Major Donors

Building strong relationships with major donors is essential to the success of your Catholic school’s development efforts. This guide provides clear steps and practical tips to help development directors identify, engage, and steward major donors effectively.

Step 1: Identify Potential Major Donors

Who Are Your Major Donors?

Individuals, families, or organizations with the capacity and interest to make significant contributions.
Current or past parents, alumni, grandparents, and community leaders.
Those who have previously given at a high level to your school or similar causes.

How to Identify Them

Review giving history – Look at past donations and trends.
Leverage school connections – Ask board members, faculty, and current donors for recommendations.
Use wealth screening tools – Utilize research databases or donor management systems.

Step 2: Build Relationships Before the Ask

Make It Personal

Schedule one-on-one meetings (coffee, lunch, or school tour).
Send personalized updates on school achievements and impact.
Connect them with school leadership and key stakeholders.

Engage Donors in Meaningful Ways

Invite them to special events – Annual gala, Masses, student showcases.
Seek their advice – Ask for input on strategic initiatives.
Encourage school involvement – Offer opportunities to mentor students, serve on advisory committees, or sponsor programs.

Step 3: Make the Ask

Timing is Key

Ensure a strong relationship has been built before making a direct request.
Identify the best moment (e.g., capital campaign, scholarship need, annual appeal).

How to Ask

Clearly communicate why their support matters (impact on students, faith formation, facilities).
Suggest a specific giving level or project they may resonate with.
Be confident, but respectful of their decision-making process.
Follow up with any additional details they may need to make an informed decision.

Step 4: Stewardship & Long-Term Engagement

Show Gratitude

Send personal thank-you notes from students or school leaders.
Recognize donors publicly and privately (newsletters, honor plaques, events).
Report back on how their gift is making a difference.

Keep the Relationship Strong

Maintain regular non-ask communication (birthday cards, prayer requests, updates).
Invite them to see their impact firsthand (scholarship recipient meetings, project unveilings).
Continue to involve them in school life and future giving opportunities.

Additional Tips for Success

Listen more than you talk – Understand donor motivations.
Be authentic and mission-driven – Share stories of faith and student success.
Always have a next step planned – Keep engagement ongoing.
Pray for your donors – Recognize their generosity as a gift to your school community.

Communication Ideas

To effectively reach and cultivate major donors, you can create a variety of resources that provide information, inspiration, and engagement opportunities.

1. Donor Impact Stories & Testimonials

Video Testimonials – Short videos featuring students, parents, or alumni sharing how the school has impacted their lives.
Written Impact Stories – Articles or blog posts highlighting success stories of students benefiting from donor support.
Donor Spotlights – Recognize major donors by sharing their motivations for giving and their impact on the school.

2. Personalized Giving Proposals

Major Gift Proposal Template – A well-designed document outlining a donor’s potential impact, project details, and giving options.
Customized Case for Support – Tailored materials that align with a donor’s interests (e.g., scholarships, facilities, faith formation).
Naming Opportunities Brochure – A guide showing how donors can leave a lasting legacy through named gifts.

3. High-Quality Print & Digital Collateral

School Vision & Giving Guide – A booklet explaining the school’s mission, values, and financial needs.
Planned Giving Brochure – A resource explaining legacy gifts, endowments, and estate planning for long-term support.
Annual Giving Report – A professionally designed report showing how funds are used and recognizing major contributions.

4. Exclusive Donor Engagement Opportunities

Behind-the-Scenes School Tours – Special access events for major donors to see programs in action.
Meet-and-Greet with Students & Faculty – Opportunities for donors to connect directly with those they are helping.
Invitation-Only Dinners or Receptions – Small, intimate gatherings with school leadership and benefactors.

5. Digital & Email Campaigns

Personalized Email Updates – Regular touchpoints with major donors sharing school milestones and student success stories.
Donor Recognition Page on School Website – A section highlighting top contributors and their impact.
Custom Video Messages – Personalized thank-you videos from students or the principal expressing gratitude.

6. Catholic Giving & Mission-Focused Resources

Faith-Based Giving Guide – A resource explaining the spiritual impact of philanthropy and Catholic stewardship.
Prayer Cards for Donors – Small gifts thanking donors while emphasizing faith and community.
Mass Intentions for Donors – Recognizing donors through special Masses offered in their honor.

7. Social Media & Online Engagement

Private Donor Group or Newsletter – A way for major donors to receive exclusive updates and stay engaged.
Live Virtual Q&A Sessions with Leadership – Webinars or video calls with the principal, pastor, or students.
Social Media Recognition Campaigns – Highlighting major gifts and donor impact stories.