MEGA Vision – MEGA Gifts
Imagine it’s September. Summer has come and gone.
You’re taking inventory of the intentional donor conversations you meant to have.
Are you feeling “Whoops!” or “Wonderful!”?
NOW is the time to take stock of your major and mega gift relationships and make a plan to re-engage—before the leaves fall and the year-end rush begins.
Yes, the data shows that a third of major and mega gifts come in the final months of the year. But the relationship that inspired those gifts? That starts now—long before the snow flies. (OK, maybe that’s just us Wisconsinites talking.)
BIG GIFTS Require BIG VISION: 5 Must-Haves
- A Clear, Compelling Long-Term Vision
Where are you going in the next 1–3 years?
- What will be created?
- What problems will be solved—or significantly impacted?
- What values and traditions will be preserved?
- What will stay the same, anchoring your change in continuity?
- Can you explain this vision simply and clearly?
- Is it believable—and bold enough to inspire action?
Mega donors fund futures. They want to be part of something bigger than today.
- Specific Dollar Needs for Now and Later
What’s the price tag to get there?
- Short-term gaps: What needs immediate support? How can a multi-year pledge stabilize you now and build toward your future?
- Long-term vision: How do endowment gifts or larger investments ensure you’ll be around—strong and thriving—for the long haul?
- Connect today’s giving to tomorrow’s impact. Be honest, but not too dramatic so it seems impossible to fix. What might be lost without today’s giving?
- Vibrant, Flexible Giving Options
Big donors want to choose how they give—and how their gift works.
Offer options:
- Outright gifts
- Gifts to endowment – for immediate needs
- Gifts to endowment – for long-term stability
- Multi-year investments into sustaining funds
Spell out exactly what a gift of $25K, $100K, or $1M makes possible. Don’t make them guess.
- Annual Fund: Small(er) Gifts, Big Picture
Not every donor will give a mega gift—but everyone can be part of the mega vision.
- How do $500–$5,000 gifts add up to fund the greatest needs?
- Create giving options: Programs, Alumni Events, Staff, Greatest Need
- Show how annual giving connects to the BIG vision
- Encourage multi-year pledges
- Focus on impact, not swag – use swag to build belonging
Remember: People don’t give to get “stuff.” They give to results.
- Trustworthy Leadership and a Consistent Message
This one’s non-negotiable.
- Clear, consistent communication
- Honesty about challenges and changes
- Strong follow-through from a reliable infrastructure
- A clean, clear, and complete website
When you want to inspire mega generosity, it starts with a BOLD and BELIEVABLE vision—delivered with clarity and confidence by a team your donors trust.
Mega gifts don’t just respond to need.
They respond to possibility.
So dream big. Dream bold. And always lead with JOY.
Your vision must say to your donors: “I see you. I need you. I believe in what we can do together.”
Invest in Joy™
