The Storytelling Non-Profit

Non-profit storytelling that raises money & awareness

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Major Gifts Coaching for Your Non-Profit

Major gifts fundraising offers non-profits one of the highest returns on investment by working with a small group of donors to secure large gifts. For all of the benefits of major gifts, there are challenges including getting a program started, accountability, internal organization of your program and developing systems and process. If your organization is new to major gifts fundraising or looking to expand your program, it can be tough to know where to start and what strategies to use. And even experienced fundraisers sometimes need an accountability or thought partner. That’s where expert coaching can be an asset.

Major Gifts Coaching is a formal, professional relationship between a nonprofit professional (that’s you) and your coach (me).

During the coaching process, I meet with you by phone or video chat for 1 to 2 hours every week. Together, you and I will establish goals and a strategy. Our weekly coaching calls will help you work through the different phases of major gifts including prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, as well as ideas to engage your board in supporting major gifts, stay organized and set priorities, and get asks on the table.

Each time we meet, we will review your progress and discuss the next steps to get you to your goal. Your job is to do the work — my job is to keep you energized and accountable, while giving your information and structure to achieve your goals.

 

 

What Clients are Saying

I leave every monthly meeting I have with Vanessa feeling energized because she focuses on providing concrete advice tailored to the resources we have available to us. She keeps the conversation rooted in what we can do instead of what not to do. As a result of our work together, we’ve been able to develop processes that allow us to interact with donors in engaging, meaningful ways. For example, she gave us ideas about sending Mother’s Day cards to donors, and this led to some unsolicited gifts after sending out cards! Vanessa’s action-oriented nature, combined with her knowledge, honest feedback, and dedication to her work make working with her rewarding and exciting.Sammy Nepal, Development Manager, WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre

 

 

Meet Your Coach

Vanessa Chase Lockshin is the President of The Storytelling Non-Profit and author of the book The Storytelling Non-Profit: A practical guide to telling stories that raise money and awareness. Vanessa is a frequent conference speaker and has provided training to over 9,000 non-profit professionals. She’s worked with non-profits throughout North America to help them raise over $10 million through major gifts, monthly giving, and mid-level giving programs. Her clients have included: Girl Scouts of the USA, Meals on Wheels Association of America, OpenMedia, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Barnard College. In addition to her professional work, Vanessa spent six years as a board member at WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre, including two as board chair. 

 

Interested in working with me as your fundraising coach? Fill out the form below to get additional information.