most ambitious goals with ease while others struggle to stay afloat? What’s their secret? In many cases, it’s a well-executed major gift program. Major gifts are the cornerstone of sustainable fundraising, yet starting a program can feel overwhelming, especially if your organization has never ventured into this territory before. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll walk you through the essential steps to launch a successful major gift program that can elevate your nonprofit from surviving to thriving. By the end of this edition of Scaling Major Gifts, you’ll not only feel inspired but equipped with actionable strategies to get started today. 

As I approach my third decade in the world of fundraising, I'm continually amazed by the evolving landscape of major gift cultivation. The digital revolution has transformed how we connect with donors, and it's crucial that we adapt our strategies accordingly. Today, I want to share some insights on integrating digital approaches into your annual plan for major gift cultivation.

I've seen firsthand how a robust major gifts pipeline can make or break a capital campaign. Whether you're a seasoned development director or a board member new to fundraising, the ability to cultivate and secure major gifts is crucial for your organization's growth and impact.

As I reflect on my nearly three decades in the nonprofit sector, one truth stands out: a thriving major gifts program is the lifeblood of sustainable fundraising. Yet, I've seen countless organizations struggle to fully engage their boards in this critical area. Today, I want to share some hard-earned wisdom on creating a board-driven major gifts culture that can transform your fundraising efforts.

In this edition of Scaling Major Gifts, we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart: how to identify and qualify potential major gift prospects. I'm sharing some tried-and-true strategies that have served me well over the years.

As I reflect on my nearly three decades in major gift fundraising, I'm struck by how often I've seen organizations struggle with balancing individual and team goals. It's a challenge that resonates with major gift officers, development directors, executive directors, and board members alike. In my experience, finding this balance is crucial for creating a thriving major gifts program that benefits both the fundraisers and the organization as a whole. I've developed and observed several strategies that can help organizations navigate these challenges.

Over the years, I've seen countless development professionals struggle with sporadic donor engagement and last-minute fundraising pushes. Sound familiar? I've been there too. But I've learned that a well-structured annual plan can transform your major gift program from reactive to proactive, ultimately leading to stronger donor relationships and increased giving. Today, I want to share a game-changing tool that has revolutionized my approach to donor cultivation: the 12-month major gift cultivation calendar.