The pandemic forced major-gift officers to reinvent many long-held tactics for getting to know donors and securing big gifts — from in-person meetings to formal fundraising galas. Five years later, some of these adaptations seem to be here to stay, writes M.J. Prest in What Works Now: Rethinking Big Gifts 5 Years After the Pandemic. In many cases, that’s a good thing.
Among the shifts, 2020 did away with almost all black-tie galas, Prest writes, which were historically used to court major donors. These days, your wealthiest supporters are more likely to want to see your group in action — and that can be done in ways that are more innovative and mission-focused than hosting an exclusive party.
Catholic Charities of Baltimore, the largest human services provider in Maryland, has had success with outside-the-box events, like its biennial dragon boat race in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, says Jocabel Michel Reyes, chief development officer. Big donors are invited to both watch and compete, and having the race in the group’s community democratizes participation. The last race, in 2023, raised nearly $350,000, and the next one is set for September.
“When we think of engagement, we want them to make that major-gift commitment, but we also want them to engage their families and their colleagues,” Reyes says. “It gives major-gift donors the opportunity to invite their loved ones and deepen that engagement on multiple levels.”
Read M.J.'s full article to learn more about what’s working in big-gift fundraising today.
For more advice to help you update and strengthen your strategies, read 10 Ways to Boost Fundraising and Attract More Big Gifts.
Have a great week,
Lisa Schohl
Senior Editor, Advice
