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