The one skill you need to raise more major gifts

I have a major gift philosophy.

I believe any organization can raise more major gifts – even if you’re a smaller shop, or a one-person fundraising team.

The key is to start small, and build your confidence by doing.

Book that meeting, get face to face with a donor – maybe start with someone a little closer to your organization - and practice.

And there’s one skill you can work on cultivating that will make all the difference when you’re communicating with your major donors – or anyone who supports your cause.

And that skill is curiosity.

Curiosity can be developed, just like any other skill. So, before your next donor meeting, sit down and get curious on purpose! 

Use your curiosity to prepare a few key questions you might like to ask in your next conversation. For example, do you know:  

How did they first get connected to your organization?

What is the change they want to see in the world?

Why does the work they’re supporting resonate with them?

Here’s a bonus tip for you.

When you’re cultivating the skill of curiosity, focus on using open ended questions, which require a more thoughtful answer, as opposed to closed ended questions, that can be answered with yes or no.

And if you want to delve a little deeper into this topic, you can check out one of my most read resources, 3 secrets to successful major gift meetings.

Have fun cultivating curiosity with your donors – I think you’ll be surprised at how much it can deepen your relationships when you work on developing this crucial skill.

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