Rule #1: Take Action

When it comes to raising major gifts, perfection is the enemy of the good. There is no perfect roadmap. So it's important to get started by taking action.

Major gift fundraising is not event-based fundraising. It's not fundraising by golf outing, charity auction, or black tie gala.

It's fundraising through very personal relationship development. Getting to know people. Finding out what's important to them. And that's what sets it apart.

It's fundraising by matching a potential donor's passion with your organization's mission.

And it takes time. A LOT of time. It's not for the impatient.

It most often takes one to two years to develop a strong enough relationship with donors who have the affinity and capacity to give.

And that's why it's so incredibly important to get started. Don't wait. Start today.

Pick up the phone. Send the email. Reach out. Ask to meet. Be persistent. Keep working. Don't wait.

It doesn't matter that you don't know the exact words to say when reaching out to potential donors. What does matter is your enthusiasm.

Why?

Because your prospects and donors can hear it in your voice.

Want to raise major gifts? Take action. Today.

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