Major Gifts for Nonprofit Orgs

In 2022 Americans gave $499.33 billion to nonprofit organizations, after surpassing $500 billion during the pandemic. Analysts attribute the decline to the stock market plunge, the threat of recession, economic volatility, inflation, and donor fatigue resulting from unprecedented generosity in addressing the pandemic's impact as well as the call to advance racial and social justice. Yet despite these circumstances, gifts and bequests from individuals totaled $364.64 or 73% of all philanthropy. As is typical, the depth of individuals' generosity far outpaced foundation and corporate commitments. Major Gifts for Nonprofit Organizations explores how organizations can realize their major gift fundraising potential, both to meet current needs and realize aspirational goals. We will ask how prospective and current donors can be motivated to make major gifts, especially to your organization? We will look at how major gift fundraising has been impacted by the pandemic and where new technologies, like AI and ChatGPT, fit into major gift fundraising. We will also focus on foundational elements: organizational readiness for major gift fundraising, understanding the donor life cycle (prospect identification and qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship), increasing Board engagement, making the case for support, understanding the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in major gift fundraising, research analytics and Moves Management, and operations (program management, acknowledgement processes and gift acceptance policies). While mindful of individual and organization confidentiality, participants will be encouraged to share their experiences, offer suggestions, and seek feedback from classmates and the instructor in a welcoming and supportive environment. COURSE TOPICS      Introduction to Major Gifts Fundraising, Including Organizational Readiness     The Donor Life Cycle     The Role of Boards and Board Development, including diversity, equity and inclusion on Boards and among volunteers, donors, and advancement staff     Research, Analytics, and Moves Management     Making the Ask     Foundation and Corporate Fundraising This course is eligible towards the completion of the Certificate in Fundraising. Bundle your coursework and earn a professional credential that communicates knowledge and skills gained. Declared Certificate students receive 10% off of courses within the program. Note: Full participation in Major Gifts for Nonprofit Organizations is applicable for 15 points in Category 1.B - Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.