Fundraising with Major Donors - Online course

One-day course

Online courses take place via Zoom and include a one hour lunch break as well as brief refreshment breaks.

Duration: One– day course with break and lunch time (10.00-16.00).

Book included: Digital copy of Rich Expectations: Why rich people give.

About

A practical, energising training course for fundraisers and those who want to build confidence, skill and strategy in securing major gifts. Across one focused day, participants learn how to identify, cultivate, and steward major donors using evidence‑based techniques, compelling storytelling, and relationship‑led fundraising practice. The course blends expert insight with hands‑on exercises, real examples, and peer discussion to ensure every attendee leaves with a good insight and knowing how major donor fundraising can work for their charity and implement the learning.

Who should attend?

Anyone who wants to know more about this type of fundraising and are likely to be involved in its implementation either directly or from a strategic position.

Fundraisers, managers, trustees and leaders who want to strengthen their major donor strategy — whether they’re starting from scratch or looking to elevate a programme that needs strengthening.

Attendees will range from Major Donor Officers, Capital Appeal Managers, Directors of Development, Philanthropy or Fundraising Officers.  It may also be senior volunteers/board members from charitable, educational and cultural organisations and foundations who want to engage in Major Donor Fundraising and other fundraisers in an organisation who need to know the essential dos and don’ts.

Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the process of securing Major Gifts and why a structured approach increases success along with the steps to take.
• Identify and prioritise major donor prospects
• Develop tailored cultivation plans for high‑value supporters
• Hold effective donor conversations that deepen engagement
• Make a compelling, well‑timed major gift ask and brief key volunteers and others involved in the process
• Create stewardship approaches that strengthen long‑term relationships
• Build internal alignment and advocate for major donor fundraising within their charity

What will it cover?

• Context of Major Gifts in a fundraising strategy.
• What exactly is Individual Major Donor Fundraising?
• The key conditions for successfully working with Major Donors?
• The steps for successful securing a Major Gift
• Mindset around securing and giving Major Gifts
• Research and preparation
• Engagement and cultivation of potential donors
• The asking process – who, how, what, where
• What do you do once the gift is secured and ongoing stewardship

Trainer: Gill Jolly, DSC Associate

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