WG Blog

Building a robust major donor program is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of a non-profit organization. Once established, the top 10% of your donors can contribute up to 40% of your annual operating revenue, as well as offer the crucial partnerships required to transform your mission and fund successful capital campaigns. However, many organizations hesitate to invest in a major donor program due to the time-consuming traditional approach of cultivating major donor relationships through a moves management process.

Revolutionizing Major Donor Cultivation in 3.5 Days

What if you could significantly compress this cycle of stewardship and cultivation into just 3.5 days? What if you could capture the undivided attention of your busy high-net-worth donors long enough to build trust, showcase the impact of your work, and convey your vision for the future? How would these donors respond to an intimate and relaxing weekend spent with your leadership and like-minded individuals enthusiastic about your organization?

The Art of Major Donor Engagement

For over 20 years, Westfall Gold Major Donor Experiences (MDE) have done precisely that! This approach has consistently provided an outstanding return on fundraising investment, with more than 80% of our clients hosting repeat events due to the immediate financial results and the accelerated development of major donor relationships.

The Westfall Gold MDE process adheres to solid major donor best practices, which include prospect research, targeted and personalized communication, showing appreciation for generosity, demonstrating impact, involving donors on a personal level, facilitating face-to-face connections, presenting a clear case for support, and requesting a meaningful gift.

Creating Lasting Bonds and Inspiring Generosity

What sets Westfall Gold apart is the meticulous execution of these elements with a high level of excellence and impact, bringing the organization's work to life. Friendships are formed, and guests eagerly anticipate reuniting to support your work. These motivated and engaged donors are ready to become hosts and ambassadors, bringing new donors into the fold for years to come.

The Power of Personal Connections and Trust Building

So, why is this model so effective? For high-net-worth families, the opportunity for a personal connection with your leadership is the fastest way to build the trust necessary for substantial contributions. Philanthropic investors want to know who is in charge and see that the organization is well-managed. They also want to understand the plan and vision for the organization's future.

During a recent event, a client's CEO deliberately scheduled time to meet with each of the 40 couples attending the weekend, with the sole goal of getting to know these partners. Not only was the event successful from a fundraising perspective, but he also mentioned that he felt genuinely blessed by each sacred connection he established with these families, believing that these meetings will yield fruit for many years to come. They have already started planning their next event.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Westfall Gold

In the world of non-profit organizations, cultivating major donors can be a lengthy and daunting process. However, as we've experienced for over 20 years, there is a powerful alternative to the traditional slow track. Westfall Gold Major Donor Experiences have demonstrated time and again that it's possible to compress the timeline, engage your donors effectively, and build lasting connections in just 3.5 days.

The potential for a personal connection with your leadership is the key to building the trust needed for substantial contributions. This approach not only accelerates your fundraising efforts but also inspires greater generosity from your donors. So, whether you're embarking on your first major donor program or seeking to revitalize an existing one, consider the transformational impact of compressing the cultivation cycle and hosting a Major Donor Experience. By doing so, you can unlock the potential of your major donor relationships, secure essential funding for your mission, and fuel life transformation for your organization.