Blog - Center for Major Gifts

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

Time Management

6 Ways to Make Time for YOU in Your Hectic Life

Struggling to find time for yourself in a packed schedule? 6 Ways to Make Time for YOU in Your Hectic Life offers practical tips to help you prioritize self-care without sacrificing productivity. Learn how to set boundaries, eliminate time-wasters, and carve out moments for what truly matters. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or fundraising goals, these strategies will help you reclaim balance and avoid burnout. Your well-being is just as important as your to-do list—start making time for YOU today! Read the full article now.

Sarah Pinto February 6, 2025 No Comments

Time Management

7 Unusual Cures and Remedies for Procrastination

Highlighting tasks by turning them into a challenge are the unconventional approaches to overcome procrastination and boost productivity.

Viken Mikaelian February 5, 2025 No Comments

Major Gifts

Crafting the Perfect Major Donor Ask: Techniques for Personalizing Your Pitch

In “Crafting the Perfect Major Donor Ask,” Joe Garecht provides essential guidance for nonprofits seeking to enhance their major donor fundraising through personalization. The article emphasizes moving beyond generic solicitations to create meaningful connections, covering crucial aspects like donor research, understanding motivations, customizing pitches, and maintaining relationships. Garecht details how organizations can align their needs with donor passions, balance emotional storytelling with data-driven results, and execute well-timed asks. The piece offers practical strategies for handling objections, following up effectively, and transforming transactional fundraising into lasting partnerships that sustain organizational missions.

Joe Garecht February 3, 2025 No Comments

Fundraising Strategy

It’s All About Endowment

Your charity uses the interest earned by the invested endowment funds to pay its bills and to support its programs.

Debra Ashton January 30, 2025 No Comments

Pareto Principle: 80% of results are produced by 20% of effort.

Goal Setting

How to Apply the Pareto Principle at Work and at Home

You can be pretty successful at many things if you identify the most important tasks and avoid wasting your time on anything else. Look for ways to apply the Pareto Principle to your life, and make a big difference!

Viken Mikaelian January 29, 2025 No Comments