Cultivating and Soliciting Major Gifts, Even When You Can't Meet in Person
Rachel Elder, CFRM - Beacon Nonprofit Consulting
Lisa Lee, CFRE, CFRM - Beacon Nonprofit Consulting
Mollie O'Hara, CFRE, CFRM - Beacon Nonprofit Consulting
With the reality of social distancing and the recent stay at home order, major gift fundraising may seem as challenging as ever. The soliciting of major gifts has long been conducted in person, face to face with potential donors. The ask often occurred over a shared meal or in a conference room and now we are communicating primarily by phone and over teleconference. How has soliciting major gifts changed? How can we continue to be effective major gift fundraisers if we can’t meet in person? Beacon Consultants Mollie O’Hara, Lisa Lee, and Rachel Elder will guide you through proven cultivation and solicitation techniques that will be effective during and beyond this unpredicted time when donors are hesitant or not willing to meet in person. The team at Beacon will discuss how to cultivate individuals and ultimately solicit major gifts over the phone, via teleconference tools like Zoom, or by special proposal delivery. This session is ideal for fundraisers responsible for major gift fundraising as well as executive directors and fundraising volunteers engaging in building philanthropic relationships with current and potential donors.
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Rachel Elder, CFRM - Beacon Nonprofit Consulting
Rachel Elder joined the Beacon team in 2016 and soon thereafter earned a Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from Indiana University. She has extensive experience in university fundraising models, major gifts, capital campaigns, volunteer management, and grassroots fundraising on a local and national scope. Rachel gained her development experience in organizations including Rice University, St. Edward’s University, and the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research. Her commitment to volunteerism and resource development enhance her dedication to the community. Currently, Rachel serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Austin Chapter and is an active volunteer with the Austin Independent School District, Generation SERVE and Forklift Danceworks.
Lisa Lee, CFRE, CFRM - Beacon Nonprofit Consulting
Lisa Lee brings more than 20 years of development experience in Austin’s nonprofit sector to Beacon, including deep knowledge and skill in the areas of capital campaign management, major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, event fundraising, annual giving, membership and more. Prior to joining Beacon in 2014, Lisa worked in development officer roles with large and mid-sized nonprofits, most recently completing a $17 million campaign to build the new Austin Children’s Museum, the Thinkery. Lisa earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2004, and was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional by AFP in 2012. She served as president of the AFP Greater Austin Chapter in 2007.
Mollie O'Hara, CFRE, CFRM - Beacon Nonprofit Consulting
Mollie O’Hara offers over 25 years of hands-on experience in successful development programs, both as a consultant and professional fundraiser. She has worked with organizations of all kinds, from small, social service groups to major universities. With a desire to provide high-quality capital campaign consulting to the Austin nonprofit community, Mollie founded the company in December 2010. The team at Beacon continues to be recognized by their peers as experts in fundraising. Mollie, Lisa Lee and Rachel Elder are all active members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals with Mollie and Lisa having served as AFP Chapter president and Rachel serving currently on the AFP Board as Philanthropy Day Chair. Mollie and Lisa hold the CFRE designation and everyone on the Beacon team has earned a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University.
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