Major Gift Basics
Identify, cultivate, and close transformational gifts from major donors.
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
Screen your volunteers for $5
VolunteerBadge runs FCRA-compliant background checks for just $5 — with identity verification built in. No monthly fees, no contracts.
Create a free account →Course outline
- 1
What counts as a major gift?
5 min
- 2
Finding prospects: capacity and affinity
6 min
- 3
The moves-management cycle
7 min
- 4
Qualifying and cultivating: building the relationship
6 min
- 5
Understanding donor motivations
5 min
- 6
Making the ask in person
7 min
- 7
Stewardship and the role of the board
6 min
Sources & further reading
- Association of Fundraising Professionals — Fundraising Effectiveness Project — 76/4, 89/14, 96/33: The New Fundraising Rules You Need to Know
- CCS Fundraising — Five Steps to the Big Ask: How to Prepare Donors to Receive a Big Gift Request
- Bloomerang — A Beginner’s Guide to Moves Management for Nonprofits
- DonorSearch — Wealth Screening: Why It Matters & How to Get Started
- Association of Fundraising Professionals — Climbing the Pyramid: Unlocking Donor Motivation with Maslow
This course is educational and provides general information about the Fair Credit Reporting Act and volunteer-screening best practices. It is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time — consult a qualified attorney about your organization’s specific obligations.