Measuring Your Success? / It’s Not About Dollars.
You’ve been told the number you need to raise. Somewhere between, “well, ok…” and “YIKES!” you may wonder: “Do I even have the givers to meet this?”
Often, that number came from a budget shortfall—not from assessing whether people are ready to joyfully give.
Create a Plan / Focus on Action
Here’s the truth: You can’t make anyone give.
But you can uncover their passion for your mission.
You can connect them to giving priorities that matter.
You can ask.
You can say thank you.
You can measure your action—and action is what YOU control.
5 Steps to Success / Beyond the Dollars
- Define Your Goal. For this example, let’s say it’s $400,000.
- Chart Your Gifts. Use giving data to project how many gifts you’ll need at each level to reach your goal.
- Create Vibrant Giving Options. Match giving levels to meaningful ways donors can make a difference.
- Name Potential Givers. Start with your database—fill in names, relationships, and connections.
- Track Your Actions. Measure calls, visits, emails, texts—every touchpoint that builds trust and belief.
Chart of Gifts / With Giving Options & Givers
| Gift Level | # Needed | # of Givers (5:1) | Total from Level | Cumulative Total | % of Goal | Options for Giving | Potential Givers |
| $50,000 | 2 | 10 | $100,000 | $100,000 | 25.0% | ||
| $25,000 | 4 | 20 | $100,000 | $200,000 | 25.0% | ||
| $15,000 | 6 | 30 | $90,000 | $290,000 | 22.5% | ||
| $10,000 | 8 | 40 | $80,000 | $370,000 | 20.0% | ||
| $5,000 | 10 | 50 | $50,000 | $420,000 | 12.5% | ||
| $2,500 | 12 | 60 | $30,000 | $450,000 | 7.5% | ||
| $1,000 | 20 | 100 | $20,000 | $470,000 | 5.0% | ||
| Under $1,000 | 50 | 250 | $50,000 | $520,000 | 12.5% |
Tip: Use this as a living document—updating “Options” and “Givers” as relationships develop. And yes, the total here goes past $400,000—that’s okay! Build in cushion and momentum.
Work the Plan / Measure What Matters
What do I advise? For a full-time major gift officer:
- 20–30 face-to-face (or Zoom) meetings/month
- 40+ phone calls
- Countless emails and handwritten notes
If you can consistently do this work with discipline and joy, the gifts will follow.
It’s Not Just Money / It’s Belief and Trust
Dollars give wings to your mission—but they’re also proof that people believe in your vision, your integrity, and your impact.
Your 4-Step Donor Dance / Joyful Giving
- Uncover their belief in your mission.
- Fan the flame with stories and proof of impact.
- Ask them to support what they care about most.
- Thank them—and show them their gift did exactly what you promised.
And the Best Part? / Being With Your Donors
Yes—the greatest joy in this work is the connection. So don’t wait for the magic to happen… be the magic.
Take action. Build relationships. And enjoy the journey.
Invest in Joy™
