Episode 16

full
Published on:

11th Jan 2022

Major Gifts: the Difference Maker

With the new year around the corner, have you set up a solid game plan for raising major gifts? They can represent the majority of your fundraising and take your nonprofit to the next level, so if you are not working with individual donors to raise major gifts, the time to start is now--and this episode can help.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Lou Traina, CFRM. Lou has served in public and private nonprofit enterprises for more than 29 years and is an expert in the field of major gifts. His passion for fundraising serves as a vehicle for enhancing the presence of nonprofits and allowing organizations to achieve their missions.

Lou holds a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University. In his current role as a nonprofit consultant, he specializes in Board and Foundation governance, advancement development, collaborative leadership, investment giving, and organizational leadership.

In this episode you'll discover:

What is the definition of a major gift 01:48

How do you determine your organizations definition of a major gift? 02:25

How are major gifts differ from other gift activities 03:26

A run through of the major gifts fundraising cycle 04:32

Protecting a donors investment 07:10

How to build strong relationships when going after major gifts 09:01

Are wealth engines a must have for someone trying to raise major gifts? 10:23

Guest example of a time where patience paid off and made an impact at a nonprofit 14:32

Common mistakes that development officers make in donor development? 18:46

How do you raise major gifts virtually? 20:00

Coaches Corner Question - "How can I market my nonprofit on social media better?" 23:38

This podcast comes to you from IMPACTability® powered by Soukup Strategic Solutions.

IMPACTability® is an online coaching program that helps nonprofit leaders maximize their impact. With Impact Coaches, nonprofit leaders can achieve career goals and have a greater impact on the world around them. Impact Coaches will help you address real-world challenges that you experience in your own nonprofit. By focusing on your strengths as a leader, Impact Coaches can help you apply your knowledge and skills to have a greater impact.

Nonprofit Coaching: https://impactability.net (Learn more about IMPACTability® and how to work with a nonprofit coach).

Soukup Strategic Solutions, Inc. was founded in 2012 by the company’s president, Sheryl Soukup, to provide nonprofit organizations with expertise in fundraising and nonprofit management. The company offers consulting, coaching, and full-service grant writing, marketing, donor database management, strategic planning, and much more.

Nonprofit consulting and outsourcing solutions: https://soukupstrategicsolutions.com/services (Learn more about the services offered by Soukup Strategic Solutions to nonprofit organizations.)

Have a question for Coaches' Corner? Email IMPACTCoaches@IMPACTability.net

Visit our websites at:

https://soukupstrategicsolutions.com/ (www.SoukupStrategic Solutions.com)

https://impactability.net/ (https://impactability.net/)



This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
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About the Podcast

IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders' Podcast
Each episode, we feature an expert in their nonprofit field, discussing topics that range from fundraising and nonprofit management to Board development and marketing.
"IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders' Podcast" is a dynamic and insightful series hosted by Josh Hirsch, M.S., Senior Strategist for Soukup Strategic Solutions, and created by Sheryl Soukup, President of Soukup Strategic Solutions. Each episode looks at the multifaceted world of nonprofit organizations, offering expert advice on issues ranging from fundraising and management to Board development and marketing. Josh, with his extensive background in the nonprofit sector, engages with a variety of experts to provide valuable perspectives and practical solutions to the challenges faced by nonprofit leaders.

Listeners will find each episode rich with knowledge and inspiration. The podcast covers a wide array of topics, ensuring relevance for a diverse nonprofit audience. Whether it’s discussing innovative fundraising strategies, exploring effective Board governance, or the nuances of nonprofit marketing, "IMPACTability" serves as an essential resource for leaders looking to enhance their organization's impact. This podcast is an excellent tool for anyone in the nonprofit sector seeking to grow professionally and make a more significant impact in their community.

About your host

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Josh Hirsch, M.S.

Josh Hirsch, M.S., is the Senior Strategist for Soukup Strategic Solutions and on faculty for The Fund Raising School at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006, most recently as Social Content Marketing for Susan G. Komen. He has an extensive background in social media, digital communications, and marketing along with experience in grant research and writing, individual giving, special event planning, stewardship, and cultivation of donors.