Ask Kevin: “What is a breakpoint for a ‘major’ donor?”

In this series, I answer questions from my audience. To submit a question, email me at: [email protected]. You will get a prompt response, and in some cases, I will also eventually outline a more in-depth response on my blog. 

Question...

This is part three of a four-part series I am doing on major gift fundraising.

1. Working with major gift officers or consultants
2. The foundations of why major donors give and how to talk with them
3. How to identify major donors for your small to mid-sized nonprofit
4. How to do the major gift ask (acc...

UPDATED OCTOBER 25, 2021

This is part three of a four-part series I am doing on major gift fundraising.

1. Working with major gift officers or consultants
2. The foundations of why major donors give and how to talk with them
3. How to identify major donors for your small to mid-sized nonprofit
4. How to ...

This is part two of a four-part series I am doing on major gift fundraising.

1. Working with major gift officers or consultants
2. The foundations of why major donors give and how to talk with them
3. How to identify major donors for your small to mid-sized nonprofit
4. How to do the major gift ask (accor...

One of the number one questions I am asked is about raising major gifts. So, over the next four weeks, I will be delving into the major gift solicitation process.

1. Working with major gift officers or consultants
2. The foundations of why major donors give and how to talk with them
3. How to identify m...

Maximizing Year-End Giving Through Strategic Communications

On the same day as the autumn equinox, I walked through several stores, including Home Depot and Lowes, looking for some outdoor items - only to see the patio furniture has been replaced with… Christmas decorations? I hardly got my fix ...

Top Four Strategies To Attract and Retain Donors

It is the goal of every organization to attract and retain donors. There are several strategies organizations can employ to make sure new friends feel welcomed, donors feel appreciated, and nobody falls through the cracks. Here are the top four engag...

Always Be Thanking: Bring an Abundance of Gifts from Being Thankful

If fundraising professionals could do just one thing that would improve the culture of their organization and raise more money, it would be thanking everyone for everything. Or, as a post-it-note on my desk read before I was in thi...

Confessions of a Development Director: I think I am a Fraud

Why Development Directors Only Last 18-24 Months and What Can Be Done About It

Dear Kevin, 

I am finding so much comfort in your content and it’s providing me some hope. I am coming up on 18 months at my current nonprofit and feeling ...

Ask Kevin: “When is the most successful time for an annual appeal?”

In this series, I answer questions from my audience. To submit a question, email me at: [email protected]. You will get a prompt response, and in some cases, I will also eventually outline a more in-depth response on my blog. ...

“You’re Always Asking for Money” 

Has a donor or friend ever told you “you are always asking for money”? In over a decade, I have never once worked with or for an organization that did not have the “asking too often” concern expressed. Hearing the criticism regularly formed my opinion that every...

"We just need more donors..."

Of the hundreds of organizations I’ve been asked to help, I'd say 95% of them present with the same “problem” when they call me: “we just need more donors.” “You and everyone else” I usually say, semi sarcastically. Digging deeper into their situation usually leads to ...