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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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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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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.
Read more
Traffic lights
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
Show steps
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
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Expand knowledge and network with experts in the field of major gifts fundraising.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
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.
Donor Relations Manager
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.
Development Officer
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.
Philanthropy 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.
Nonprofit Manager
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.
Grant Writer
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.
Event Planner
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
Accountant
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.
Financial Analyst
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.
Investment Banker
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.
Management Consultant
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.
Operations Manager
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.
Product 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.
Software Engineer
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xuaw7t/major
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.
A classic text on fundraising, covering all aspects of developing and implementing a successful program.
Provides a comprehensive overview of planned giving techniques.
A groundbreaking study on the motivations of donors.
A comprehensive textbook on fundraising management.
Save
A personal and inspiring guide to becoming a better fundraiser.
Save
A guide specifically tailored to fundraising in higher education institutions.
A research-based guide to writing effective fundraising appeals.
A guide to fundraising for individuals and small organizations.
A guide to writing effective grant proposals.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xuaw7t/major
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Rating
4.6
Effort
14 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Davis
Instructor
Jason Wohlman
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
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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)
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