We all know that there’s strength in numbers. As the old African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” In the world of major gift fundraising, this couldn’t be more true.
It’s easy, even tempting, for us fundraisers to fly solo on big asks. After all, we know our donor partners inside and out. Working alone allows for quick pivots, fast decision-making, and immediate progress. But the reality is, without collaborating with others in the organization, we miss out on essential perspectives that can make our proposal stronger, more compelling, and better suited to the donor’s vision.
Knowledge isn’t centralized—it’s scattered across every team in our organizations. Whether it’s the finance team, operations, or program staff, each of these teams brings years of specialized experience. By working together, we can tap into this wealth of knowledge and build investment opportunities for donors that are robust, impactful, and aligned with our organization’s unique strengths and needs.
So, what happens when we don’t collaborate? Quite simply, we risk leaving significant value on the table. We miss out on realizing the full potential of what the donor hopes to achieve, and we miss out on the chance to develop a truly compelling, game-changing ask. Going it alone often results in smaller ideas and less credible solutions, potentially leaving the donor feeling underwhelmed and disengaged. And that’s not just a missed opportunity for the moment—it can also hinder long-term donor relationships and the potential for future Mega Gifts.
Steps to Effective Collaboration
How can we ensure this collaboration happens and, more importantly, happens well? Here are a few steps I’ve found useful:
- Seek Perspectives
Ask your colleagues how they would improve a program or tackle a major initiative if resources were no issue. Frame your questions to gather insights without burdening them with additional work or assignments. Think about it—how many people do you know who don’t enjoy sharing their thoughts on what could be improved? You’ll get valuable input without making them feel like it’s just another task. - Envision Big Possibilities
Ask colleagues what they would do if funding were unlimited. What’s their vision for making the program not only effective but truly transformative? Who else in the organization might have ideas on making your programs more impactful? Continue expanding your circle of input until you have a well-rounded view. - Engage a Shared Vision
As input flows in, you’re not just building a program; you’re building a shared vision. When your colleagues contribute to shaping the direction of a program, they’re more likely to be invested in its success. This kind of buy-in is crucial for long-term impact and helps make programs more attractive to supporters.
Once you’ve gathered perspectives from across your organization, it’s time to refine a vision, set objectives, and lay out a concrete plan. With this solid foundation, you’re ready to approach a prospective donor with a compelling, well-rounded proposal.
An Example in Action: The Phoenix
Let’s look at an inspiring example. The Phoenix, founded by Scott Strode, is a phenomenal organization working to change the way America addresses addiction. When we at Stand Together began collaborating with them, they were already impactful, serving 18,000 people in seven locations. But by pulling together their team’s deep knowledge and experience, we built a strategy that transformed the organization’s reach.
The Phoenix team had detailed insights into starting and running local chapters, and they were able to develop distinct strategies for different communities, from Atlanta to San Diego. This collaboration led to exponential growth—from serving 18,000 people to reaching 280,000 across all 50 states. And their trajectory doesn’t stop there; they’re on a path to reach one million people in the next few years.
Imagine the story you can share with a prospective donor. “For one of the greatest crises of our time, we believe we have a solution—a solution that could grow fiftyfold within a decade.” By bringing the entire organization into this vision, The Phoenix has not only expanded its reach but created a compelling, society-wide impact story that donors want to support.
The Power of Collective Impact
When we work together, the potential is limitless. Collaborating across functions allows us to create programs that not only meet immediate needs but also inspire transformative change. And that’s what draws in Mega Gifts. When you can show a donor how they’re helping address one of society’s greatest challenges with a credible, sustainable, and impactful plan, you’re not just asking for support—you’re inviting them to be part of something monumental.
With the right collaboration, the sky truly is the limit on the support we can raise and the lives we can change.
