The Power of True Stewardship
Let’s talk about true stewardship. If we view stewardship as merely reporting back to the donor on their gift’s impact, we’re missing out on a much deeper partnership. Stewardship of a Mega Gift extends beyond simple updates; it’s about continuing the collaborative journey. This means that even after the gift is made, we continue engaging the donor, drawing on their time, talent, and vision. The relationship doesn’t end with the donation; instead, it matures as you work together toward the shared goal.
How to Keep Donors Substantively Involved
The journey of a Mega Gift doesn’t conclude with the donation itself. Donors who make these gifts want to stay engaged in the outcome, to be involved in solving the problem they’re passionate about. Here are key ways to ensure their engagement remains substantial and meaningful:
- Build on Their Knowledge and Expertise
Use what you’ve learned during the co-creation process to identify how their expertise can continue benefiting the project. This could mean involving them in program strategy, leveraging their experience in relevant areas, or inviting them to advise on execution. - Offer Active, Hands-On Engagement
For instance, I recently worked with a donor who had a passion for education and a background in marketing and innovation. After he made a gift 100x his usual donation, we actively involved him in developing the program. His expertise in innovation elevated the programming significantly, making it stronger and more impactful, while also giving him a personal stake in its success. - Leverage Their Network and Influence
In another case, a donor passionate about advancing economic opportunity for Latinos in his community provided more than financial support; he used his connections to introduce us to local leaders and guide us on key issues. His involvement fast-tracked the project’s success, ensuring it resonated within the community from day one.
Experiment and Press Forward
Stewarding a Mega Gift means finding diverse ways to keep donors connected to the program’s progress. Experiment with different forms of engagement, whether it’s involving them in specific milestones, inviting them to witness the impact firsthand, or even helping them explore new avenues for influence within the project.
Don’t be afraid to suggest opportunities for their involvement, even if some ideas result in a “No.” If you’re never getting a “No,” you might not be offering them enough ways to find joy and fulfillment in their contribution. The joy of seeing their gift in action and the satisfaction of working alongside others to achieve shared goals are priceless aspects of this relationship.
The Urgency of Making an Impact
Today, more than ever, philanthropists feel a pressing need to address society’s growing challenges. They want to make a BIG impact—and as partners, it’s our job to help them fulfill that desire. Be bold. Encourage them to consider BIG solutions to the BIG problems. When we do this well, it’s a true win-win, paving the way for transformative outcomes and creating lasting, meaningful partnerships.
In the end, stewarding a Mega Gift is about keeping that spirit of partnership alive, helping donors continue to see their legacy in action, and staying brave enough to suggest powerful solutions for the world’s greatest needs.
