Understanding the Importance of Major Gifts in Nonprofit Fundraising
In this conversation, Nancy Rieves, a fundraising coach and an expert at raising major gifts, provides insights into nonprofit fundraising. After sharing her personal journey into fundraising, she discusses her belief in the transformative power of focusing on large gifts. She underscores the role of fundraisers as a conduit for people who can give and those in need. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding and identifying large gifts, discovering potential donors, and maintaining authenticity when communicating with potential donors. Rieves also shares her three-point test for identifying potential large gift donors: passion for the cause, means to give, and philanthropy. Towards the end, she mentions several resources available on her website, including free trainings and a fundraising plan template.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:26 Nancy Rieves: The Fundraising Coach 01:41 Nancy’s Journey into Fundraising 04:04 The Importance of Major Gifts in Fundraising 05:21 Nancy’s Success Story with Major Gifts 06:59 Understanding the Role of a Fundraiser 08:07 Defining Major Donors and Major Gifts 13:23 Identifying Potential Major Donors 15:45 The Philanthropic Mindset 21:14 How to Approach and Talk to Major Donors 21:51 Starting Point: The Art of Asking 22:04 Keeping the Donor Central: Shifting the Focus 22:54 Connecting the Dots: Engaging with Potential Donors 23:35 The Art of Asking for Advice 24:00 The Importance of Being Yourself in Fundraising 24:19 A Personal Anecdote: The Lake House Story 28:26 The Pitfalls of Being Perceived as Having an Agenda 30:02 Building Genuine Relationships with Donors 31:27 The Importance of Asking: Overcoming the Fear 34:18 Where to Find More Fundraising Resources 41:14 Closing Remarks and Future Conversations
Contact Nancy
Website: https://fundraisingmaximized.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FundraisingMaximized
