Major Gifts Fundraiser

Summary:Clark shares his November playbook for development officers: how to turn Thanksgiving into a month-long movement of gratitude that naturally inspires giving. From pulling lists in October to writing year-end letters in December, he explains how to stay relationally abundant and avoid those awkward, last-minute “can you give before midnight?” calls.What You’ll Learn:Why gratitude—not urgency—is your most powerful fundraising motivatorThe difference between thank-you calls and gratitude callsHow to structure your October, November, and December moves for maximum impactHow small, consistent “no-ask” touches create major giving opportunities laterWhy there’s no such thing as a “transactional” giftKey Quotes:“Gratitude is an attractive quality. People give without being asked.”“There are no underperforming donors—only underperforming organizations.”“Trust the process, and the big gifts will come.”Action Step:Turn November into “Gratitude Month.” Send notes, texts, and cards. Make calls. Don’t ask—just than