As fundraisers, we’re often inspired by the timeless stories and traditions that bring us together. For many of us, the tale of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth. It’s a story that has endured for nearly 60 years, capturing hearts with its mix of humor, disappointment, and the hope that something magical could happen at any moment.
In the same way, when it comes to fundraising, we want to create that sense of magic and hope for our donors. We want them to feel the excitement of being part of something transformative, something that will make a real difference in the world. But just like Charlie Brown, who often found himself with a rock instead of candy, we need to ensure that our efforts lead to meaningful outcomes, not disappointments.
This brings us to Step #10 in our 14 Steps of Successful Mega Gift Fundraising: Co-Creation.
Why Co-Creation Matters
Co-creating a mega gift with a donor is about more than just submitting a plan and hoping for the best. It’s about collaborating closely with your donor to develop a strategy that aligns with both their vision and your organization’s mission. This partnership ensures that the donor feels deeply connected to the project and is invested in its success.
Why emphasize “co-create”?
- Collaboration: “Co” signals that you’re working together with the donor as a partner, not just asking them to support a pre-made plan.
- Creation: “Create” emphasizes that this process starts from the ground up, building something new and exciting together.
When you invite a donor to co-create a plan, you’re asking them to be more than just a financial supporter—you’re inviting them to be an architect of change.
The Steps to Co-Creation
Let’s break down the key steps to effectively co-create a mega gift with your donor:
- Vision, Values, and Mission Statement
- Begin by codifying the donor’s intentions through a personalized “Vision, Values, and Mission Statement.” This document should capture the donor’s aspirations and what they hope to achieve with their gift. It serves as a guiding star for everyone involved in the project, ensuring that the donor’s values are always at the forefront.
- Outline the Plan
- Next, develop a simple, one-page outline of the plan. This should include:
- The Problem: Clearly define the issue you’re addressing.
- The Vision: Describe the better future that solving this problem will create.
- The Strategy: Outline the key steps that will be taken to achieve this vision.
- Success Metrics: Identify how success will be measured and what impact the donor’s gift will have.
- Next, develop a simple, one-page outline of the plan. This should include:
- The Office Visit
- Finally, propose a daylong visit to your office where the donor, their family, and advisors can work with your team to flesh out the plan. This visit is more than just a meeting—it’s an immersive experience where the donor can see firsthand the impact of their involvement and feel the excitement of what’s possible.
Creating an Immersive Experience
The office visit is your opportunity to create an environment where the donor feels valued, inspired, and deeply connected to the cause. Think about how you can use visuals, sounds, and interactions to bring the donor’s vision to life. This is where the magic happens—where the donor sees their values reflected in the project and becomes fully committed to its success.
