The Role of Major Donors in Your Year-End Fundraising Success

Major donors are game-changers for Catholic nonprofits, especially during year-end fundraising campaigns. Their generosity doesn’t just fuel your mission—it inspires others to give, and it sets the tone for your entire campaign. But, to unlock their full potential, you need to engage them strategically and thoughtfully.

Here’s how to make major donors key players in your year-end fundraising success.

1. Engage Major Donors Early

The earlier you bring major donors into your year-end campaign, the more impactful their contributions can be. 

Start by reaching out personally to share your goals and invite them to take a leadership role, such as providing a lead gift or offering strategic advice. Early involvement makes them feel like valued partners in your mission.

For instance, suppose you’re raising $100,000 to fund a new parish community center. Securing a $25,000 lead gift from a longtime supporter can create confidence among other donors and set the campaign off on the right foot. 

During this early engagement, you can also take the time to express heartfelt gratitude for their past contributions, reinforcing their connection to your work.

When you involve major donors from the start, they feel personally invested in the campaign’s success.

2. Offer Personalized Appeals

When it comes to major donors, one-size-fits-all communication won’t cut it. 

Take the time to tailor your ask to their unique philanthropic interests. Show them exactly how their gift will make a difference in the areas they care about most.

For example, if you’re raising funds for a Catholic school and your donor, Mary, is passionate about education, frame your appeal around scholarships. You might say, “Mary, your gift of $10,000 could provide tuition assistance for five students, giving them the opportunity to receive a Christ-centered education.”

This personalized approach makes the donor feel seen and appreciated, increasing the likelihood of a gift while deepening their emotional connection to your mission.

3. Utilize Matching Gifts

Few things amplify a campaign’s momentum like a matching gift challenge. When a major donor agrees to match contributions up to a certain amount, they not only double the impact of other gifts—they also create excitement and urgency for everyone else involved.

Imagine you’re raising funds for updates to the parish kitchen. You announce, “Every gift made by December 15 will be matched up to $50,000, thanks to the generosity of one of our long-time parishioners.” Donors love knowing that their $100 gift will become $200 or that their $500 contribution will turn into $1,000.

This strategy doesn’t just motivate other donors to act—it also highlights the leadership role of the major donor, demonstrating how their generosity inspires others.

4. Recognize Their Role Publicly

Acknowledging major donors publicly isn’t just about showing appreciation—it’s also about encouraging others to follow their lead. By celebrating their contributions, you highlight their leadership and inspire your community to join the effort.

For example, let’s say John and Maria give $20,000 to help your apostolate offer a new program. A social media post could read, “A heartfelt thank-you to John and Maria for their incredible gift, which has helped us reach 70% of our goal! Join them in supporting this program and impact lives across the country.” 

If a donor prefers to remain anonymous, you can still acknowledge their impact by sharing the progress they made possible without revealing their identity.

This kind of recognition not only celebrates generosity but also builds excitement around the campaign.

5. Involve Them Strategically

Major donors have so much more to offer than financial contributions. Their involvement in your campaign—whether through events, committees, or testimonials—can elevate its credibility and inspire others to give.

For instance, a major donor could serve as a speaker at your year-end donor appreciation event. 

Imagine your benefactor, Anna, sharing why she chose to give: “Supporting this school’s tuition assistance program is one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done. I invite you to join me in making a difference.” Her story can create an emotional connection for others in the room and motivate them to act.

By involving major donors in visible, meaningful ways, you create powerful advocates for your cause.

6. Stewardship Post-Campaign

Your relationship with major donors doesn’t end when the campaign wraps up. Stewardship is essential to show them that their contributions made a real impact—and to lay the groundwork for future support.

For example, suppose a major donor’s gift funded a catechetical program at your campus ministry. After the campaign, send them a detailed impact report with photos of students at a retreat or testimonials from participants who grew closer to Christ because of the program. Better yet, invite the donor to visit the ministry in person or attend an event so they can see the results firsthand.

Follow up with personal touches, like a thank-you call from your pastor or a handwritten note from a student whose life was impacted. These gestures show your gratitude and strengthen their bond with your mission.

When major donors feel truly connected to your mission, their generosity inspires others to give and helps create a lasting ripple effect for your organization. With thoughtful planning and relationship-building, your year-end campaign can be a resounding success.

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Major donors are just one part of your year-end fundraising success.  December is a busy month, and sometimes it helps to make a list.  Do you need help in creating a to-do list for December?  If so, check out the year-end fundraising checklist Petrus developed.  Click HERE for a well-organized task list for the month of December.