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The Art of Asking

Understanding the anatomy of a major gift from identification to getting the appointment to securing the gift to stewardship


Understanding the anatomy of a major gift— from identification, to getting the appointment, to securing the gift, to stewardship. Major gifts come to the fundraisers and institutions that understand the vision and the dreams that motivate donors. Donors don’t wake up in the morning saying, “I want to give money away.” They give to programs that are bold, exciting, and make a difference. We explore a new paradigm in major gift fundraising. Most important, we explore what dramatic changes take place in your organization if major donors adopt this new paradigm.

We Explore in Depth Each of the Following:

Step 1: Identify and Qualify the probable donor: Capacity; Interests; Relationships; Passion

Step 2: Plan. How to motivate your donor to move from attention to interest to desire to action.

Step 3: Cultivate. Build the relationship bridge between the probable donor and your organization. Involve the probable donor according to any “gaps”
in your plan.

Step 4: Ask. Invite your probable donor to consider investing in your organization. Asking is done in-person and face-to-face.

Step 5: Negotiate and Close. We lead the conversation from “no” to “yes” by eliminating the objection that prevents the gift. Without a plan, you waste time and risk losing the gift.

Step 6: Stewardship. The process of thanking. This is the first step in securing the next gift.

This Seminar is for anyone who is involved in asking for gifts— Board Members, Volunteers, the entire Staff. It provides every element in securing the gift. Each “step” in this two-day immersion involves coaching, group discussion, and role-playing. If you have the responsibility of helping fund your organization, this Seminar is for you. Or if you wish to move into Major Gifts in the future, this will be a tremendous asset for you and your organization.

 

Distinct Activities During Our Seminars


ParkBenching

Mark Twain once wrote that the most profound learning experience a person can have is to have a great teacher on one end of a log and a student on the other. Well, we do that, but we skip the log! In ParkBenching, registrants at the Institute have the opportunity for a one-on-one, twenty minute session with a faculty member. The session is open-ended, with no prohibition on the topic. How to advance in the profession, how to deal with a Chair that’s not effective, having a problem with the boss, looking for a new job. You name it— whatever you would like to discuss.

the Buzz Group

The name says it all. Buzz Groups are interactive sessions covering vital topics— every possible area that leads to a successful ask. The Buzz Group is lead by a faculty member. You select the topic you want. Attendees are divided into small teams. In each Seminar, there are two, one-hour Buzz Groups. The way they are scheduled, registrants can attend their choice of subjects during the two-day Seminar.

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    Who Should Attend

    • All staff, board members, volunteers involved in fundraising.
    • Organizations that can benefit from an infusion of gift income.
    • Newcomers to the field, and those who have been at it for awhile.
    • Fundraisers who want to grow professionally.
    • Those who would like to have their professional batteries recharged.
    • Those who want to become more effective and successful at fundraising.
    • Those who choose to be the best they can be.

    Limited Registration

    There’s limited registration to ensure extensive 
interaction and provide maximum personal attention.


    Philosophy (But Not Much!)

    It’s important to consider what’s new in major gifts fundraising and how this affects making the ask.

    Developing Prospect Strategies

    The real art of major gifts is in the development of strategies. How do you develop the touch? You’ll practice strategies and skills in a small group setting.

    Inside the Head & Heart of a Philanthropist

    Understand the spirit and heart of those who give major funds. We attempt to have a philanthropist join us. You will be able to probe and ask questions regarding the spirit and motivations of their giving.


    CFRE Continuing Education Approved Provider Programs


    ICG is an approved provider of CFRE continuing education unit credits. All courses presented are submitted to CFRE International for review and approval. A CE Tracker is available at all Seminars.

     

    Here Are Some Things You Will Take Home From a 2019 Institute Seminar


    A Registered Certificate of Seminar participation and completion.

    PLUS...Valuable resources from our Tool Chest that will enhance your fundraising with more than two hundred presentation outlines, checklists, relevant reprints, and a host of fundraising tools to put to immediate use upon your return.

    PLUS...Regular mailings from the Institute & Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners regarding new ideas in fundraising, pertinent new techniques, and innovative approaches to getting the gift.

    PLUS...A group of men and women— fellow alumni— with whom you will be networking and in regular contact.


    Seminar Scholarship Application


    A limited number of partial scholarships are available. The Review Board of the Institute will be particularly encouraging to relatively new organizations, those that serve primarily a minority constituency, or those especially affected by cutbacks in government funding. Scholarship Application (pdf)