MAJOR MOVES

Donor Relationships

Major gifts are not transactions; they are the byproduct of trust built over time. This category focuses on the human side of fundraising—listening, stewardship, credibility, and continuity. It examines why relationships fail, why donors disengage, and how disciplined relationship management outperforms tools and tactics. For professionals who understand that money follows confidence, not cleverness.

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%.

Board Members Silhouette
Donor Relationships
Benjamin Case

How to Involve Board Members in Stewardship

Board members can (and should!) be involved with stewardship for your organization. Here are ways they can be involved as well as tips to maximize their communications with donors.

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Gold Key Depicting Great Wealth Transfer
Donor Relationships
Viken Mikaelian

The Great Wealth Transfer: A Fundraising Gamechanger

In the coming years, it is expected that an economic phenomenon dubbed The Great Wealth Transfer will shake markets up as baby boomer parents begin to leave their wealth and estates to their millennial children

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Senior Couple With Sarcastic Face
Donor Relationships
Viken Mikaelian

Don’t Worry. You Don’t Need a Will.

Without a will your grieving loved ones will face the responsibility and expense of untangling your affairs while also speculating about your gift intentions.

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How to Bring New Members to Your Board of Directors 

Becoming a nonprofit board member is a rewarding experience, but it can be overwhelming if there isn’t an effective onboarding process for new members. Studies have found that almost half of all nonprofit board members would say their organizations didn’t have a “defined onboarding process.” This is significant because a board member who is only half prepared is, at most, half effective. 

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Commitement — Small figures holding up a sign of letters spelling it out
Donor Relationships
Joe Garecht

Turning One-Time Gifts into Multi-Year Commitments: Strategies for Major Donor Fundraising

Multi-year commitments are a game-changer for nonprofits, providing stable, predictable funding that enables long-term growth and impact. Instead of constantly seeking new one-time gifts, organizations can focus on deeper donor relationships and sustained mission success. Identifying ideal prospects, crafting personalized proposals, and structuring flexible pledge agreements are key to securing these commitments. By maintaining engagement through updates, exclusive briefings, and meaningful recognition, nonprofits can ensure donors feel valued and invested. Implementing these strategies transforms fundraising efforts, allowing organizations to plan confidently, expand programs, and build a lasting foundation for continued philanthropic support.

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Female Fundraiser With Donor Discussing Stock Investments
Donor Relationships
Camilyn Leone

Kitchen Drawer Philanthropists

I visited Frank many times while I worked for the Children’s’ Museum. Each time I saw him, we sat in the kitchen, talked about the museum. Then, he would reach over and open that kitchen drawer and pull out a beautifully engraved stock certificate. I would carefully carry this gift back to the museum and turn it into a charitable gift annuity.

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