The Surprising Major Donor Question I Always Ask

Since 2010 or so, every time I am part of a major donor appeal, I ask the millionaire (or billionaire) one question…. and it’s not what you think.

I ask every donor I have ever solicited a $25,000+ gift,
“At what point did you become wealthy.”

The ...

Scoping Out a Gift Before Asking

Years ago, I worked with a financial and fundraising firm in Chicago. I was tasked with training a group of parish leaders in making an ask asks for a diocesan capital campaign. 

The VP of Advancement for the diocese wanted to run the campaign internally to spare t...

Prepare to Make Next Year Your Best Fundraising Year Yet

1. Prep Your Annual Summary of Giving Receipts

I recommend organizations send two tax receipts per gift. The first tax receipt immediately following the donation, within 48 hours (even if someone gives online and receives an automatically...

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...