#3 How Can I Collaborate with the Rest of My Organization to Develop or Enhance Programs That Could Attract Mega Gifts?
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.
#2 How Do I Evaluate if My Organization Has Programs That Could Attract Mega Gifts?
That’s a BIG question—and it’s critical. In my view, the most essential part of securing a Mega Gift is initiating the Mega Gift discussion itself. And the reality is, if you don’t have the right programs or projects that naturally attract these types of transformative gifts, then you’ll never get the chance to start that conversation. But how do you know if your organization has what it takes to draw in Mega Gifts? It comes down to positioning. Ask yourself: What’s the unique gap in the marketplace that only our organization can fill? What is the defining value or purpose that makes our programs stand out? Without this clarity, you’re missing the foundation that attracts major, mission-driven donors. A good friend and reader, Clay Purdy, once raised a valuable question: How do I position my organization for Mega Gift success? To answer that, I always turn to Richard Viguerie’s Four Horsemen of Marketing. It’s a quick but powerful read, packed with insights on standing out in a crowded field. It’s so impactful, in fact, that I revisit it every few months as a checklist to keep my efforts sharp. Whether it’s creating a unique niche or becoming what Viguerie calls a “Purple Cow,” this approach can elevate your organization to Mega Gift readiness. When assessing your organization’s potential to attract Mega Gifts, here are some guiding questions that have proven invaluable: Do you have projects where your most generous supporters could envision giving 10x more than they currently do? Sometimes, a program’s vision just needs to expand. Look for opportunities within existing projects where increased funding could turn a good program into a great one, making it even more appealing to high-capacity donors. Could you initiate new projects that align with your organization’s strengths, with the potential to attract gifts that require a significant financial commitment? High-level donors often seek groundbreaking, ambitious projects that align with their passions. They like to be in on the ground floor, to have a say in planning, and to see their input directly impact outcomes. Designing a program that leverages their expertise, in addition to their funds, can make all the difference. Reflect on your recent conversations with donors. Are you addressing their “why”? Consider the last few discussions you’ve had with key donors. Have you explored the big problems they’re passionate about solving, why they care so deeply, and if they see your organization as uniquely capable of tackling those issues? If they see you as the perfect partner, you’re positioning yourself well for that next-level commitment. Now, how do you determine if your organization truly has the differentiation, benefits, and brand strength to deliver on those big promises? If you haven’t already, get your hands on Four Horsemen of Marketing. Read it once, and then read it again. The insights are key to understanding how to position your organization as the go-to entity for the transformative solutions donors are seeking. Remember, Mega Gifts don’t happen because of chance—they happen because you’ve created the right environment, mission, and program positioning to welcome them.
#1 What is the Definition of a Mega Gift?
The short answer is simple: a Mega Gift is a gift that is both consequential and transformational—for the donor and the organization alike. Yes, you’ve probably heard that before. Perhaps a dozen times, or maybe a hundred. But when it comes to Mega Gifts, we as fundraisers need to take that definition a step or two—or even five—further. These aren’t just large donations; they are pivotal commitments that mark a defining moment in the donor’s relationship with the organization and, indeed, in their own lives. In my view, a Mega Gift isn’t just about the amount given. It’s about the gift’s purpose, impact, and the personal journey it entails for the donor. For me, a true Mega Gift has five essential elements: Addressing a Big Problem with a Credible Solution A Mega Gift should be aimed at tackling a significant issue, one that the organization has a viable plan to address. This isn’t about solving every problem but focusing on a specific, impactful area where the donor can see their gift making a tangible difference. A Co-Created Path to Change The commitment to a Mega Gift is a collaborative effort between the donor and the organization. It reflects a thoughtful, deliberate process where both parties work together to create a strategy that will advance the solution. It’s an exercise in partnership, aligning the donor’s vision with the organization’s mission. An Ask That Provokes Thought and Consideration The scale of the financial ask—and the additional call for the donor’s time and talent—should make the donor ‘stop and think.’ Typically, this means it’s on the scale of 10x anything they’ve done before. This kind of reflection shows that it’s not just another donation; it’s a deeply meaningful commitment. Pride and a Long-Term Bond A true Mega Gift is one that the donor will feel immense pride in. It’s not only a gift to the organization but a defining piece of their legacy. This pride further strengthens the bond between the organization and the donor, ensuring a lasting, impactful relationship. Inspiration for Others Finally, a Mega Gift is a beacon of inspiration. It sets a precedent and encourages other donors to envision the impact they, too, can have. It signals to the wider community that big goals are achievable, and it challenges others to step up. If we, as fundraisers, can confidently say “YES!” to each of these points after a gift commitment, then we know a Mega Gift has occurred. Mega Gifts are about more than eye-popping numbers. While the financial contribution is significant, it’s the addition of the donor’s time and talent that makes it transformative. Without that element of personal engagement, the donor may not experience the full impact of their gift. And if they don’t, we might have left untapped potential on the table. In every Mega Gift, there’s a unique story—a story of partnership, impact, and legacy. That’s what makes these gifts so special, and that’s what makes our work as fundraisers so fulfilling.
