How Do You Raise Transformational Gifts Right Now? 

Webinar recap: real-world strategies to close transformational gifts, even now.

In June, hundreds of nonprofit leaders and fundraisers joined us live for our “Major Gifts in 2025: Keys to Success in an Uncertain Environment” webinar. What a terrific group we had! (if you missed it, you can access the recordings here!)

Here’s the question we discussed in our webinar:  

How do you raise transformational gifts in today’s uncertain environment?

Clearly, we need those mega gifts more than ever. No doubt about it – times are seriously difficult right now for many stalwart nonprofit leaders. 

In our webinar, we shared solid hope for the future – and real live strategies that are working right now out in the field. 

We talked about how our clients are closing 6- and 7-figure gifts – right now. (!)

And, we shared the skills and strategies fundraisers like you need most in 2025.

Here’s what we shared in our webinar – and what the fundraisers in the (virtual) room learned.

Yes, You Can Raise Major Gifts Right Now

This was one of our biggest messages.

Despite the noise, major donors are NOT pulling back. In fact, many are leaning in –  asking how they can help, and looking for ways to align their giving with what matters most to them.

What does that mean for you? It means you need to be ready with:

• A clear picture of transformational impact
• Confidence in your ability to lead the conversation
• A focused and organized portfolio that prioritizes your top prospects

Donor Conversations Are the Key to Bigger Gifts

We taught our signature strategy for leading values-based, permission-driven donor conversations, and it struck a chord with so many attendees.

Here’s what we emphasized:

• You don’t need to “convince” a donor. You need to ask the right questions.
• The best conversations uncover a donor’s giving range, values, and timing.
• When a donor feels heard and aligned, then hopefully, transformational gifts will follow.

One of our favorite questions to ask?

“When you think about the causes that truly reflect your values, which ones come to mind -and what makes them stand out?”

These kinds of inquiry- based discussions build your donor’s trust, and can open the door to significant giving.

A Smart Portfolio Is Your Most Underrated Tool

Too many gift officers are stuck in reactive mode. They’re chasing names, juggling too many donors, and unsure where to focus next. 

Or, they are dealing with overstuffed portfolios full of suspects, not true gift prospects. 

That’s why one of the first things we tackle in our Major Gift Officer Bootcamp and our consulting work is portfolio discipline. 

An important strategy we are recommending for 2025 is to organize prospects by timing and priority. Organizing by timing helps you focus on gifts that may close this year. 

During the webinar, we shared one of our most practical tools: a simple portfolio management framework that helps you:

• Sort donors by stage: cultivation, solicitation, stewardship
• Prioritize those most likely to give in the next 6–12 months
• Create a plan to keep your pipeline full (and stress low)

This was a lightbulb moment for many attendees – because it’s not just about managing relationships. It’s about managing your time and your calendar so you can actually close gifts.

Influencers Can Unlock Transformational Giving

Another highlight for success in 2025? The power of engaging volunteer “influencers” in your major gift strategy.

These influencers can be one of your most powerful tools in major gift fundraising – when they’re engaged properly.

We heard from fundraisers who felt unsure how to involve key philanthropists or leadership donors. And we walked through a set of roles that make it easy to activate high-level volunteers – without asking them to make the ask.

Who can serve as a volunteer influencer?

• They are probably current major donors
• They have influence in your community or industry
• They are willing to act, but they need clear, specific roles

These very special volunteers can:

• Make key introductions to potential donors
• Invite prospects to exclusive events
• Follow up after gift conversations with a personal touch

Here’s the key: These volunteers are not usually the ones to actually make the solicitation.

BUT what they can do, that no one else does, is nudge a big gift over the finish line. 

You Asked for More – And We’re Delivering

We have been getting emails for some time, asking the same thing:

“I need more training in advanced major gift skills!”
“Do you offer training just for major gift officers?”
“Can I get support for this work—now, while it’s so needed?”

So we have created a brand new program – the Major Gifts Officer Bootcamp 2025.

It’s a 12-week live, interactive training designed specifically for major gift officers, mid-level fundraisers, and advancement professionals who are ready to raise transformational gifts with confidence and clarity.

Everything You Need to Close Major Gifts with Confidence

Here’s what you’ll get in the Bootcamp:

• 11 live trainings packed with strategy and examples (recorded for replay)
• 3 small-group coaching sessions with our expert consultants
• A full curriculum on strategic donor conversations, portfolio management, and influencer engagement
• 18 CFRE credits
• Tools and templates you can use right away to move donors from interest to investment

The Major Gifts Officer Bootcamp begins September 11, 2025
$1695 per registrant / $6000 per team of 4
Limited Spaces Available
Pay in full now or register now with a $300 deposit and pay the balance on August 21st, 2025*

Save your seat or learn more here.

One Last Thing: You’re in Good Company

We’re seeing extraordinary momentum across the sector. Here’s what fundraisers like you are already achieving with our guidance:

“We closed a $700,000 gift because of their coaching.”
-Twyla Wells, Johnson Community College Foundation

“We’ve exceeded our major gift goals—and we’re aiming even higher.”
-Helen Taylor, Whidbey Health Foundation

“It’s one of the biggest gifts we’ve ever received—and it happened after we used the strategies from your training.”
-Craig Nason, Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking

The bottom line?

You can do this work – and we’ll show you how.

Come join us in the Major Gift Bootcamp this fall!

*Payment balance billed automatically on August 21, 2025 – you will receive 2 reminders ahead of time.