Free · Certificate included

Major Gift Basics

Identify, cultivate, and close transformational gifts from major donors.

40 min Beginner 7 modules Pass 80%

For: Nonprofit fundraisers and development staff

What you’ll learn

Identify and qualify major gift prospects using capacity and affinity
Run the five-stage moves-management cycle for each prospect
Build a cultivation plan that earns trust before the ask
Make a confident, specific, in-person major gift ask
Engage your board as door-openers and stewards

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Course outline

1
What counts as a major gift?
A major gift is one of the largest contributions an individual donor makes to your organization — large enough that it deserves personal, one-to-one attention…
5 min Quiz
2
Finding prospects: capacity and affinity
A prospect is someone who might become a major donor.
6 min Quiz Interactive
3
The moves-management cycle
Moves management is the discipline of guiding each prospect, intentionally, through a series of "moves" — actions that deepen the relationship — toward a gift and beyond.
7 min Quiz Interactive
4
Qualifying and cultivating: building the relationship
Qualifying is a reality check. Before you invest months in cultivation, confirm that a prospect actually has capacity, inclination, and readiness. The cheapest way…
6 min Quiz Interactive
5
Understanding donor motivations
People do not make transformational gifts because your spreadsheet needs them to.
5 min Quiz
6
Making the ask in person
The solicitation is the moment everything has been building toward — and it is almost always done in person (or, when necessary, by video).
7 min Quiz Interactive
7
Stewardship and the role of the board
Stewardship is everything you do after the gift to honor it: a prompt, personal thank-you; a clear report on the impact their money made; and ongoing connection…
6 min Quiz Interactive

Sources & further reading

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