Major Gift Proposals to Donors

Major Gift Proposals to Donors

by Tom Wilson Major Gifts Guru

Kent Dove's long career at the University of Indiana and his books on fundraising and capital campaigns are well known throughout our profession.

After 40 years, Kent is retiring from "every day" work will continue helping his university. His fundraising was supported by a staff of more than 100 and by his long-time colleague Curt R. Simic reported The Chronicle of Philanthropy (3/26/09).

In the article reporter Holly Hall noted Mr. Dove:

". . . rarely mentions capital campaigns to donors, and he does not believe in sending donors case statements, campaign reports, and other mass-produced information . . . . Instead he prefers simple proposals tailored to each person or family, and he often asks donors to critique and edit the proposals they receive."

"It is very hard for a donor to relate to a billion-dollar goal. It's a lot easier to get people to invest in their own dreams rather than yours."

What great insights from a true pro. It's not about you, it's not about your organizations ego in striving toward a big goal, but rather listening to the prospective donor to detect their dreams and then presenting a Winning Gifts proposal to them.

I love his approach of asking the donor to edit the proposal and thereby shape it to really meet their needs. What a great way to involve them in the gift and say up front that you expect the gift to be an exchange of ideas rather than a "take it or leave it" proposal from the institution.

Thanks Kent for all of your great work and contributions to major gift fundraising over the years.

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