This document outlines the process for conducting successful major gift donor meetings. It discusses getting organized, scheduling meetings, and conducting the meetings, with the goal of obtaining major gifts. The key steps are: 1) establishing rapport with donors, learning about their interests, and describing your organization's work; 2) providing updates and making an initial "ask"; and 3) discussing a formal proposal and obtaining a yes for a major gift. The document emphasizes calibrating the donor relationship stage and tailoring meetings to that stage.
3. MAJOR GIFT DEFINITIONS
From Individual Donors
Dollar Amount Varies
20% Donors = 80% Support
Exist with/without Capital Campaign
4. 1. Get Organized
3 Easy Steps to Asking for Major Gifts from Individuals
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
5. 1. Get Organized
2. Schedule Your Meetings
3 Easy Steps to Asking for Major Gifts from Individuals
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
6. 1. Get Organized
2. Schedule Your Meetings
3. Meet and Ask for the Gift!
3 Easy Steps to Asking for Major Gifts from Individuals
…and repeat
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
7. 3 Concepts to Understand
Step 3: Meet and Ask for the Gift “Deep Dive”
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
8. 1. Not all major gift donor meetings have the same
purpose.
3 Concepts to Understand
Step 3: Meet and Ask for the Gift “Deep Dive”
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
9. 1. Not all major gift donor meetings have the same purpose.
2. Calibrate the Stage in your donor relationship
3 Concepts to Understand
Step 3: Meet and Ask for the Gift “Deep Dive”
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
10. 1. Not all major gift donor meetings have the same purpose.
2. Calibrate the Stage in your donor relationship
3. Match your meeting to the Stage
3 Concepts to Understand
Step 3: Meet and Ask for the Gift “Deep Dive”
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
12. Meeting #1
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
13. 1. Establish a rapport with the potential donor
Meeting #1
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
14. 1. Establish a rapport with the potential donor
2. Learn about their interests and ideas – LISTEN!
Meeting #1
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
15. 1. Establish a rapport with the potential donor
2. Learn about their interests and ideas - LISTEN
3. Describe the exciting work being done at your
organization
Meeting #1
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
16. 1. Establish a rapport with the potential donor
2. Learn about their interests and ideas - LISTEN
3. Describe the exciting work being done at your organization
4. Explain that in the future you would like to discuss
possible support
Meeting #1
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
17. 1. Establish a rapport with the potential donor
2. Learn about their interests and ideas - LISTEN
3. Describe the exciting work being done at your organization
4. Explain that in the future you would like to discuss possible
support
5. Ask for another meeting to continue to talk
Meeting #1
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
18. Meeting #2
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
19. 1. Check in on what’s new with the potential donor
Meeting #2
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
20. 1. Check in on what’s new with the potential donor
2. Give an update on your organization
Meeting #2
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
21. 1. Check in on what’s new with the potential donor
2. Give an update on your organization
3. Make your ask
Meeting #2
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
22. 1. Check in on what’s new with the potential donor
2. Give an update on your organization
3. Make your ask
4. Establish the next step
-- A written proposal, a phone call, meeting with spouse/partner,
etc.
Meeting #2
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
23. Meeting #3
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
24. 1. Discuss your proposal
Meeting #3
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
25. 1. Discuss your proposal
2. The donor says yes.
Meeting #3
Donor Meeting Flow: 3 Ideal Meetings that Lead to a Gift
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK
26. Get our Free Tools for Major Gift Fundraising!
Go to: peterjheller.com/freetools
Peter Heller
Fundraising Consulting
Major Gift Programs, Campaigns, Feasibility Studies, Training
peter@peterjheller.com
www.peterjheller.com
Your Questions
ANALYZE THIS: HOW MAJOR GIFT DONOR MEETINGS WORK