Donors Are Still Making Large Gifts!

What’s the Secret to Mega Gifts in Uncertain Times? 

You may be wondering—how are major donors really feeling about giving in today’s economy?

That’s the question we asked in a recent LinkedIn Live with our brilliant senior consultant Chuck Davis. Chuck has worked all over the world—Aberdeen, Scotland, Kuala Lumpur, and across the U.S.—and he’s been in the trenches with nonprofits navigating large campaigns during the most volatile times.

Right now, Chuck is advising several of our clients who are running large campaigns focused on high-net-worth donors. So we brought him in to share what he’s seeing—straight from the frontlines.

Let’s start with the good news:

Yes, major donors are still giving.

They’re making seven-figure commitments to these campaigns. They’re transferring assets instead of giving out of their banking accounts. And, above all, they’re supporting campaigns that are aligned with their personal interests and values.

So if you’re worried that economic uncertainty is going to stall your fundraising—take heart.

Donors who feel connected to your mission aren’t retreating. They’re stepping up.

Major Donors vs. Nonprofit Leaders: A Mindset Gap

We’re noticing an important—and surprising—difference between how nonprofit leaders are feeling about the economy, and how major donors are actually responding to it.

Many nonprofit leaders are understandably anxious right now. We don’t blame them. With shifting funding streams, rising costs, and staffing pressures, it’s no wonder confidence is shaken. 

Board members are feeling cautious too. In fact, we’ve seen some organizations hit the brakes on campaigns—not because of donor feedback, but because of internal fear.

But here’s the twist: the donors themselves aren’t necessarily worried.

In conversation after conversation, Chuck reports that major donors are feeling remarkably steady—and even optimistic. 

They’re confident in their own financial position, and they continue to feel passionate about supporting the causes they care about most.

They’re not panicking. They’re not disappearing. They’re still thinking long-term and are absolutely open to thoughtful, strategic investment in impact.

That’s not just reassuring—it’s a wake-up call for all of us.

If nonprofit leaders let fear drive their decisions, they risk missing out on opportunities that donors are actually ready for. The gap isn’t about resources—it’s about mindset. And closing that gap could be the key to unlocking your campaign’s full potential.

So What Makes the Difference?

Engagement. Engagement. Engagement.

Chuck shared example after example of clients who’ve seen big results—not by delivering a splashy pitch, but by bringing major donors into the process early and often, with intention.

One client recently organized a thoughtful series of small, high-touch donor gatherings—well before even starting their campaign feasibility study. 

The purpose? To gently introduce their lead donor prospects to a bold new vision for the future, and more importantly, to spark authentic conversations about where the organization was headed.

Each gathering was kept intimate, just 8 to 10 carefully selected guests. And here’s what made it so successful: every event was hosted in a board member’s home, creating a personal and welcoming atmosphere.

But these weren’t just casual get-togethers with wine and cheese. Each gathering followed a carefully planned format, with:

• A clearly stated objective
• A tight 15-minute presentation (no more!)
• Thoughtful follow-up for every guest
• And a full debrief between the host and staff team afterward

The outcome?

Donor prospects who attended one of these gatherings were twice as likely to share a potential gift range during the feasibility study interviews.

Twice as likely! That’s the power of making people feel seen, heard, and genuinely included in shaping the vision. When donors feel like true partners from the very beginning, everything changes.

And best of all? This model is easy to replicate—with the right prep and a willing board, any organization can use this approach to build early momentum and deepen donor relationships.

When things get tight, some nonprofits make a fatal mistake—they retreat.
They stop asking. They go quiet. They cancel events. 

To make matters worse, they pull back from the very relationships that could carry them forward.

But here’s the truth: that’s the moment to lean in—not back.

When your organization is navigating uncertainty, your donors need to hear from you more, not less. 

You don’t have to pretend everything is going smoothly. But you do need a thoughtful plan, a clear path forward—and the confidence to share it.

Even if you’re dealing with budget cuts, shifting priorities, or operational changes, you can still have meaningful conversations with your supporters. You can talk about:

• Where you’re headed from here
• Why their investment is more important than ever
• And how they can help move the vision forward, even in challenging times

These kinds of honest conversations go a long way. Transparency builds trust—and trust builds loyalty.

Remember: your donors are living through the same economic uncertainty you are. They get it. They’re making thoughtful decisions too. So don’t disappear or go silent.

Instead, open the door with simple, respectful questions like:

• “Is now a good time to talk about your support for our campaign?”
• “Would it be helpful to check back in a few months?”
• “How are you thinking about your giving this year?”

These are permission-based, donor-centered questions. They’re not pushy. They simply keep the connection alive.

And in times like these, that connection is everything.

The Campaign Chuck Almost Canceled

Chuck also shared one of my all-time favorite stories—a perfect reminder of why steady leadership and the right messaging matter so much in uncertain times.

Back in 2008—right after the stock market crash—Chuck’s university was poised to launch a $100 million capital campaign. It was a huge moment. Months of planning had gone into the big launch weekend: major donors flying in, celebrations lined up, leadership ready to roll.

And then, just five days before the kickoff, the unthinkable happened.

The university president walked into Chuck’s office and said, “We need to cancel. The timing is terrible. We’ll look tone-deaf.”

It was a pivotal moment.

But after some deep reflection and candid discussion, they made a bold decision: they wouldn’t cancel. Instead, they’d reframe. They moved forward—with a new message that reflected the reality of the moment.

They acknowledged the economic downturn. They adjusted the tone to reflect empathy and awareness. And instead of making a pitch, they invited donors to step up as partners in rebuilding a stronger future for the university and its students.

The result?

The campaign didn’t just survive. It thrived. It went over goal, under budget, and crossed the finish line ahead of schedule.

That’s the power of courageous leadership and message alignment. When you speak to the moment—and invite donors into something meaningful—they rise to the occasion.

Major Donors Are Giving NOW!

Yes, even in uncertain times—especially in uncertain times—you can run a successful campaign. Whether it’s a short-term “stop gap” effort, a focused major gift initiative, or a full-scale capital campaign, it can work.

We’ve seen it firsthand. We’ve guided our clients through it. And the results have been powerful.

But here’s what it takes:

• Stay close to your donors. Keep those relationships front and center. Reach out, check in, and keep the lines of communication open.
• Engage them early—and often. Don’t wait until you’re ready to ask. Bring them into the conversation long before the formal campaign launch.
• Ask thoughtful, respectful questions. Listen more than you talk. Make it easy for them to share what they’re thinking.
• Keep moving forward with clarity and confidence. Even if the path feels bumpy, your steady energy will give donors a reason to believe in your direction.

And above all—don’t stop asking.

When your cause is urgent and your vision is clear, your donors want to help. But they can’t say yes if you never give them the chance.

Bottom Line: What’s the Secret to Securing Mega Gifts Right Now?

Donors are still giving—generously and confidently—especially when they feel personally connected to your mission. Your job is to keep that connection strong.

Yes, nonprofit leaders may be feeling anxious. But don’t assume your donors feel the same. Let data and relationships guide your next steps—not fear or hesitation.

Thoughtful, small-scale donor gatherings can spark big results. These intentional events create space for genuine conversations and deeper commitment. When done well, they build the foundation for transformational gifts.

Always ask permission before diving into gift conversations. Respectful, open-ended questions help you understand where your donor stands—and show that you care about their perspective.

Above all, remember: clear communication and smart planning go a long way. When donors see transparency and a well-thought-out path forward, their confidence grows—and so does their willingness to invest.