- Level Foundation
- Duration 15 hours
- Course by University of California, Davis
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Offered by
About
This course will provide a comprehensive view of major and principal gift development work for students who seek to build upon their experiences gained in the introductory session. Participants will gain an understanding of the philosophy and strategies implemented in major gift development including prospect identification, how to initially engage a potential major gift donor, the process of cultivation and moves management, effective proposal writing, making a successful ask and on-going donor stewardship. Students will practice fundamental major gift development skills by developing their own prospect strategy, producing essential documents to support the process, and engaging in role playing activity to simulate interaction with prospects and donors.Modules
Getting Started
1
Discussions
- Learning Goals
1
Videos
- Major and Principal Gifts Course Introduction
1
Readings
- A Note From UC Davis
History of Philanthropy and Terminology of Major and Principal Gifts
1
Discussions
- Define a Major Donor
7
Videos
- An Introduction to the Major and Principal Gift Process
- History of Philanthropy (Part 1)
- History of Philanthropy (Part 2)
- Development of a Major Gifts Program (Part 1)
- Development of a Major Gifts Program (Part 2)
- Motivating the Major Gift Donor (Part 1)
- Motivating the Major Gift Donor (Part 2)
Assessment
1
Assignment
- Module 1
Major and Principal Gift Prospect Identification and Management
1
Discussions
- Ethical Concerns
7
Videos
- An Introduction to Major and Principal Gift Prospect Identification and Management
- Definition and Benefits of Prospect Research
- How Prospect Research Works (Part 1)
- How Prospect Research Works (Part 2)
- Determining Prospects' Giving Capacity
- Moves Management (Part 1)
- Moves Management (Part 2)
Assessments
1
Assignment
- Module 2
1
Peer Review
- Prospect Identification
Prospect Cultivation, Strategy Development and Getting the First Appointment
1
Discussions
- Opening the Door
7
Videos
- Introduction to Prospect Cultivation, Strategy Development and Getting the First Appointment
- Opening the Door with Pre-Call Contacts (Part 1)
- Opening the Door with Pre-Call Contacts (Part 2)
- Objectives of an Initial Visit (Part 1)
- Objectives of an Initial Visit (Part 2)
- Donor Interest and Strategies (Part 1)
- Donor Interest and Strategies (Part 2)
Assessments
1
Assignment
- Module 3
1
Peer Review
- Engagement, Cultivation, & Solicitation Strategy
Writing the Major Gifts Proposal
1
Discussions
- Writing Techniques
5
Videos
- Introduction to Writing the Proposal and Making the 'Ask'
- Writing the Proposal - Part 1
- Writing the Proposal - Part 2
- Writing the Proposal - Part 3
- Writing the Proposal - Part 4
Closing a Gift and Stewardship of a Major/Principal Gift Donor
5
Videos
- The Structure of a Successful Solicitation Strategy (Part 1)
- The Structure of a Successful Solicitation Strategy (Part 2)
- Practice the Ask and Negotiation (Part 1)
- Practice the Ask and Negotiation (Part 2)
- Practice the Ask and Negotiation (Part 3)
1
Readings
- Checklist for "The Ask"
Assessments
1
Assignment
- Module 4
1
Peer Review
- Major Gift Proposal
1
Readings
- Suggested Activity: Role Play Exercise
Structuring, Documenting, and Executing a Major Gift Through Stewardship
1
Discussions
- Stewardship Interactions
4
Videos
- Introduction to Structuring, Documenting, and Executing a Major Gift Through Stewardship
- Structuring, Documenting, and Executing a Major Gift (Part 1)
- Structuring, Documenting, and Executing a Major Gift (Part 2)
- An Effective Stewardship Program
Course Summary
1
Videos
- Course Summary on Major and Principal Gifts
Assessments
1
Assignment
- Module 5
1
Peer Review
- Gift Agreement and Stewardship Plan
Auto Summary
Discover the art of major and principal gift development in this comprehensive Business & Management course by Coursera. Led by experienced instructors, you'll delve into strategies for prospect identification, donor engagement, cultivation, proposal writing, and stewardship. With practical exercises including role-playing and document creation, this foundational course spans 900 minutes and is ideal for those looking to advance their fundraising skills. Available through a Starter subscription, it's perfect for aspiring fundraisers and development professionals.

Jason Wohlman