Introduction
Embarking on a journey as a Major Gift Officer (MGO) is both exciting and challenging. The first 90 days are crucial for setting the foundation for long-term success. At BrightDot, we understand the importance of a well-structured plan to help MGOs hit the ground running. Here’s a comprehensive 90-day plan designed to guide MGOs through their initial phase, ensuring they build strong relationships, understand their institution’s landscape, and start securing major gifts.
Days 1-30: Understanding and Immersion
1. Onboarding and Orientation:
- Meet the Team: Spend time getting to know your colleagues, including development staff, senior leadership, and key volunteers.
- Mission and Vision: Deep dive into the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals. Understand how major gifts align with these elements.
2. Research and Learning
- Donor Database: Familiarize yourself with the donor database and CRM system. Identify key donors, prospects, and historical giving patterns.
- Programs and Services: Learn about the programs, services, and initiatives funded by major gifts. Attend events, site visits, and program meetings.
3. Setting Goals
- Personal Goals: Define your personal goals and objectives for the first 90 days. These should align with the organization’s broader fundraising goals.
- Key Metrics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track your progress. These might include the number of donor meetings, proposals submitted, and funds raised.
Days 31-60: Relationship Building
4. Meeting Donors
- Introduce Yourself: Begin reaching out to existing major donors. Schedule introductory meetings to build relationships and understand their motivations and interests.
- Prospect Identification: Work with the development team to identify and prioritize major gift prospects. Develop strategies for engaging with these individuals.
5. Internal Collaboration
- Cross-Departmental Meetings: Meet with program staff, finance, and communications teams to understand how they support fundraising efforts.
- Board Members: Engage with board members to learn about their connections and how they can support major gift fundraising.
6. Developing Strategies
- Cultivation Plans: Create individualized cultivation plans for top prospects and donors. This includes understanding their giving history, interests, and preferred communication methods.
- Stewardship Plans: Develop stewardship plans to recognize and thank donors for their contributions. This might include personalized thank-you notes, recognition events, and impact reports.
Days 61-90: Execution and Evaluation
7. Implementing Plans
- Donor Meetings: Conduct face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and virtual meetings with top prospects and donors. Focus on building relationships and understanding their philanthropic goals.
- Proposal Development: Begin drafting and submitting major gift proposals. Tailor each proposal to align with the donor’s interests and the organization’s needs.
8. Review and Adjust
- Progress Review: Regularly review your progress against your goals and KPIs. Identify what’s working and where adjustments are needed.
- Feedback Loop: Seek feedback from your supervisor, colleagues, and donors. Use this feedback to refine your strategies and approach.
9. Reporting and Communication
- Internal Reports: Provide regular updates to senior leadership and the development team on your progress and key insights from donor meetings.
- Donor Communication: Keep donors informed about the impact of their gifts and the progress of funded projects. Transparency and regular communication are key to building trust and long-term relationships.
Conclusion
The first 90 days for a Major Gift Officer are all about building a solid foundation for future success. By focusing on relationship-building, strategic planning, and effective execution, MGOs can position themselves as trusted partners in their organization’s fundraising efforts. At BrightDot, we’re committed to supporting MGOs in their journey to make a lasting impact.
If you found this guide helpful, imagine the depth of knowledge and expertise BrightDot can provide. Our comprehensive training programs, strategic consulting, and tailored solutions are designed to empower you to achieve your fundraising goals and transform lives through philanthropy. Reach out to us today and let’s start building a brighter future together!
