The road to a $1 million capital campaign gift

Nonprofit leaders: How do you raise a lead gift of $1 million for your organization's capital campaign?

That's kind of a trick question, since no two paths to a 7-figure gift are exactly the same. But to offer some inspiration, I'll tell you the lovely story of someone we will call Marie.

Marie was giving about $10K annually to our nonprofit campaign client. She initially connected with the organization through a late family member who had been passionate about the mission.

More than a year ago, we and the nonprofit added Marie to the org's internal campaign gift table: a tool that categorizes prospects by potential gift amount. We placed Marie at $75,000 based on past giving and engagement level at the time.

Then, Marie graciously agreed to be interviewed for the feasibility study, giving feedback on the campaign case for support. Her input included some constructive concerns about the building project.

The organization responded to those concerns quickly and with transparency. The executive director stayed in touch with Marie over the months that followed. In the fall, she asked Marie if the nonprofit could honor her late family member as part of an upcoming special event that was highlighting a cause the loved one had cared so much about. Marie agreed and attended.

The day after this wonderful remembrance of her beloved family member, Marie emailed to ask about the campaign's available naming opportunities.

Since we had already created a campaign proposal template and naming opportunities list for our client, customizing the language to align with Marie's interests was quick and easy.

One day after receiving the proposal, Marie emailed with exciting news: she would be donating $1 million to name the organization's new building after her loved one!

As a result, the organization secured a tremendous lead gift early in their campaign, which will ultimately help more people in their community; and the donor found a meaningful way to keep her loved one's memory alive.

What lessons can we draw from this wonderful story?
❤️ Engage with donors early on in the campaign planning

❤️ Cultivate donors in deeply personal ways

❤️ Listen and respond earnestly to concerns

❤️ Finalize your naming opportunities, proposal language, and pledge agreements as early as possible

What else stands out to you?

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P.S. If your nonprofit raises $1M+ annually and is thinking about a multimillion dollar campaign, we can help! Message me any time. 😍