Developing an Individual and Major Donor Strategy

Identify Prospective Donors:

• Utilize your organization's database and research tools to identify individuals with the capacity and inclination to make major gifts.

• Consider wealth indicators, philanthropic history, involvement with similar causes, and personal connections to your organization.

Segmentation and Prioritization:

• Segment potential donors based on their capacity to give, level of engagement with your organization, and other relevant factors.

• Prioritize donors based on their potential impact and alignment with your mission and fundraising goals.

Research and Prospect Qualification:

• Conduct thorough research on each prospective major donor, including wealth screening, philanthropic interests, giving history, and any existing connections to your organization.

• Qualify prospects based on their capacity, interest, and ability to engage with your organization.

Develop Cultivation Strategies:

• Customize cultivation strategies for each major donor prospect, considering their interests, preferences, and communication style.

• Plan personalized interactions, such as one-on-one meetings, site visits, events, and meaningful engagement opportunities.

Stewardship and Relationship Building:

• Implement stewardship practices to nurture relationships with major donors and demonstrate the impact of their contributions.

• Provide regular updates on your organization's activities, accomplishments, and financial needs.

• Acknowledge donors' generosity and express gratitude for their support through personalized communications and recognition opportunities.

Ask and Solicitation Strategies:

• Develop tailored solicitation strategies for each major donor based on their interests, motivations, and capacity to give.

• Craft compelling cases for support that highlight the specific impact of major gifts on your organization's mission and programs.

• Determine the appropriate timing and approach for making the ask, considering the donor's readiness and engagement level.

Donor Recognition and Engagement Opportunities:

• Create opportunities for major donors to deepen their engagement with your organization, such as participation in advisory boards, exclusive events, and leadership roles.

• Recognize major donors publicly and privately for their contributions, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated as key stakeholders.

Integration with Overall Fundraising Plan:

• Ensure alignment between your individual and major donor strategy and your organization's broader fundraising goals and activities.

• Coordinate efforts with other fundraising channels and initiatives to maximize donor engagement and revenue generation.