Nonprofit Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation Strategy
Major gift solicitations should only happen when prospects are fully qualified, relationships are cultivated, and the right ask has been identified. This checklist ensures the organization is ready to make the right ask to the right person at the right time.
- Industry: Nonprofit
- Frequency: Per Major Gift Solicitation
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Role: Major Gifts Officer / Executive Director
- Total Items: 28
Prospect Qualification
Verify prospect is fully qualified.
- Giving capacity confirmed through research at level of proposed ask?
- Strong affinity and interest in organization's mission confirmed?
- Direct access to make ask (relationship allowing personal solicitation)?
- Timing appropriate (no known hardship, life transition, or competing priority)?
- Qualification assessment documented in CRM?
Cultivation History Review
Review cultivation history.
- Minimum cultivation touchpoints for ask amount level completed?
- Majority of touchpoints non-solicitation stewardship contacts?
- Organizational leadership (ED, board) engaged in cultivation?
- Prospect's specific philanthropic interests clearly understood?
- Full prior giving history and relationship history reviewed?
Ask Strategy
Develop ask strategy.
- Specific ask amount or range determined?
- Ask purpose aligned with known donor interests and organizational needs?
- Who will make the ask and in what setting determined?
- Backup ask amount or alternative if first ask declined prepared?
- Signals that prospect is ready (or nearly ready) to be asked observed?
Proposal and Materials
Prepare proposal and supporting materials.
- Written proposal or case for support prepared?
- Budget showing use of proposed gift prepared?
- Naming or recognition opportunities identified if appropriate?
- Proposal reviewed by ED or supervisor before presentation?
Solicitation Meeting Logistics
Prepare solicitation meeting.
- Meeting scheduled in appropriate setting (private, unhurried)?
- All members of ask team briefed on roles?
- Likely objections and responses prepared?
- Pledge agreement or gift commitment form available?
Post-Solicitation Planning
Plan post-solicitation follow-up.
- Immediate thank-you plan within 24 hours regardless of outcome?
- Pledge documentation and payment schedule plan prepared?
- Long-term stewardship plan for new or upgraded major donor prepared?
- Solicitation meeting notes to be entered in CRM within 24 hours?
- Next step (regardless of outcome) identified before leaving meeting?
Related Nonprofit Checklists
- Nonprofit Donor Acknowledgment and Gift Substantiation Audit
- Nonprofit Gift Acceptance Policy and Unusual Gift Review
- Nonprofit Donor Database Hygiene and Data Quality Audit
- Nonprofit Major Donor Stewardship Program Audit
- Nonprofit Technology and Data Security Annual Review
- Nonprofit Grant Reporting Calendar and Deadline Management
- Nonprofit Program Staff Supervision and Performance Management
- Nonprofit Board Committee Effectiveness Review
Related Donor Relations Checklists
- Nonprofit Donor Database Hygiene and Data Quality Audit - FREE Download
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Why Use This Nonprofit Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation Strategy?
This nonprofit major gift cultivation and solicitation strategy helps nonprofit teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for major gifts officer / executive director professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per major gift solicitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nonprofit Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation Strategy?
A Nonprofit Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation Strategy is a standardized inspection form used by major gifts officer / executive director to ensure consistent nonprofit operations. It contains 36 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE major gift cultivation checklist PDF. Major gift solicitation readiness covering prospect research, relationship assessment, proposal development, gift negotiation preparation, and post-solicitation stewardship planning aligned with AFP ethical standards. Download FREE template now.
How often should I use this nonprofit checklist?
This checklist is designed to be completed per major gift solicitation. Regular use ensures compliance with industry standards and helps identify issues before they become problems.
Can I download this Nonprofit Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation Strategy as a PDF?
Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 36 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.
What compliance standards does this checklist cover?
This checklist follows industry best practices for nonprofit operations to help maintain quality and safety standards.
How do I complete this nonprofit inspection checklist?
Begin by completing the header fields for Organization Name, Review Date, Gift Officer Name, and Estimated Prospect Capacity ($). Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Finally, complete the footer fields and add your signature. The entire process takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
What are the key sections in this nonprofit checklist?
This nonprofit checklist is organized into 6 key sections: Prospect Qualification, Cultivation History Review, Ask Strategy, Proposal and Materials, Solicitation Meeting Logistics, Post-Solicitation Planning. Each section contains specific inspection points that major gifts officer / executive director must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during nonprofit inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 3-4 hours to complete.
Who should use this Nonprofit Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation Strategy?
This checklist is primarily designed for major gifts officer / executive director working in nonprofit operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that nonprofit standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Nonprofit Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation Strategy to maintain consistency and accountability.