by Haley Limo
It has been an absolute honor to walk alongside all of you guys in your fundraising journeys.
As I was deliberating over what to say in my final fundraising advice to you all, I wanted to leave you with some of my top tips—the timeless reminders we've returned to time and again over the years:
1. Fundraising is an art, not a science. Always remember that what works for one donor is not going to work for another. There is no rigid formula when it comes to fundraising and major gifts. We can definitely follow trends, but always remember that it is about relationships, and so every donor, every gift, and every ask is going to be different.
2. Major gifts are about building relationships, not making transactions. Make sure to always build genuine connections with your donors and keep that front of mind instead of just focusing on the asks and the transactions. I always tell people to remember: donors are not an ATM machine.
3. Remember the 12-2-1 rule. When building major gift relationships, aim for 12 touchpoints a year (once a month), two in-person visits a year, and one ask a year.
4. Be specific when you make an ask. Always ensure your ask includes a specific amount for a specific purpose and a specific timeframe. Donors give more when you are specific—for example: "Would you please give $30,000 to fund this ultrasound machine this year?"
5. Record every interaction. Track all interactions with your donors, whether positive or negative. Even if it's just leaving a voicemail or sending an email, log it in your CRM so you always have the most up-to-date records.
6. Thank major donors at least seven times. Show your gratitude through a mix of in-person touchpoints, emails, phone calls, and thank-you notes—ideally from both you and someone else on your team.
If you follow all of these points, I know you will have success in your fundraising journeys. I would love to keep in touch with you all. If you would like to stay connected or want any more tips, tricks, or templates, please reach out to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Happy Fundraising!