Dispelling the myths about major donor fundraising

• This paper explores some common weaknesses that occur when charities undertake major donor initiatives. It also explodes some common ‘myths’ that can stifle an organisation's major donor work. The basis for identifying these weaknesses and myths comprises of two sources: some original management centre (=mc) research among a number of leading major donor fundraising organisations, and our practical consulting experience over the last 3 years with not-for-profit fundraisers running major campaigns in UK, USA and Australia. In the paper, we also explore how by confronting these weaknesses and dispelling the myths within your organisation, you too can develop a successful major donor income stream. These lessons are now being applied in our consulting work in the UK, USA and South America, with some significant success. We believe they hold important general lessons for anyone running major donor-led capital campaigns.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.