There’s an old adage about major donor fundraising. And right now is one of the times where we see why this wisdom keeps getting passed down from Fundraiser to Fundraiser.
The adage goes like this:
When times are good, major donors give.
When times are bad, major donors give.
When times are uncertain, major donors hold.
Major giving has been slow this year – despite the strong economy and stock market. This has been true for clients big and small, for organizations with mature major donor development systems and 1-person shops.
We believe the slowness was largely due to the uncertainty surrounding the presidential election.
But here’s the good news; this week I’ve heard multiple reports of major giving rebounding post-election. Their numbers from November are coming in and Fundraisers are pleasantly surprised.
Organizations are shifting from “I don’t think we’re going to hit our projections” to “I’m cautiously optimistic we’re going to hit our projections.” This is good news.
So if major giving for your organization has been slow this year, reach out to your majors this month. Ask them to give a gift to help your beneficiaries or cause. Give them reasons to give a gift now – tell them what work your organization is going to be doing in January and February and ask your majors to help make that work possible.
Be encouraged, and good luck!
