Major Moves

Strategy, donor psychology, leadership, and the uncomfortable truths behind the largest gifts in philanthropy.
GIVING magazine, Karen Alonso on Cover, United Way Las Vegas, AFP Chapter President

Giving Magazine

For those who drive change — not watch it. Join the top 1%.

Virtual Fundraising

Virtual Major Gift Fundraising — A Trend For The Future

Virtual major gift fundraising is now a permanent part of nonprofit strategy. When executed with discipline, virtual meetings increase donor access, reduce travel costs, and expand daily productivity. This article outlines best practices for preparation, professionalism, technology setup, and executing the virtual ask to ensure strong results in modern major gift fundraising.

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Strategy - Hands pointing to gears that work together

How To Develop a Major Donor Fundraising Strategy

Securing major donors requires a deliberate, multi-step strategy — not luck. Start by setting clear fundraising goals aligned with your nonprofit’s mission and future plans. Then focus on long-term retention, not just acquisition. Cultivate relationships through consistent stewardship, showing donors the impact of their gifts. A strong major donor fundraising strategy is the difference between barely scraping by and planning confidently for the future.

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Different Reasons to Donate

What’s Your Donor’s Why?

In major gifts fundraising, understanding why a donor gives is more important than how they give. This article explores how donor motivation drives long-term engagement, informs blended giving strategies, and strengthens retention. By practicing disciplined listening and structured discovery, fundraisers can align gift vehicles with donor purpose and build enduring philanthropic relationships.

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Grants Nonprofit Jobs

How To Get A Job At A Non-Profit: A Guide

Transitioning into the nonprofit sector requires more than passion. This article outlines a strategic approach to securing nonprofit employment, including clarifying motivation, defining target roles, building relevant experience, networking within local ecosystems, and preparing for interviews with institutional awareness. Professionals who combine mission commitment with operational discipline position themselves for long-term leadership success.

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Negotiate Your Salary

Negotiating a Nonprofit Job Offer: 5 Tips for Receiving What You’re Worth

You just nailed the final interview for a major gifts officer position at the nonprofit of your dreams. Everything feels ideal: the nonprofit serves in a causal area you’re passionate about, the team seems driven and welcoming, and the role perfectly blends the use of your current skill set with skills you’re determined to learn. There’s just one problem: the salary is just not right.

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SEO For Nonprofit Organizations

SEO Strategies for Non-Profit Organizations

SEO strengthens nonprofit credibility and digital visibility. For major gifts leaders, understanding core SEO principles — keyword alignment, structured content, technical performance, and authority building — supports donor confidence before engagement begins. This revised article simplifies language and improves flow while maintaining professional rigor. SEO is not a tactic alone; it is strategic infrastructure for fundraising growth.

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Be Proactive

The Secret to Being More Proactive at Work

In major gifts fundraising, the difference between reactive and proactive work directly impacts revenue and career advancement. This article outlines how fundraisers can strengthen planning, organization, and communication to manage portfolios strategically rather than respond to daily crises. Proactivity builds institutional trust, increases autonomy, and positions development professionals for long-term leadership.

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How to Handle Investment Fears

Investment Fears: What Buffett Knows That Most Investors Ignore

A bumpy stock market can provide quite a ride. For many, nothing matches the thrill of knowing you made a bundle investing in a certain stock or fund. But when the stock market begins to drop, investment fears set in. Those fears can take over your capacity to manage your money and investments successfully, unless you confront them head-on.

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