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Major Gifts Fundraiser

Major Gifts Fundraiser

By Clark Vandeventer

Practical fundraising advise in bite size segments.
We are committed to helping you get the most money from your list without ruining relationships with your current donors.
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Currently playing episode

#127: Your Thanksgiving Strategy

Major Gifts FundraiserOct 25, 2022

00:00
17:37
#169: Do you know your people?
Mar 20, 202420:11
#168: Where are you essential?
Jan 26, 202419:15
#167: Returning Tires at Nordstroms
Nov 29, 202321:47
#166: It's Thanksgiving Month
Nov 01, 202321:29
#165: Brian Tracy on Long-Term Relationships, Educational Selling, and Building Mega-Credibility
Oct 24, 202322:30
#164: Brian Tracy, the Winning Edge, Brilliant at the Basics & AIDA
Oct 19, 202332:00
#163: Thanksgiving Month, Giving Tuesday, Year-End
Oct 11, 202317:49
#162: Can you text your donors?
Oct 06, 202316:04
#161: 30 Tips for Connecting with others
Sep 25, 202328:17
#160: Everything Matters & Conversation Sandwich
Sep 19, 202320:07
#159: What level are you?
Aug 31, 202335:25
#158: 57 Ways to thank and steward your donors
Aug 15, 202337:49
#157: Why do we love our donors?
Aug 10, 202318:01
#156: Embracing Weakness to move from Strength to Strength
Jul 19, 202328:40
#155: How long should you cultivate before you ask?

#155: How long should you cultivate before you ask?

11:22 - "If you have a donor who you think could give a million dollars, don't spend two years cultivating them for a million dollar gift."

In this episode, Clark Vandeventer emphasizes the importance of balancing relationship-building and asking for gifts in fundraising. While it's crucial to cultivate relationships with potential donors and avoid coming across as someone who is always asking for money, it's also necessary to let people know that you are a fundraiser. Timing is also crucial, as it's recommended to ask for smaller gifts early on in the relationship to gauge a donor's interest and willingness to give, rather than spending a lot of time cultivating them for a larger gift.

Clark suggests that fundraisers should identify potential donors who can give early gifts without much cultivation. These early gifts can help fundraisers determine the level of giving that a donor is capable of and can lead to larger donations in the future. Clark advises that fundraisers need to become known as fundraisers at some point in order to ask for donations effectively. However, they should also be mindful of not getting a reputation of always asking for money in every conversation.

Clark also discusses the question of how long one should cultivate a donor before asking for a gift. Clark explains that there is no set timeline for this and that fundraising is not a science. Clark gives examples of meeting with a donor 19 times before asking for a major gift and also meeting with donors and asking for a gift on the first meeting. The timeline for cultivating donors can vary based on the type of gift being asked for. For example, for a major gift, it may take longer to cultivate the donor, while for a smaller gift, the cultivation process may be shorter

Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of cultivating donors, but also highlights the need for flexibility and adapting to each individual donor and situation. Fundraisers need to find a balance between building relationships and making asks, as both are crucial for successful fundraising. By identifying potential donors and strategically asking for early gifts to determine their level of giving, fundraisers can increase their chances of success.


Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/


Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser


Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/


Email Clark:

clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com


Zoom with Clark:

Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand


Learn more at:

https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/


Jun 26, 202319:53
#154: 13 things to keep in mind when making your pitch

#154: 13 things to keep in mind when making your pitch

In general, fundraisers spend too much time thinking about their pitch. Listen the gift. But still, there comes a point when it's time to make your pitch. In this episode, Clark shares 13 tips to keep in mind when making your pitch. You can email Clark for a copy of this list -- or any other resource you've heard about on the podcast. Email is clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com. You can also find Major Gifts Fundraiser on social media. Just search for Major Gifts Fundraiser on your favorite platform.

Jun 15, 202322:40
#153: Becoming a Peak Performance Fundraiser

#153: Becoming a Peak Performance Fundraiser

We’re building a community – it’s people who aspire to be in the Top 5% of their field. Yes, you want to raise more money. Of course you want to raise more money. But our tribe is more than people who want hacks to figure out how to raise more money. It’s people who are committed to excellence. It’s for people who respect craft. Who want to know that they’re among the best. The additional money you’ll raise -- it’s the icing on the cake.

In this podcast Clark talks about the consistent work required to become a Peak Performance Fundraiser.

Questions? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com


Jun 08, 202326:55
#152: Grab some thank you bread

#152: Grab some thank you bread

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Developing a culture of thanks and gratitude. Don't just do "BIG THINGS" -- do lots of little things (in a system) and then do BIG THINGS on top of that system. Clark mentions two resources in this episode that you can email him for -- his 57 ways to thank and steward a donor, and his checklist for writing a good thank you letter. You can email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

May 24, 202315:34
#151: Finding your next (first) Million Dollar Donor

#151: Finding your next (first) Million Dollar Donor

You should always be working to aquire new donors. But, what are you doing with your current list? How are you loving on the donors who are already giving to your organization? Do you know the full potential of each of your donors? (You don't). You can email Clark to ask him about anything from this episode at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

May 15, 202323:42
#150: Taking small steps to achieve big dreams

#150: Taking small steps to achieve big dreams

In this episode of the podcast Clark talks about taking small steps to acheive big dreams. He talks about his goal to run 100 Miles, the movie Moneyball, and your goal to raise a million dollars. What are the small steps we need to take today to achieve these dreams. Talks about Points System and Lead Measures and Lag Measures. Email Clark for any resources he talked about in today's episode at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Apr 25, 202320:34
#149: Monica Vandeventer on your ideal donor

#149: Monica Vandeventer on your ideal donor

Monica is back on the podcast! She copntinues the discussion of "What is the problem you exist to solve" and gets into the process of identifying your ideal donor. You can reach out to Clark or Monica. Clark is at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com and Monica is at monica@majorgiftsfundraiser.com


Follow Clark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/

Follow Major Gifts Fundraiser on Istagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/

Apr 19, 202330:00
#148: Monica Vandeventer on Finding Your Why

#148: Monica Vandeventer on Finding Your Why

In this episode of the podcast Clark interviews Monica on your WHY. "What is the problem you exist to solve?" You have to answer that question. The problem is not that you need to hit your annual fund goal. What is your why? What is the problem that you exist to solve?


Email Monica at monica@majorgiftsfundraiser.com or Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Apr 03, 202328:04
#147: The Pixar Pitch

#147: The Pixar Pitch

Force yourself to be more concise and more disciplined in how you tell your story. The Pixar Pitch gives you 6 sentences to tell your story. Fill in these blanks and you've got your pitch.

You should enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising. Go to https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ to enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising and start your journey today. Use the promo code MGFPodcast for 20 percent off. You can email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Mar 21, 202317:20
#146: Things to keep in mind when making your pitch

#146: Things to keep in mind when making your pitch

13 things to keep in mind when making your pitch.

You should enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising. Go to https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ to enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising and start your journey today. Use the promo code MGFPodcast for 20 percent off. You can email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Mar 15, 202319:29
#145: These are the must reads

#145: These are the must reads

These are the must reads. Books that are foundational to Clark's life. If you want to Level up as a fundraiser, you’re going to have to sweat a little. You’re going to have to spend time reading one of these books on your next flight instead of watching a movie. You should be enrolled in one of our virtual training programs. You should enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising. Go to https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ to enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising and start your journey today.

In this episode Clark recommends loads of books. He also mentions a few podcast interviews. We have linked to most of those here.

Lead the Field: https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Field-Earl-Nightingale-audiobook/dp/B00OH7A278

Strangest Secret: https://youtu.be/y5x-KjBME_E

Brian Tracy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brian-Tracy/author/B001H6OMRI?

Harry Beckwith on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Harry-Beckwith/author/B000AP8Q0Q

Jim Collins Good to Great on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996

Jay Abraham, Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Everything-You-Can-Youve/dp/0312284543

John Maxwell: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/

Listen Up! Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Up-Relationships-Productive-Listening/dp/0312242654

Forces for Good: https://www.amazon.com/Forces-Good-Practices-High-Impact-Nonprofits/dp/1118118804


Mar 08, 202327:05
#144: Books you should read

#144: Books you should read

For you to be the kind of fundraiser you want to be -- you’ve got to put in the work. If you want to Level up as a fundraiser, you’re going to have to sweat a little. You’re going to have to spend time reading one of these books on your next flight instead of watching a movie. You should be enrolled in one of our virtual training programs. You should enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising. Go to https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ to enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising and start your journey today.

In this episode Clark recommends loads of books. He also mentions a few podcast interviews. We have linked to most of those here.


You can learn more about Seth Godin by going to https://www.sethgodin.com/

Seth's interview with Tim Ferriss: https://tim.blog/2020/10/26/seth-godin-the-practice/

Learn more about Brené Brown and her work: https://brenebrown.com/

Brené Brown TedTalk: https://youtu.be/iCvmsMzlF7o

Brené Brown interview with Tim Ferriss: https://tim.blog/2020/02/06/brene-brown-striving-self-acceptance-saving-marriages/

The Starbucks Experience: https://www.amazon.com/Starbucks-Experience-Principles-Ordinary-Extraordinary/dp/0071477845

The New Gold Standard: https://www.amazon.com/New-Gold-Standard-Leadership-Ritz-Carlton-ebook/dp/B0015DTUSE

The Nordstrom Way: https://www.amazon.com/Nordstrom-Customer-Experience-Excellence-Values-Driven/dp/1119375355

Be Our Guest: https://www.amazon.com/Our-Guest-Perfecting-Institute-Leadership-ebook/dp/B006N47ZPK

Objections: https://www.amazon.com/Objections-Ultimate-Mastering-Science-Getting/dp/1119477387

Trusted Advisor: https://www.amazon.com/Trusted-Advisor-David-H-Maister/dp/0743212347

The Road Back to You: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Back-You-Enneagram-Self-Discovery/dp/0830846190

5 Love Languages: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-that-Lasts/dp/080241270X

The Alchemist: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0061122416

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: https://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Like-Roman-Emperor-ebook/dp/B07D2C5NNV

What are your favorite books? email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Feb 24, 202323:18
#143: Setting Goals and Making Plans for their accomplishment

#143: Setting Goals and Making Plans for their accomplishment

In this episode Clark shares 2 of his 12 goals for the year and discusses how they practically move from back-burner to front-burner to done. Questions? Comments? Need help? Want to bring in Clark for a Strategic Fundraising Workshop? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Feb 07, 202312:23
#142: Everything Matters

#142: Everything Matters

In the last episode (#141: Assertive Sales Position > "I don't want to seem pushy...") Clark briefly mentioned how we need an assertive sales positon coupled with excellence throughout the sales process. That episode focused on the assertive sales position and only mentioned excellence throughout the process. This episode is about excellence throughout the process. Everything matters. Tiny details, all added up, not only create an impression -- they are who you are. Questions? Comments? Need help? Want to bring in Clark for a Strategic Fundraising Workshop? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Books mentioned by Clark in this episode:

Starbucks Experience: https://www.amazon.com/Starbucks-Experience-Principles-Ordinary-Extraordinary/dp/0071477845

Selling the Invisible: https://www.amazon.com/Selling-Invisible-Field-Modern-Marketing/dp/0446672319

Nordstrom Way: https://www.amazon.com/Nordstrom-Customer-Experience-Excellence-Values-Driven/dp/1119375355

Be Our Guest: https://www.amazon.com/Our-Guest-Perfecting-Institute-Leadership-ebook/dp/B006N47ZPK

Feb 03, 202317:55
#141: Assertive Sales Position > "I don't want to seem pushy..."

#141: Assertive Sales Position > "I don't want to seem pushy..."

So you don't want to seem pushy? That's fine, but just so you know, studies show that an assertive, assumptive sales position outperforms the "non-pushy" positin, by a lot! And why wouldn't you have an assumptive position? You have something of great value that you offer to the donor. You are a world-changer making things happen, and you are inviting people to join you in changing the world. Questions? Comments? Need help? Want to bring in Clark for a Strategic Fundraising Workshop? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.


Here's the book Objections by Jeb Blount on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Objections-Ultimate-Mastering-Science-Getting/dp/1119477387

Jan 31, 202319:34
#140: Basic Fundraising Advice for those who want a high view of fundraising

#140: Basic Fundraising Advice for those who want a high view of fundraising

Basic fundraising advice for anyone getting started in fundraising, whether you are asking for gifts of $100 or gifts of $1,000,000. This is advice that will help you maintain a high view of fundraising, a high view of your donors, and high view of yourself. Questions? Comments? Need help? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Jan 24, 202321:45
#139: Before you move onto bigger and better things

#139: Before you move onto bigger and better things

You spent so much time at the end of the previous calendar year worried about your LYBUNT List. And then you turned the calendar to a new year and forgot about it. Before you move onto bigger and better things, take another look at it. If you don't engage these donors now, the chances of these donors ever giving to your organization again drops significantly. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Jan 20, 202319:15
#138: Climbing a mountain takes time

#138: Climbing a mountain takes time

Climbing a mountain takes time. If we set big goals and have high standards of ourselves, we don't hit our goals overnight. It takes time to climb a mountain. Clark takes inspiration from the life of legendary basketball coach John Wooden in this episode of the podcast. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Jan 16, 202323:17
#137: 5 Steps to having an Epic Year

#137: 5 Steps to having an Epic Year

Are you making plans for an epic year? Don't just hope for an epic year -- like an epic year is going to happen to you. Make plans for an epic year. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Jan 13, 202316:58
#136: The Best Days Exercise

#136: The Best Days Exercise

What were your BEST DAYS from 2022? If you want to set the right goals for 2023, the first thing you need to do is think about what your BEST DAYS were from 2022 -- becausae what you say were your BEST DAYS say something about what you value -- and you want your goals to be in line with your values. If you want to take Clark up on his offer to review the WHY behind your Best Days, email him at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com. You can also email Clark about brining him in for a Strategic Fundraising Workshop in 2023.

Dec 28, 202219:07
#135: Mission, Project, Year-End

#135: Mission, Project, Year-End

Don't ask people to give because it's year-end! What's your big, audacious goal? How are you accomplishing it? Then, year-end is the forcing function to give. But year-end is not the case for support. It's the forcing function, but that's all it is. Questions? Or want to connect with Clark about a Strategic Fundraising Workshop? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Dec 07, 202213:34
#134: Major Donor Giving Secrets PART 3

#134: Major Donor Giving Secrets PART 3

Part 3 of a 3 Part Series. We interviewed donors who have given 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts. We asked them what motivates them to give, what organization's do that works (and what doesn't) and talked with them about what they like (and don't like) in fundraisers. This 3 Part Series is a compilation with highlights from the interviews. You can get the written report on Major Donor Giving Secrets and request the full audio from all of the interviews by emailing Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Nov 29, 202230:58
#133: Major Donor Giving Secrets PART 2

#133: Major Donor Giving Secrets PART 2

Part 2 of a 3 Part Series. We interviewed donors who have given 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts. We asked them what motivates them to give, what organization's do that works (and what doesn't) and talked with them about what they like (and don't like) in fundraisers. This 3 Part Series is a compilation with highlights from the interviews. You can get the written report on Major Donor Giving Secrets and request the full audio from all of the interviews by emailing Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Nov 28, 202223:05
#132: Major Donor Giving Secrets PART 1

#132: Major Donor Giving Secrets PART 1

Part 1 of a 3 Part Series. We interviewed donors who have given 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts. We asked them what motivates them to give, what organization's do that works (and what doesn't) and talked with them about what they like (and don't like) in fundraisers. This 3 Part Series is a compilation with highlights from the interviews. You can get the written report on Major Donor Giving Secrets and request the full audio from all of the interviews by emailing Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Nov 23, 202224:51
#131: Hot Chocolate, Aristotle, and 3 Types of Friendship

#131: Hot Chocolate, Aristotle, and 3 Types of Friendship

In this episode Clark talks about Aristotle's 3 types of friendships and the experience he gave his customers selling hot chocolate at a University of Alabama Football game. You can email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com and follow Major Gifts Fundrasier on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/

Nov 21, 202217:37
#130: Potpourri of topics

#130: Potpourri of topics

Wikipedia says that "Potpourri" is a mixture of dried, naturally fragrant plant materials, used to provide a gentle natural scent, commonly in residential settings. That's at least partly true of this episode. It's a mix of topics, gently presented. Gratitude. Who gives big gifts? What constitutes a major gift? What does intentional small talk look like? How can microcommitments help move us toward a major gift? Questions or comments, email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Nov 07, 202228:11
#129: Thanksgiving to Giving Tuesday to Year-End

#129: Thanksgiving to Giving Tuesday to Year-End

In this episode Clark talks about how the gratitude we express during Thanksgiving month puts us in a great position for Giving Tuesday -- and then, what to do after Giving Tuesday with those who still have not given yet this year. Also, Giving Tuesday is NOT a case for support. Giving Tuesday is a forcing function that can be used to get people to give, but Giving Tuesday alone is NOT a case for support. Questions? Comments? Email clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Nov 02, 202219:45
#128: How to make names magically disappear off your LYBUNT List

#128: How to make names magically disappear off your LYBUNT List

At the end of October it's time to run your LYBUNT List. That's people who gave last year but unfortunately not this year. In the month of November we then express gratitude -- and get names to "magically" drop off the list. Also, when a donor doesn't give -- or they give more than they usually give -- we should make a big deal about it! Reach our to Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Oct 27, 202213:51
#127: Your Thanksgiving Strategy

#127: Your Thanksgiving Strategy

The podcast is back. In this episode Clark talks about a simple strategy for expressing gratitude to your donors during the Thanksgiving season. Questions, comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Oct 25, 202217:37
#126: Reagan, Romney, Kobe, Shaq... and Fundraising?

#126: Reagan, Romney, Kobe, Shaq... and Fundraising?

What can we learn about fundraising from Ronald Reagan, Mitt Romney, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal? Two stories that demonstrate that demonstrate passion and a burning desire to succeed, which are two qualities of great fundraisers. If you want to hear more podcasts like this one, email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

May 26, 202215:42
#125: Self Assessment of where you're at

#125: Self Assessment of where you're at

In life there are times that we put things on auto-pilot. In this episode, Clark guides you through an honest self-assessment, asking you the question, "Where you at?" You even get a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson in this episode.

May 19, 202218:19
#124: Be curious and be bold -- that's why we ask good questions

#124: Be curious and be bold -- that's why we ask good questions

Encouragement from Clark to be curious and to be bold. We ask good questions in meetings not because we are trying to find the right numbers to punch into the ATM so the ATM will spit out cash. We ask good questions because we are genuinely curious, and because we are genuinely curious, we are then bold enough to ask the questions. 

May 17, 202219:18
#123: Good questions lead to better meetings AND better relationships

#123: Good questions lead to better meetings AND better relationships

In this episode Clark talks about why his meetings almost always go as planned -- and how and why he is able to almost always ask his strategic questions, in the order in which he anticipated asking those questions -- and why this is NOT the case for many development professionals he talks with. Plus -- an important point -- these questions don't just lead to better meetings and move your organization forward. These questions lead to better relationships with your donors. Thoughts? Questions? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

May 03, 202218:50
#122: What are you willing to do and what are you willing to give up?

#122: What are you willing to do and what are you willing to give up?

What are you willing to do and what are you willing to give up in order to become the person that you want to be? You can email Clark your answers and he will hold you accountable. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Apr 25, 202214:36
#121: The antidote to being entitled and resentful

#121: The antidote to being entitled and resentful

If you identify as an empathetic person who wants to make a difference in the world, it's easy to grow entitled our resentful of others when we feel like they "don't get it." How do we deal with that? Questions or comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Apr 19, 202225:01
#120: Born to Raise, Born to Train, Answering the Question, "So what do you do?"

#120: Born to Raise, Born to Train, Answering the Question, "So what do you do?"

In this episode Clark shares the story of how he came to spend his entire adult life as a fundraiser, how he and Monica developed the system that is Peak Performance Fundraising, and some of the individual pieces that are part of that system. Shout outs to Jerry Pattengale, Floyd Brown, Ron Robinson, Jerold Panas, Darren and Nancy Campbell, and the amazing Monica Vandeventer. Questions or comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Apr 14, 202236:47