Offered by Minnesota Council of F oundations
Many nonprofit leaders k now they need to diversify funding, but major donor fundraising can feel o ut of reach, especially in small- to mid-size nonprofits without large dev elopment teams. The good news is that your next major donor is likely alre ady connected to your organization or within your existing network. The ke y is knowing where to look, how to build the relationship, and how to conf idently invite deeper investment in your mission.
In this 3-session virtual series, we will help you build the con fidence, clarity, and practical systems needed to identify, cultivate, and engage major donors in ways that feel genuine, strategic, and aligned wit h your mission.
Across three live online sessions, we will reframe fundraising as relationship-building, map the p eople already surrounding your mission, prioritize the right donor prospec ts, and strengthen your ability to lead donor conversations with greater c larity and confidence. Through practical tools, guided exercises, and real -time application, this series is designed to help you move from uncertain ty and overwhelm to a more focused, strategic, and repeatable approach to major donor fundraising.
You will leave with practical frameworks and tools you can use immediately to strengthen donor relationships, build a more intentional donor portfolio, and create momentum toward long-term fundraising sustainability. Past participants ha ve shared that this course increased their confidence, strengthened their donor conversations, and gave them practical tools they could apply right away.
By the end of this 3-sessi on \;series, you will be able to: \;
\;
\;
In this session, we begin by exploring the psy chology of generosity and dismantling the &ldquo\;begging&rdquo\; narrativ e that often creates fear or hesitation around fundraising. Together, we w ill shift the mindset from asking for money to inviting partnership in mea ningful work.
We wi ll then map 30&ndash\;50 relationship pathways within your existing networ k to help you identify the hidden donor potential already surrounding your mission, including supporters, connectors, and advisors.
By the end of Session 1, yo u will be able to: \;
In this session, we will help you mov e from a broad or cluttered database to a prioritized portfolio of qualifi ed donor prospects. Using the Engagement Scorecard and related tools, we w ill evaluate prospects based on engagement, alignment, influence, readines s, and relationship strength.
You will begin building a focused Power 10 Portfolio and develo p customized engagement designs that help move priority donors from contac t to committed partner.
By the e nd of Session 2, you will be able to: \;
In this ses sion, we will build the messaging and structure you need to lead donor con versations with greater clarity and confidence. Building on the work from the first two sessions, we will help you define impact, communicate need, and make the ask in a way that feels grounded, relational, and clear.
We will also strengthen your approach to stewardship so donors become more than a source of fundi ng. They become meaningful partners in your mission.
By the end of Session 3, you wil l be able to: \; \;
These optional \;one-hour \;working sessions are designed to help you move from theory to execution \;without the overwhelm. Through peer discussion, hands-on application, and focused grou p coaching, we will bridge the gap between &ldquo\;knowing&rdquo\; and &ld quo\;doing.&rdquo\; \;
Rather than introducing \;new content, these sessions give you space to apply the course tools directly to your own donor portfolio, mes saging, outreach strategies, and upcoming conversations. Together, we will troubleshoot challenges, refine next steps, and build momentum so you can walk into your next donor meeting with greater clarity, confidence, and a practical 90-day action plan.
By \;participating \;in the optional implementation la bs, you will be able to: \;
These th ree Implementation Labs sessions are included with the &ldquo\;Building an d Cultivating Major Donors for Small- to Mid-Size Nonprofits Series&rdquo\ ; registration.
By the end of the series, you wil l leave with more than notes. You will leave with a practical fundraising engine built for immediate execution and long-term sustainability, includi ng: \;
This event is a series wit h three dates and three optional Implementation Labs. The series registrat ion price includes all six sessions.
Opti onal Implementation Labs:
This virtual event will take place on the Zoom platform. You r access link will be emailed to you the day before the event after 12 p.m .
This sessions will be recorded availab le to registrants after the live event.
Captioning is provided automatically through Zoom. For information on requ esting CART, ASL, or another accommodation, please visit our \;Registration Policies page.
\;
Alliance for Nonpro fit Impact members are eligible for $175 MCN member rate.