A Tool to Help Major-Donor Meetings Go Off Without a Hitch

Getting a wealthy donor to give a gift for the first time can seem like one of the hardest parts of a fundraiser’s job. But holding onto donors for a long time requires just as much care and planning.

One of the best ways to stay close to a donor after the receipt of a gift is to meet regularly. Some major-gift officers recommend half-yearly or quarterly check-ins, so you can share news about your organization or updates on how a gift is being spent.

Laura Frye, who leads the development office of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Boston and has more than a dozen years of experience in fundraising, created a form to prepare for meetings with major donors. The work sheet, which she calls a Confidential Briefing Document, helps her set goals and prepare talking points for each interaction. She also uses it to stay on track during a meeting and to follow up promptly afterward.

Plus, these sheets provide a written record of all meetings for your file (when, where, and with whom the donor met).

Download Frye’s Confidential Briefing Document below to help streamline your meetings with wealthy supporters.