How To Get Major Donors
Can’t we just ask that large Philanthropist in the community for a gift? We need more major donors and that large Philanthropist gives everywhere. Why can’t they give to us?
🙋♀️ Raise your hand if you have ever had this conversation? I know I have.
Finding new major donors is essential to the financial health of your organization. And often, we just focus on who has the most capacity. But what about who has the most affinity, or a strong liking for your issues?
What about does that large Philanthropist have access to you? Do they know you exist or have they heard about your impact? If not, it’s going to be pretty tough for them to support you. So perhaps, the first step in getting that large Philanthropist to support your cause is to introduce your organization to them.
Look - I know you want the best for your organization.
I know you want to change lives and make an impact.
But you are struggling to find major donors and maybe even retain the ones you have.
You are not hitting your revenue goals
You are not sure how you’re going to serve your mission.
How can that be? You may be disconnected from that pesky WHY. Why does your organization exist? Why does the vital work you do matter?
And to take it one step further – think for a moment if your organization did not exist.
Have you ever had that conversation with a prospective major donor? Imagine what they would think. They care about what you do. They want to make change.
But maybe they don’t realize that you need the funds.
Maybe they don’t know how important their investment is.
Maybe they never thought you were struggling.
Maybe they’ll say yes to that major gift.
Maybe you just need to ask them.
So, have the conversation. Be authentic. Be direct. Be confident. And ask – will you help make a difference with a gift of (insert dollar amount here)?
Imagine what it would be like to not worry about how you’re going to meet your budget goals. Imagine what it would be like to make a bigger impact in the world?
What does that look like? Have you ever shared that vision with your major donors or a prospective donor?
Try it and let me know how it goes. If you need some help, let’s talk.
P.S. – Think you are done once you get the gift? Not even close! Now is the time to steward them.
Check out these two blog posts (February 2022 & March 2022) on how to steward your donors after they’ve given. Keep me posted if you had a chance to implement any of these solutions.