Blog

Sharing insights, strategies and inspiration you can use right now.

This is where I share strategies, action steps, and ideas for scaling major gifts, and answers to questions that matter most right now. 

Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Overcoming Common Challenges in Implementing Moves Management

As a major gift expert with nearly three decades of experience, I've seen firsthand how moves management can transform a nonprofit's fundraising efforts. Yet, I've also witnessed many organizations struggle to implement this powerful strategy effectively. In this edition, I want to share some insights on overcoming common challenges in moves management implementation.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Creating a Team-First Culture in Your Major Gifts Department

As I reflect on my nearly three decades in the nonprofit sector, one thing has become crystal clear: the power of a strong, collaborative team in driving major gift success. I've seen firsthand how a team-first culture can transform a department from a group of individual fundraisers into a cohesive unit that consistently exceeds goals and retains top talent. If you're looking to create a more collaborative major gifts culture in your organization, here are some steps you can take today:

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Stewardship Techniques to Retain and Upgrade Major Donors

After nearly three decades in major gift fundraising, I've learned that securing a large donation is just the beginning. The real challenge - and opportunity - lies in nurturing those relationships for long-term impact. In this edition, I want to share some hard-won insights on stewardship techniques that can help you retain and upgrade your major donors.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Using Challenge Gifts from Major Donors to Boost Your Capital Campaign

I've seen firsthand how challenge gifts can supercharge a capital campaign. These powerful tools have the potential to ignite donor enthusiasm and drive fundraising success like nothing else. But I've also witnessed many organizations struggle to harness their full potential. Let's dive into how you can leverage challenge gifts to take your capital campaign to new heights.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Tailoring Communication Strategies for Each Stage of Moves Management

Understanding how to tailor your communication strategies for each stage can make or break your fundraising efforts. When working with clients, I often see the common mistake of using a one-size-fits-all approach to donor communication. However, this method is ineffective and can lead to missed opportunities. Over the years, I've developed strategies that have consistently yielded desired results, and I'm excited to share them with you today.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

5 Ways to Inspire Your Board Members to Become Major Gift Champions

After nearly three decades in the nonprofit sector, I've seen firsthand how a passionate, engaged board can transform an organization's major gifts program. But I've also witnessed the frustration many of you face when trying to get your board members actively involved in fundraising. Today, I want to share some strategies that have consistently worked for me and my clients to turn board members into enthusiastic major gift champions.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Developing a Major Gifts Pipeline: From Identification to Solicitation

After nearly 30 years in nonprofit fundraising, I've seen firsthand how a robust major gifts program can transform an organization. Yet, I've also witnessed countless development professionals struggle to build and maintain an effective pipeline. Today, I want to share some insights that have helped me and my clients overcome common challenges in developing a major gifts pipeline.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Responsible Use of AI in Major Gifts: Enhancing Relationships, Not Replacing Them

I've seen countless technological shifts in our field. But none have been quite as transformative—or as potentially concerning—as the rise of artificial intelligence in fundraising. Today, I want to share my thoughts on how we can responsibly leverage AI to enhance our major gifts programs without losing the human touch that's so crucial to our work.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Balancing Major Gifts & Annual Fund Efforts in Your Fundraising Plan

After nearly 30 years in nonprofit fundraising, I've seen firsthand how challenging it can be to balance major gifts and annual fund efforts. As a development director and consultant, I've grappled with this issue countless times. Today, I want to share some insights that I hope will help you navigate this common dilemma.

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