Question of the Month: How do you set goals in major gifts?

Question of the Month: How do you set goals in major gifts?

by | Jun 28, 2023 | , , , , | Goal-setting, Major Gifts, Planning, Strategic Plans

Many organizations have a transactional mindset when setting goals for major gifts. But when leadership pulls a number out of a hat (think: “Raise X% more than last year”), it doesn’t honor the donor or acknowledge their passions. Instead of a blanket goal that...
New National Major Gift Revenue Numbers: 2022 Down Over 4% from 2021, but Veritus Clients Are UP 22%! Why?

New National Major Gift Revenue Numbers: 2022 Down Over 4% from 2021, but Veritus Clients Are UP 22%! Why?

by | Apr 26, 2023 | , , , , | Major Donors, Major Gifts, Performance, Strategic Plans, The Veritus Way

I just finished reading several blogs and reflections from AFP-ICON, which just wrapped up in New Orleans, and it sounds like people are extremely nervous! Why? Because a recent report by the Fundraising Effectiveness Project shows that for the first time since 2013,...
The Worst Way to Start a Conversation with a Donor

The Worst Way to Start a Conversation with a Donor

by | Apr 10, 2023 | , , , , | Communication, Donor Conversation, Fundraising, Impact, Major Gifts

The worst way to start a conversation with a qualified donor on your caseload is to bring up any topic related to money. Like… After a gift: “We received your gift of X yesterday. Wow, that was an amazing and generous gift! Thank you.” Before an ask or leading into an...
Frustrating Things Non-Profits Do that Hijack Major Gifts: Part 4

Frustrating Things Non-Profits Do that Hijack Major Gifts: Part 4

by | Feb 20, 2023 | , , , | Fundraising, Leadership, Major Gifts, Management, Non-Profits

Okay, this is going to be the last in the series of all the terrible things non-profits do that hurt major gifts. I hope by shedding light on these you will be able to evaluate your own program and organization and make a check list of areas to improve so that your...
Frustrating Things Non-Profits Do that Hijack Major Gifts: Part 3

Frustrating Things Non-Profits Do that Hijack Major Gifts: Part 3

by | Feb 17, 2023 | , , , | Fundraising, Leadership, Major Gifts, Management, Non-Profits

Every non-profit wants to grow revenue. And they truly want to have engaged donors. I really believe that, but the problem is that most non-profits focus on the money when fundraising, not on their donors. When the focus is on money, while you may get some, you will...
Frustrating Things Non-Profits Do that Hijack Major Gifts: Part 2

Frustrating Things Non-Profits Do that Hijack Major Gifts: Part 2

by | Feb 15, 2023 | , , , | Fundraising, Leadership, Major Gifts, Management, Non-Profits

In my last post, I introduced a series about all the ways that non-profits are stunting their major gift programs. Today, we’re going to continue making our way through this list. Let’s get right into it: Lack of investment into the major gift pipeline from...