Solicitation

This book explores various strategies for major gift solicitation by colleges, universities, and other nonprofit organizations. Emphasis is on the face-to-face interactive communication process. Section 1 presents 16 chapters that discuss various solicitation strategies, including examining organizational readiness for major gift solicitation; the fund raiser's readiness for face-to-face solicitation of major gifts; the theoretical basis of interpersonal communication in gift solicitation; 10 steps to achieving success in major gift solicitation; donor motivational factors; getting an appointment with the prospect; techniques for opening and closing a major gift meeting; the structure of the gift solicitation meeting; dealing with the prospect's objections; major gift communication and stewardship through group cultivation events; the problem of institutional tension as addressed by 20 college/university presidents; the role of power and status in major gift solicitation; and a final review of major decision points in the strategic approach to major solicitation. Section 2 contains 11 case studies, which offer questions designed to facilitate application of the information. Section 3 offers some possible solutions to the questions posed by the case study situations. (DB)