A large donation that is significant enough to warrant individualized cultivation and stewardship.
A major gift is a contribution large enough that an organization treats it with individualized attention. There is no universal dollar threshold; what counts as "major" depends on the size and budget of the nonprofit. For a small grassroots group it might be a few thousand dollars, while for a large institution it could be six or seven figures.
Because major gifts often make up a disproportionate share of total revenue, they justify a personal, relationship-driven approach. Gift officers use moves management and prospect research to identify, cultivate, and steward major donors over months or years.
Major gifts frequently come through vehicles like donor-advised funds, appreciated stock, or planned giving, and they are central to most capital campaigns.
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A structured process for guiding a prospective major donor through a series of intentional steps toward a gift.
The practice of gathering information to identify and evaluate potential major donors.
A focused, time-limited fundraising effort to raise a large sum for a specific major goal such as a building or endowment.
Charitable gifts arranged during a donor's lifetime but typically fulfilled later, often through an estate or will.
The total revenue a nonprofit can expect from a donor across the full length of their giving relationship.
Manage donors, volunteers, members, and events together in one nonprofit platform, for one predictable subscription with no cut taken from donations.
