Stop Waiting Until You Need the Money
Your board approves a new initiative.
You need $500,000.
Suddenly everyone wants to know: Who can we ask?
That's usually when organizations start looking for major donors. But there's a problem.
You're beginning the relationship when you need the money.
Your organization's urgency doesn't automatically create urgency for a donor. Trust takes time. Alignment takes time. Understanding what someone truly cares about takes time.
That's why Major Gift Leaders don't wait for a campaign, budget shortfall, or big opportunity to begin building relationships. They start now.
This week on Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we're talking about why the relationships you build before you need anything may become some of the most important relationships your mission has.
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The Fund Coach Tip of the Week
Don't ask, “Who can we ask?” Ask, “Whose relationship should we be deepening?”
Choose five people already connected in some way to your organization.
For each one, identify the next meaningful step in the relationship. It could be coffee, a phone call, a tour, an introduction, asking their opinion, or simply checking in.
Don't attach an ask to it. Your goal is to understand the person better and deepen genuine alignment with your mission.
Keep Growing as a Major Gift Leader
If this week's idea is helping you think differently about fundraising and your role as an Executive Director, that's exactly why I created The Weekly Huddle.
Each week, I share the latest Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach episode along with practical ideas to help you build stronger donor relationships, lead major gifts with greater confidence, and become the Major Gift Leader your mission needs.
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Until next time, keep building trusting relationships that change the lives of the people you serve.
Let's Huddle Up!
Mark L. Duncan
The Fund Coach
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