How the Best Nonprofit CEOs Secure Big Donors and Big Wins
I have met some of the most incredible nonprofit presidents and CEOs in my 16 year career.
The results that people envy like: 🤤
- 300 household strong multi-year $50,000-$100,000 a year major donor programs
- Fully funded multi-year strategic plan
- 12-18 months of operation expenses in reserve
- 100% board giving their BEST gifts
- Hire and retain top talent A+ players (for example: salary $110k, raising $2.5M)
- 86% major donor retention 🤯 (with 426 major donors)
There is one thing I’ve found that they all have in common.
The CEO is a high-performing major gifts officer.
What does that look like?
⚡️ 30-50% of their time is major donor relationships
⚡️Major gifts/ fundraising is the first thing they do in their day
⚡️ They take time to write to their most loyal donors a heartfelt thank you and update at least quarterly
⚡️ They go on meetings with the major gifts teams and board members and close large gifts
⚡️ They negotiate
⚡️ They are not bashful about the impact and what it will cost — they do not back down
⚡️Always taking BIG swings
⚡️Compelling communicators who can articulate the vision, answer tough Qs, inspire and instill trust in the savviest donors
No one just comes out the womb with these skills, habits and courage.
It’s developed.
It’s trained.
It’s practiced.
It’s coached.
When the CEO is a part-time MGO…
✅ They understand, support and invest in fundraisers and training in a way the others don’t.
✅ They lead the board in ways others don’t to better prioritize and support fundraising.
✅ They make investments in team — not just in hiring — but equipping and supporting their teams because they’ve taken understand what it takes to win. And they are committed to winning.
When you get a mentor who can guide you, you’ll win faster and succeed for longer than most.
Join us inside CourageLab 2.0, the 6-month program designed to help EDs and DDs raise more major gifts faster without burning out. Make major gift success a habit.
In your corner,
Julie
