Big ideas for big donors: A leadership approach to major gift fundraising

Charitable giving by individuals is declining as a share of overall philanthropy in the USA. One reason involves fewer mega-donors providing fewer gifts of at least US$1m. Expert fundraisers with demonstrated success are not immune to these trends. In addition, even experienced fundraisers can hit a ceiling in their efforts to cultivate large, transformational donations. Research-based leadership practises can be translated into pragmatic fundraising strategies, helping veteran fundraisers sharpen their major gift fundraising skills. Lessons from organisational life cycle theory, effective leadership communication and creative innovation can help fundraisers work with donors to devise large, impactful ideas that inspire large, major gifts. In this challenging fundraising environment, fundraisers can gain confidence that their major gift fundraising strategies and tactics are rooted in evidence-based leadership practises.