This course will acquaint students with the major gifts process. Emphasizing the benefits of major gifts and major gift vehicles, the class expands on the information presented in the Annual Fund class. It teaches students how to identify the characteristics of prospects, conduct successful prospect research, plan for personal solicitation, and cultivate and retain major donors. The course activity focuses on the preparation of a major gift campaign plan in conjunction with a cooperating nonprofit organization. Building relationships with philanthropic partners is stressed. A special section on ethics in fund raising addresses major gifts specifically.

This course is designed as an elective for graduate students and select junior and senior undergraduate students seeking careers in nonprofit management. To be strong candidates for administrative positions in the nonprofit sector, students need to know the tasks necessary for successful fundraising. Major Gifts from individuals account for more then half of all fundraising revenue nationwide – therefore, a student well-versed in the Major Gifts process will have the tools needed to succeed in fundraising.

Upon completion of this course, students will understand:

• how fundraising and the nonprofit sector have evolved and changed
• the role of volunteerism in philanthropic fundraising
• the definition of major gifts campaigns, and the major gift cycle
• the benefits and uses of various major gift vehicles
• the style and characteristics of relationships with philanthropic partners
• the standards of practice for the charitable gift planner

Students will be able to:

• create a major gifts plan, complete with case statements, gift tables, prospect lists, philanthropic partner profiles, calendars, and budgets
• determine which major gift vehicle is the most appropriate for a given situation
• prepare for communication with philanthropic partners
• measure the effectiveness of major gifts programs