The Insider’s Guide to Major Gifts
What are Major Gifts?
The definition of what constitutes a major gift differs from organization to organization. A small nonprofit might deem a major gift as anything over $1,000 while a large, established organization might call $50,000 a major gift. Outside of planned giving, major gifts are the largest donations that a nonprofit receives. However, they are not granted frequently.
Why are Major Gifts Important?
Because major gifts are often some of the largest donations that an organization receives, their importance cannot be overstated. Your nonprofit can boost its fundraising efforts when you take the time to cultivate, solicit, and steward your major gift donors properly. Major gifts only appear once in a while. Make sure your organization is prepared for them.
How to Ask For Major Gifts?
Major gifts don’t just fall out of the sky. Asking for major gifts takes more time and patience than donation appeals for smaller contributions. Once you have a relationship with a potential major gift donor, all you have to do is make your case and pitch the appeal. Forming that connection, though, is crucial to major gift success.