Author: Seize The Weekday

Forward Fundraisers is offering our subscribers (that’s you) a 50% discount on the Efficient Major Gifts course. The cost of the program is normally $999, but for a limited time you can get it for $499. The course will equip your fundraising team to bring in significant gifts through:

• Avoiding unproductive work
• Getting more visits
• Making more asks
• Focusing on priority prospects

View the full course curriculum at the link below. This program will motivate your team, increase efficiency, and see the desired results you are looking for – raising millions for your university. Also, if you are not completely satisfied with the course, we offer a 30 day money back guarantee.

Want to be a fundraiser with a laser focus that produces big results?

Introducing the Efficient Major Gifts program. This five-part series is designed to help fundraisers avoid wasting time with unproductive work, redirect focus on priority prospects, book more visits, and make more solicitation asks. Whether you’re an up-and-coming or seasoned professional, these proven methods will bring fresh prospective, increase motivation, and best of all, see results!

Click on the link below to view the full course curriculum. Check out the first 3 videos for free! These videos will motivate your team, increase efficiency, and see the desired results you are looking for – raising millions for your university. Perfect for any size fundraising team.

Forward Fundraisers is releasing our Efficient Major Gifts course soon! Efficient major gifts is when a fundraiser strategically focuses their time and effort on the prospects that have a high probability to make a major gift in the near term. A lot of fundraisers make the mistake of engaging too many prospects or prospects with low giving capacity. The Efficient Major Gifts course is a catalog of videos that will help fundraisers avoid unproductive work and succeed by getting more visits, making more asks and focusing on priority prospects. Watch the video below to learn how this training system will turn your team into focused fundraisers that produce big results. If you are interested in learning more about enrolling your team, please contact Adam Platzer.

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In today’s fast-paced world, our high net-worth prospects are inundated with a myriad of commitments and priorities, making it increasingly challenging to capture their attention and secure a response. In this competitive landscape, it’s imperative to recognize that our prospects have a multitude of competing interests, and we may not always be at the forefront of their minds. So, the question arises: What can we do to distinguish ourselves and make an indelible impression? The answer lies in understanding the profound value we bring to the table. In this article, we present actionable tips that not only elevate your worth but also foster enduring partnerships that mutually benefit both you and your prospective donors.

1. Alumni Introductions: Networking within the esteemed community of alumni can prove invaluable in your efforts. It’s a well-known fact that successful alumni relish the opportunity to connect with their peers. By taking the initiative to introduce your prospect to this network, you’re opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. If your institution boasts an alumni engagement platform, encourage your prospect to explore it. Leverage the power of social media, particularly LinkedIn, to facilitate these connections. Your prospect will undoubtedly appreciate the time and effort you invest in nurturing these new connections.
2. Faculty Introductions: Similarly, establishing introductions with key faculty members who specialize in areas of interest to your prospect can be a game-changer. This presents an opportunity for these faculty members to become trusted advisors not only to the prospect but potentially to their organization as well. Your introduction might lead to collaborative research projects, access to state-of-the-art laboratories, involvement in advisory boards, or even strategic meetings with the senior leadership of your institution.
3. Relevant Articles and Resources: To truly understand your prospects, invest time in getting to know them. Stay abreast of industry trends and pertinent company articles. In essence, do your homework. The knowledge you gain will not only augment your value but also impress your prospects. If your university’s magazine features an article aligned with your prospect’s interests, consider sharing it with them. Particularly, if it pertains to new research developments in their industry, this gesture demonstrates your genuine interest in their business. It may even sow the seeds for future collaborative initiatives that benefit both their company and your university. This approach sets you apart from competing fundraisers and positions you as a valuable partner.
4. Perks: Everyone appreciates a thoughtful gesture. Extend an invitation to your prospects to visit your campus as your honored guests during high-profile university events. Offering complimentary tickets to sporting events and other university happenings can go a long way in demonstrating your attentiveness to their preferences. Don’t forget to explore local events near them if they reside out of state. This personalized approach showcases your commitment and creativity in building a meaningful connection.
5. Student Recruitment: Offering exclusive access to your pipeline of talented students for recruitment purposes is a compelling proposition for any company. If your prospect’s organization is in search of intern opportunities or top-tier talent, ensure they are aware of special events like career fairs, hackathons, student competitions, and keynote speaking engagements hosted by your institution. Hosting their company on your campus can enhance their branding both within the academic community and the broader public sphere. Recognizing their company’s involvement can further solidify your partnership. This approach serves as a win-win strategy for both you and your prospect.

In conclusion, while establishing a positive affinity for your university is undoubtedly the first step, it’s crucial to remember that your value cannot remain mere lip service. Building a meaningful relationship demands effort and investment. By dedicating yourself to strengthening these relationships, you will see your value and trustworthiness soar. The result? Major gift conversations will become more fluid, and your prospects will be more responsive. Are you ready to move the needle and solidify your position as a true partner in philanthropy?

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Soliciting major gifts can often entail a waiting game as donors deliberate on their commitment. But what if there were a way to expedite the process and secure more major gifts? The solution is simpler than you might think: Deadlines. These date-sensitive scenarios create a sense of urgency that propels donors to act promptly, reducing the likelihood of procrastination.

Here are some compelling examples of how to leverage deadlines effectively:

1. Event Announcement: Harness the excitement of upcoming events to encourage commitment from your prospects. Imagine announcing their generosity at a premier event to inspire others.
2. Matching Gift Challenges: Challenge your major gift donors to lead by example in a time-bound campaign with a matching gift component. Your donor’s lead gift can set the pace and motivate others to participate.
3. Board Meetings: If your prospect sits on your university’s board, consider using a board meeting as an opportunity to publicly acknowledge their gift, enhancing their reputation among their peers.
4. Scholarship Timing: Emphasize the importance of timely scholarship gifts to benefit deserving students before the fall semester, securing their access to a transformative education.
5. Leadership Meetings: Make your donor shine in front of university leadership by discussing their gift at an upcoming leadership meeting, including the university president.
6. Campaigns: As the end date of a fundraising campaign approaches, rally your prospect to be the driving force that helps the campaign reach its goal.
7. Program Support: Highlight the urgency of securing funds before a specific date to ensure the success of a program that will impact numerous students.
8. Faculty Support: Stress the immediate need for faculty or staff recruitment and retention, positioning your donor as a key player in securing top talent.

Remember, deadlines are powerful motivators, but donors can’t meet them if they’re not aware of them. Incorporate deadlines strategically to maximize your fundraising efforts and accelerate your university’s progress toward its goals.

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