In the fundraising world, it is a well known truth that when a major gift comes to fruition, it is never the result of a single fundraiser’s work. Instead, it’s a collective effort, involving a team that is working across the organization to engage prospects in alignment with their passions. This process, often spanning several years and multiple points of engagement, is a testament to the power of collaboration. Hence, when the gift is finally realized, it is important to extend gratitude to the internal partners who played pivotal roles along the way.
Enter the “Pathway to a Gift”—a visual representation that encapsulates the high-level engagements and contributions of the partners who paved the way to philanthropic success. This graphic narrative is then shared with all those mentioned within, serving as an acknowledgment of their support. The benefits from such recognition are as follows:
1) Peer Recognition
There’s an innate joy in being acknowledged in the presence of peers. This expression of gratitude resonates deeply, fostering a sense of pride and igniting enthusiasm among team members to collaborate on future fundraising ventures.
2) Education Tool
The use of a visual diagram serves as an educational tool, demystifying the work of major gift fundraising. In a world where many may not fully grasp the nuances of our profession, the diagram offers a window into the high level of engagement and the time frame required for success.
3) Stimulating Thought
When internal partners are presented with a visual representation of the major gift process, it often sparks ideas about how they can contribute to similar efforts. This leads to a steady influx of prospect leads, improving your pool of potential donors.
4) Positive Word of Mouth
The goodwill generated by the “Pathway to a Gift” inevitably spreads throughout your organization. As colleagues learn of the benefits of partnering with the development office, enthusiasm grows, and new possibilities for collaboration come forward.
In essence, expressing gratitude to the internal partners who played pivotal roles in achieving a major gift is not only courteous but also strategically advantageous. Taking the extra step to craft a “Pathway to a Gift” offers many benefits for your future fundraising endeavors. Below, you’ll find an illustrative example of a “Pathway” to serve as a guide, along with a blank template to create your own, further promoting a culture of appreciation and teamwork within your organization. Download a blank pathway here to create your own.
Subscribe here and receive fresh articles directly in your inbox:
Forward Fundraisers 