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Major and Principal Gifts

4.6

Based on 25 ratings

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Jason Wohlman

This course will provide a comprehensive view of major and principal gift development work for students who seek to build upon their experiences gained in the introductory session. Participants will gain an understanding of the philosophy and strategies implemented in major gift development including prospect identification, how to initially engage a potential major gift donor, the process of cultivation and moves management, effective proposal writing, making a successful ask and on-going donor stewardship. Students will practice fundamental major gift development skills by developing their own prospect strategy, producing essential documents to support the process, and engaging in role playing activity to simulate interaction with prospects and donors.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview: An Introduction to Major and Principal Gifts

In this module, you will be able to recall terminology used related to acquiring and managing Major and Principal Gift donations. You will be able to use guides to help develop and manage a Major Gifts Program. You will be able to identify eight elements of belief and confidence that indicate the likelihood of substantial giving. You will be able to recognize a prospective major gift donor and be better able to motivate their giving.

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational to intermediate skills in major gift fundraising

Suitable for those working as major gift officers, those aspiring to the role, or those wishing to add major gift skills to their fundraising repertoire

Teaches strategies for developing initial long-term major gift prospects

Provides a framework for cultivating major gift prospects

Instructors Jason Wohlman is recognized for their work in major gift fundraising

Some hands-on examples and activities to reinforce concepts

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Reviews summary

Navigating major and principal gifts

According to learners, this course provides a practical and comprehensive look into the world of major and principal gift fundraising. Students highlight the structured curriculum that covers the entire process from prospect identification to donor stewardship. Many found the content to be highly applicable, offering strategies and techniques that could be immediately implemented in their professional roles. The focus on real-world scenarios and skill practice, such as role-playing and proposal writing, was particularly appreciated.

Best suited for those with intro experience.

"This course definitely builds on introductory concepts, as stated in the description."

"I found having some prior fundraising knowledge was helpful."

"It feels like a progression from a foundational course in development."

"Those new to fundraising might need to take an introductory course first."

Content is well-organized and easy to follow.

"The course structure made it easy to digest complex information."

"Modules were presented in a logical and clear manner."

"I appreciated the clear learning objectives for each section."

"The content flowed well and built upon previous lessons."

Opportunities for practicing key skills.

"The role-playing activities for making an ask were incredibly helpful."

"Practicing proposal writing allowed me to hone my communication skills."

"I found the exercises on developing prospect strategy very beneficial."

"The hands-on components really helped solidify the theoretical concepts."

Covers the full major gift process.

"The modules covered everything from finding prospects to thanking donors, giving me a complete picture."

"It provided a comprehensive overview of the major gift cycle."

"I appreciated the detailed breakdown of each step in the fundraising process."

"The course leaves no stone unturned in explaining the nuances of major giving."

Strategies and techniques are highly applicable.

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

"The course provided actionable insights that I could implement directly in my fundraising role."

"It helped me understand how to approach major gift work in a practical, step-by-step way."

"The material gave me concrete methods for prospect research and cultivation strategies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Major and Principal Gifts with these activities:

Read 'Major Donor Fundraising: The Path to Success'

Show steps

Gain insights into the strategies and techniques used by successful major gift fundraisers.

Show steps

Acquire the book
Read the book and take notes
Apply the concepts to your own fundraising efforts

Volunteer for a Non-Profit Organization

Show steps

Gain practical experience in fundraising and donor relations through hands-on volunteering.

Show steps

Identify a non-profit organization
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate in fundraising activities or donor events

Attend a Professional Networking Event

Show steps

Connect with professionals in the field and expand your knowledge of major gifts fundraising.

Show steps

Research and identify a networking event
Prepare an elevator pitch
Attend the event and engage with attendees

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend a Major Gifts Fundraising Workshop

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Expand knowledge and network with experts in the field of major gifts fundraising.

Show steps

Research and select a workshop
Attend the workshop
Follow up with speakers or attendees

Role-Playing for Initial Meeting

Show steps

Practice engaging with potential donors to establish a strong first impression.

Show steps

Prepare talking points
Anticipate questions
Practice active listening

Draft a Prospect Strategy

Show steps

Develop a comprehensive plan for identifying and cultivating major gift prospects.

Show steps

Identify target audience
Research potential prospects
Develop a cultivation plan

Writing a Major Gifts Proposal

Show steps

Create a compelling proposal to secure major gifts and articulate the impact of the donation.

Show steps

Define the scope and goals
Research and gather evidence
Draft the proposal
Seek feedback and revise

Negotiation Techniques for Major Gifts

Show steps

Develop negotiation skills to effectively secure major gifts and build lasting relationships with donors.

Show steps

Identify negotiation points
Prepare your arguments
Practice negotiation scenarios

Career center

Learners who complete Major and Principal Gifts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Fundraising Consultant

This course will provide insight into the practical skills one needs to succeed as a Fundraising Consultant, such as identifying prospects, engaging donors, and closing successful gifts. The skills you acquire from this course will enable you to manage a fundraising portfolio, develop a fundraising strategy, and provide guidance to clients. If you are looking to work in the field of fundraising, this course may be useful in your career path.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraising Consultant

Donor Relations Manager

This course will provide the skills and knowledge one needs to succeed as a Donor Relations Manager. Specifically, this course will teach the importance of building relationships with major donors through research, cultivation, and stewardship. As a Donor Relations Manager, you must maintain a portfolio of major donors, solicit planned gifts, and coordinate stewardship programs. This course provides the roadmap to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Donor Relations Manager

Development Officer

This course will teach the core skills needed to succeed as a Development Officer. These skills include identifying and qualifying donors, building relationships, and soliciting major gifts. As a Development Officer, you will be responsible for fundraising and building a strong donor base for an organization. This course will provide the essential knowledge to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Officer

Philanthropy Officer

This course will teach you the essential strategies and tactics required to succeed as a Philanthropy Officer. In this course, you will learn how to develop and implement a fundraising plan, manage donor relations, and cultivate major gifts. As a Philanthropy Officer, you will play a vital role in raising funds and building relationships with donors. This course will provide a strong foundation to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Philanthropy Officer

Nonprofit Manager

This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a management role within a nonprofit organization. You will learn how to develop a strategic plan, manage staff, and secure funding. As a Nonprofit Manager, you will be responsible for the overall success of an organization. This course will teach you how to lead a team, manage resources, and evaluate progress, all of which are vital for a successful Nonprofit Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Grant Writer

This course will provide the skills and knowledge required to succeed as a Grant Writer. You will learn how to identify and research funding opportunities, write winning grant proposals, and manage grants. As a Grant Writer, you will be responsible for securing funding for organizations. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

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Event Planner

This course will teach you the essential elements of event planning, including budgeting, marketing, and fundraising. As an Event Planner, you will be responsible for planning and executing events for organizations. This course will help you understand the critical aspects of event planning and provide the necessary skills to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Marketing Manager

This course will teach you the principles of marketing and how to apply them in a professional setting. You will learn about market research, branding, public relations, and advertising. As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns for organizations. This course will help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.

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Accountant

This course will provide you with an understanding of accounting principles and how to apply them in a professional setting. You will learn about financial statements, taxation, and auditing. As an Accountant, you will be responsible for managing the financial affairs of organizations. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in accounting and prepare for a successful career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Financial Analyst

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Financial Analyst. You will learn about financial modeling, valuation, and investment analysis. As a Financial Analyst, you will be responsible for evaluating investments and making recommendations to clients. This course will provide the foundation you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Banker

This course will introduce you to the world of investment banking and provide you with the skills needed to succeed in this field. You will learn about financial markets, mergers and acquisitions, and capital raising. As an Investment Banker, you will be responsible for advising clients on financial transactions. This course will provide the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role.

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Management Consultant

This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as a Management Consultant. You will learn about business strategy, operations management, and financial analysis. As a Management Consultant, you will be responsible for helping organizations improve their performance. This course will provide the foundation you need to succeed in this role.

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Operations Manager

This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as an Operations Manager. You will learn about supply chain management, quality control, and project management. As an Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization. This course will provide the foundation you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Product Manager

This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as a Product Manager. You will learn about product development, marketing, and sales. As a Product Manager, you will be responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. This course will provide the foundation you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Software Engineer

This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of web development or other software engineering roles. While this course does not teach programming or software development, it does provide insight into the fundraising and donor relations side of the industry. This knowledge may be valuable for those looking to work with or manage software development teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Major and Principal Gifts.

Cover image

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Fundraising for the arts

Save

A classic text on fundraising, covering all aspects of developing and implementing a successful program.

Fundraising for the Arts

Fundraising for the Arts

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Planned Giving Workbook

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of planned giving techniques.

Planned Giving Workbook (Wiley Nonprofit Law,...

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The New Public Service

Save

A groundbreaking study on the motivations of donors.

The New Public Service

The New Public Service: Serving, Not Steering

The New Public Service: Serving, Not Steering

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Cover image

Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations

Save

A comprehensive textbook on fundraising management.

Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations:...

Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations:...

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Cover image

Save

A personal and inspiring guide to becoming a better fundraiser.

Cover image

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Ask Without Fear!

Save

A guide specifically tailored to fundraising in higher education institutions.

Ask Without Fear for Librarians

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Fundraising Principles and Practice

Save

A research-based guide to writing effective fundraising appeals.

Fundraising Principles and Practice

Fundraising Principles and Practice

Fundraising Principles and Practice

Fundraising Principles and Practice

Cover image

Cover image

Fundraising Fundamentals

Save

A guide to fundraising for individuals and small organizations.

Fundraising Fundamentals: A Guide to Annual Giving...

Fundraising Fundamentals: A Guide to Annual Giving...

By James M. Greenfield - Fund-Raising Fundamentals:...

Unknown Binding

Fundraising Fundamentals: A Guide to Annual Giving...

Cover image

Cover image

Start Your Own Grant Writing Business

Save

A guide to writing effective grant proposals.

Start Your Own Grant Writing Business: Your Step-By...

Start Your Own Grant-Writing Business: Your Step-By...

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Course image

Rating

4.6

Effort

14 hours to complete

Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

University of California, Davis

Instructor

Jason Wohlman

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша tiếng Việt

This course belongs to a collection called Fundraising and Development. It's comprised of five courses:

Applications in Engineering Mechanics
Annual Campaigns: Building a Case for Support
Fundraising and Development Foundations
Planned Giving
Major and Principal Gifts (viewing)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational to intermediate skills in major gift fundraising

Suitable for those working as major gift officers, those aspiring to the role, or those wishing to add major gift skills to their fundraising repertoire

Teaches strategies for developing initial long-term major gift prospects

Provides a framework for cultivating major gift prospects

Instructors Jason Wohlman is recognized for their work in major gift fundraising

Some hands-on examples and activities to reinforce concepts

Share this

Share to help others discover this course.

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