Blog - Center for Major Gifts

Professional Development

Decoding Nonprofit Job Titles: A Survival Guide

Nonprofit job titles: where modesty goes to die and adjectives multiply faster than rabbits. We’ve decoded the secret language where “fundraiser” transforms into “Vice President of Philanthropic Synergy” overnight. Spoiler alert: fancy titles don’t raise money—skills do. So before updating your LinkedIn with “Supreme Chancellor of Donor Relations,” remember: donors give to people who understand their dreams, not to people who spent three hours designing their business cards.

Viken Mikaelian March 7, 2025 No Comments

Job Interview

Mock Job Interviews for Your Dream Job

Preparation for Mock job interview is vital for securing a dream job. Practicing the questions with friends to polish your interview skills, increasing the chances of success.

Viken Mikaelian March 6, 2025 No Comments

Sign that reads: growth begins at the end of your comfort zone

Major Gifts

Persistence Pays Off in Major Gifts Fundraising

Major gifts fundraising is a long game that requires patience, resilience, and—most importantly—persistence. Many transformative donations result from fundraisers who don’t give up after the first or second touchpoint. Building genuine relationships, maintaining consistent outreach, and following up strategically can turn prospects into major donors. Whether engaging current supporters or cultivating new ones, persistence ensures no opportunity is lost. Learn how a thoughtful, structured approach to follow-ups can secure significant gifts and long-term donor loyalty.

Joe Garecht March 4, 2025 No Comments

asking for money and money being handed over

Fundraising Strategy

How to Ask for Money (And Actually Get It)

explores the psychology, strategy, and nuances of effective fundraising, distinguishing it from mere begging. Through sharp wit and real-world anecdotes—including an encounter with a street hustler—it emphasizes that successful fundraising is about relationship-building, not pressure tactics. The piece breaks down donor segmentation, the importance of major and planned gifts, and how introverts can excel in fundraising through deep listening. Offering practical advice on donor engagement, retention, and the power of strategic asking, this guide is an essential read for fundraisers looking to elevate their approach.

Viken Mikaelian March 4, 2025 No Comments

Conceptualized dollar signs pointing to a light blub illustration.

Strategy

Top 10 Essential Strategies for Major Gift Fundraising Success

What separates good fundraisers from game-changing ones? It’s not just asking—it’s knowing when, how, and why to ask. Our latest guide reveals 10 powerhouse strategies to identify, cultivate, and secure major gifts that move the needle. If you’re ready to elevate your fundraising and turn conversations into commitments, this is the playbook you’ve been waiting for.

Joe Garecht February 28, 2025 No Comments

Leadership

Hardball in Leadership: No Excuses, Just Results

Want to enhance your career? Get ahead of your peers? Fun spoiler: avoid happy hour with team members. In this no-nonsense post, we outline hardball leadership tactics for nonprofits and philanthropic organizations that drive impact. Say goodbye to the complacency of “softball” leadership and hello to insider strategies you won’t find anywhere else. Learn to show up early, act decisively, and foster innovation that resonates with donors and stakeholders. Ready to leave mediocrity behind? Dive in for breakthrough tips that deliver lasting results.

Viken Mikaelian February 22, 2025 No Comments

An image of a gift with a bar chart in the background, symbolizing the shifting economy and resulting decline in giving.

Fundraising Strategy

A $65 Billion Wake-Up Call for Nonprofits—How to Survive the Shift

The nonprofit sector is facing a major shift—individual giving has dropped by $65 billion between 2021 and 2023. Using Giving USA 2024 and IRS data, we see that donations fell from $439.11 billion in 2021 to $374.40 billion in 2023. Economic factors like inflation, reduced disposable income, and fading stimulus funds are driving this decline. Nonprofits must adapt by strengthening annual giving, diversifying revenue streams, and prioritizing planned giving to secure long-term support. This is not just a temporary trend—it’s a wake-up call. The time to act is now. Are you prepared for the future of fundraising?

Jonathan Gudema February 14, 2025 No Comments

Commitement — Small figures holding up a sign of letters spelling it out

Stewardship

Turning One-Time Gifts into Multi-Year Commitments: Strategies for Major Donor Fundraising

Multi-year commitments are a game-changer for nonprofits, providing stable, predictable funding that enables long-term growth and impact. Instead of constantly seeking new one-time gifts, organizations can focus on deeper donor relationships and sustained mission success. Identifying ideal prospects, crafting personalized proposals, and structuring flexible pledge agreements are key to securing these commitments. By maintaining engagement through updates, exclusive briefings, and meaningful recognition, nonprofits can ensure donors feel valued and invested. Implementing these strategies transforms fundraising efforts, allowing organizations to plan confidently, expand programs, and build a lasting foundation for continued philanthropic support.

Joe Garecht February 12, 2025 No Comments

Give and Take