How to Build Your Major Gift Momentum This Summer

Its officially summer...and if you are finding it challenging to stay focused on your fundraising right now, you’re not alone.

A study by Captivate Network found that we’re a whopping 45% more likely to be distracted at work during the summer months.

This can feel like a tough time of year to fundraise.

I know how difficult it can be to stay motivated and keep working to reach your goals when it feels like everyone else in the world is sittin’ on the dock of the bay.

That’s why in this video I share my practical tips to build your major gift momentum this July and August (WITHOUT skimping on your vacation time).

Timestamps:

3:14 - How to Create a Quarterly Fundraising Plan: Why every major gift fundraiser needs a simple 90-day plan to reflect, reset priorities, and celebrate progress.

6:18 - How to Plan for Individual Major Donors: Why focusing on your top donors instead of your entire portfolio leads to more strategic donor cultivation and stronger major gift relationships.

6:18 - How to Clean Up Your Donor Portfolio: Why summer is the perfect time to review your donor database, update records, and identify major donors who may be ready for deeper engagement in the fall.

7:48 - Why Summer Is a Great Time for Donor Meetings: How summer can become one of the most effective seasons for major gift fundraising and donor outreach when other fundraisers slow down.

11:58 - Time Blocking for Major Gift Fundraisers: A simple time management strategy to protect your most important fundraising activities and make consistent progress with donor relationships.

11:58 - Personalized Donor Stewardship Strategies That Build Stronger Relationships: How handwritten notes and customized donor communications strengthen emotional connections and improve major donor retention.

16:30 - How to Prepare Major Gift Proposals and Case Statements for Fall Fundraising: Why preparing your ask materials, donor proposals, and impact reports ahead of time helps major gift fundraisers launch a stronger year-end fundraising season.

17:29 - Preventing Fundraiser Burnout Through Rest and Time Off: Why fundraising leaders should schedule vacation and recovery time first to recharge, avoid burnout, and sustain long-term fundraising success.

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