How Do I Prioritize Donor Prospects Who Might Be Open to a Mega Gift?
The best prospects for a Mega Gift are the people who get excited about solving BIG problems. It’s that straightforward. We don’t need to overcomplicate the process by creating endless criteria and checklists. Instead, let’s keep it simple: start with the donors who have a genuine desire to make a massive, transformational impact.
Now, you might wonder, How do I identify and narrow down my top five or top ten prospects? Conventional wisdom often suggests looking at the basics:
- Donors with a history of generous giving
- Those who are deeply engaged with your programs
- Individuals who trust your leadership
These are definitely valuable indicators, and they help. But from my experience, there’s an even more telling sign: donors who actively seek to GO BIG and are drawn to solving major societal challenges. This is the mindset of most serious philanthropists—those who have built their lives and careers by thinking big and achieving big. Now, in their philanthropic journey, they are looking for opportunities to bring that same vision to tackle the world’s biggest problems.
How Do You Know Who Wants to GO BIG?
To truly qualify and prioritize potential Mega Gift donors, the best approach is straightforward: ask them. Listen carefully to their responses, and build a relationship centered on partnership and mutual goals. Serious philanthropists are not just looking to give; they’re looking to engage in meaningful change. They want to know that their contribution will be used thoughtfully to address pressing issues. And to make that connection, it’s essential to ask insightful, open-ended questions that help you understand their motivations.
Here are some questions I recommend to initiate these meaningful conversations:
- “What do you see as the most pressing problems facing our society today?”
This question goes straight to the heart of their philanthropic passions. Their answer will give you a clear view of what matters most to them and can help you connect those issues to your organization’s mission. - “What concerns you most for the future?”
Understanding a donor’s long-term worries can reveal where they hope to make an impact, helping you position your organization as a potential solution to these concerns. - “Which problems do you believe our organization is most qualified to help solve?”
Here, you’re asking the donor to actively consider your organization as a vehicle for their goals. It’s a question that allows them to see your organization as an extension of their own aspirations. - “Which of these problems would you like to be a part of solving?”
This question gets personal. By inviting them to join in the solution, you’re positioning them as a true partner in the work, not just a funder. It’s a powerful step in building a lasting relationship. - “If there was one thing (only one!) you’d like to try to address in your lifetime, what would it be?”
This focused question brings out their core passion, allowing you to align your programs and opportunities with what truly motivates them. - “How would you like to engage with us this year?”
This practical question shows that you’re thinking about a dynamic, ongoing relationship, one that allows the donor to participate as much as they want to, now and into the future.
Building a Genuine Win-Win Partnership
The goal of these questions isn’t just to learn about the donor but to engage them as part of your team. By facilitating an honest exchange, you’re creating an environment where they feel valued, understood, and aligned with your mission. This approach goes beyond just funding; it becomes a true partnership.
Finally, as you have these conversations, remember to take detailed notes and follow up on their ideas, concerns, and goals. By showing that you value their input and are committed to keeping them involved, you lay the foundation for a deep, impactful relationship. And in doing so, you create a pathway for them to join you in achieving something big.
