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Major Gifts

What are major gifts?

The definition of major gift varies from one organization to another. Generally speaking, these are the largest contributions given to your nonprofit.

Some organizations may consider $50 or $100 to be a major gift. For others, it is $1,000 or $10,000 or more. A major gift is an amount way above the average gift amount of all donations given.

You must know your donor base and identify those who give a major gift. Their contribution must be acknowledged immediately with appropriate thanks.

Major Gifts Fundraising

Major gifs can come at unexpected times or in response to a direct appeal for a program or for a capital campaign. Major gifts usually come from people who understand and believe in the purpose of the organization over time.

The gift is given because there is some kind of relationship between those associated with the organization, such as a board member or staff employee, and the donor. The personal relationship is perhaps the key factor in developing an effective major gifts fundraising program. This is, in fact, not merely a program, but a relationship development process.

Recommended Reading

The Ask: How to Ask Anyone for Any Amount for Any Purpose by Laura Fredricks is published by Jossey-Bass, 2006.

Fund Raising Events

Special events, such as a banquet, can be good venues to solicit major gifts. This also helps to strengthen the relationship between donors and the organization.