When you have a donor who upgrades their giving, especially those that move dramatically to the 5-figure level, do not just put them through your normal thank you receipting process. Get out of your office and go see them. Get face to face with that donor and thank them. Ask them to explain the decision making process and their trusted advisers that helped them with the decision. Before you know that single gift will blossom into five or six major gifts, but only if you take the time to meet and cultivate real friendships.
fundraising
Major Gifts and Painting Porches
When I called the major gift officer to check on how his visit went with the donor, a dear older lady answered the phone. She said that “her friend was helping her paint the front porch right now and could he call me back in an our our so?”
The 4th Quarter Check List – Golden Week 2011 – Are You Ready?
By any metric or system of measurement in fund development the last week of the year is by far the most profitable week for any not-for-profit organization. I often refer to this week as “golden week”.