MAJOR MOVES

Leadership & Professional Development

Careers in advancement stall for predictable reasons: avoidance, lack of clarity, and institutional complacency. This section focuses on leadership judgment, professional growth, and the skills that separate effective fundraisers from busy ones. Less about motivation, more about responsibility. Written for professionals who take their role seriously.

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%.

Conceptualized dollar signs pointing to a light blub illustration.
Leadership & Professional Development
Joe Garecht

Top 10 Essential Strategies for Major Gift Fundraising Success

What separates good fundraisers from game-changing ones? It’s not just asking—it’s knowing when, how, and why to ask. Our latest guide reveals 10 powerhouse strategies to identify, cultivate, and secure major gifts that move the needle. If you’re ready to elevate your fundraising and turn conversations into commitments, this is the playbook you’ve been waiting for.

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Middle Aged Female
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

How to Talk to Wealthy People

Our culture has a lot of weird taboos about money. Americans don’t like to talk about money — or at least we hate to talk about how much money we make. It seems the more money people have, the quieter they are about it. Maybe we are confused, and think our net worth is tied to our self-worth. Or maybe we just don’t want to make anyone else feel bad.

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Image Depicting a Tribe
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

Are we Tribalistic in Nature?

Tribalism is deeply ingrained in human nature, shaping how we form connections, build trust, and make decisions—including charitable giving. Donors align with organizations that reflect their values and sense of belonging, making fundraising a process of fostering relationships rather than simple transactions. Understanding this psychology is crucial for securing major and planned gifts. Learn how to leverage donor tribes effectively through expert insights, including those from Dr. Russell James, and explore professional development opportunities like the Major Gifts Boot Camp.

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Nonprofit board members sitting at conference table
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

The Nonprofit Board Job Description

A nonprofit board job description is essential to carefully building an effective nonprofit board of directors and properly serve your target population.

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Win-Win Presentation
Leadership & Professional Development
Samantha Ganser

Minor Steps, Major Wins: Securing Major Gifts through Planned Giving

It may be clear that planned giving is worth the time and investment. But how does one begin to develop a planned giving program that will lead to major gifts down the line? Can receiving planned gifts and eventually, major gifts, actually be that straightforward? Here are some simple steps for building a planned giving program that will allow your nonprofit to win big in the future.

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Every planned gift is a major gift. Get educated today.