As I talk to other fundraisers, consultants and nonprofit executives there seems to be a preoccupation with what are called “major gifts.” Everyone seems to be on the look out for the “big one.”
Even in modest giving, the idea of the next ice bucket challenge looms large—but that’s a subject for another time.
Let me just say there are more than enough major donors to go around and they are much closer to your organization or cause than you may think.
You don’t have to contrive an introduction or barge into their personal lives by just “happening” to bump into them a their daughter’s soccer match. And there’s certainly no need to go creepy and “stalk” them, as I heard one fundraiser say recently.
Principle 4 of The Eight Principles™ is Learn & Plan™. Before building your team of major donors and supporters, take a good long look at yourself. What is it you truly value?
Principle 5 of The Eight Principles is Work From the Inside Out, so you won’t need to look far.
Look around you. Do you see others who share your dreams?
Once you’ve identified your major donors and true supporters, make plans on bringing them into the fold. Naturally.
You won’t need to contrive a meeting, nor approach your investor through a feint or dodge.
Let the relationship grow naturally. That’s the way long-term relationships and transformative gifts are created.
