Major Donor Fundraising

How you got into Major Donor Fundraising

I got in to Major Donor fundraising purely by chance, I was working on a big event with Elton John and when that ended there were a number of high level donors who wanted other ways to support, so with my Development Director we worked on a high level membership scheme for them, which was really interesting.

Why you got into it

It was really just being in the right place at the right time that got me into it, but I'm really glad it did, as there is nothing more interesting and exciting than speaking to a donor and getting them interested in your work, and how their support can make a difference (corny I know)

Generally what it involves

Personally I think that to be a good major donor fundraiser you need to really like people, and want to get to know about them and what motivates them.  There is so much talk these days about steps etc, but really if you think about it it's common sense, what interests a donor, do you have something they could get involved with and always give them thanks.

Career opportunities and job satisfaction

There really is nothing more satisfying that matching a donor to a project, and then looking after that relationship.  For me, it's what fundraising is all about, plus to get to meet some really interesting people.  Also, the opportunities now are huge, so many charities are now recognising that major donor fundraising can not only raise large sums of money, but also profile, as donors move in quite small circles.

Emma Halls
Chief Executive
Prostate Cancer Research Foundation

www.thepcrf.org