Technology

Considerations

◦ You can manage a major gift campaign using Microsoft Word and Excel if need be. Simple works.

◦ A sophisticated constituent relationship management software will provide myriad additional resources for “digital” research and tracking, but you must get training.

◦ First and foremost, you need an organized, determined approach and willingness to thoroughly document your work.

Individuals

“It’s not just who you know, but who they know. The average US CEO or non-profit trustee has a second-degree connection to more than 250 billionaires. From shared employment, education … boards and more, the networks of wealthy individuals are expansive.”

◦ Do you already know who is capable of and interested in giving to your nonprofit?

◦ Sometimes the challenge is one of communication and confidence.

◦ Conduct independent research about their recent interests, philanthropy to your nonprofit and others, their colleagues, and more. Document the information in writing.

◦ Use volunteers to review the information.

◦ Focus on the most promising prospects.

◦ Don’t know who could be a major gift donor? Or does your nonprofit suffer from donor burnout?

◦ Consider wealth screening.