How to Rock your first 90 Days as a New Major Gift Officer

How to Rock Your First 90 Days as a Major Gifts Officer: A Fun and Fresh Guide

Congratulations! You’ve landed the role of a Major Gifts Officer (MGO). Now what? You’re probably thinking about all the donor meetings, fundraising goals, and cultivation strategies that lie ahead. But before you dive headfirst into the world of major gifts, let’s take a step back and map out your first 90 days in this exciting new role.

Just like a good playlist, the first 90 days should be a mix of getting to know the organization, understanding your donors, and laying down some solid relationship-building tracks. Ready to rock? Let’s go!

Days 1-21: Getting to Know the Band (aka Your Team and Organization)

Before you start belting out those fundraising notes, it’s crucial to harmonize with your team and get in tune with your organization’s mission. Here’s how to hit the right notes:

1. Meet the Crew: Schedule coffee chats with your team members. Learn about their roles, goals, and the history of donor relationships. These casual conversations will help you understand the dynamics of the group and give you insights into what’s worked (or not) in the past.
2. Dive into the Donor Database: Spend time with your manager reviewing your organization’s donor database. Think of it as the setlist for your upcoming tour—you need to know the hits, the misses, and everything in between.
3. Shadow the Stars: If you can, shadow your manager or a seasoned MGO during donor meetings. Watching a pro in action is like getting backstage access to see how the magic happens.
4. Get Your Head in the Game: Prepare a report on what you’ve learned about your team and donor base. This is your chance to showcase your insights and set the stage for your donor engagements.

Days 21-40: Mastering the Organization’s Rhythm

Now that you’ve jammed with the team, it’s time to get into the groove of your organization’s history and culture. Here’s your guide to getting in sync:

1. Read the Hits: Dig into your organization’s annual report and other key documents. These will give you a sense of past successes and the tone your organization likes to strike.
2. Immerse in the Classics: Spend time learning about your organization’s history. Knowing where your nonprofit came from will help you connect with donors on a deeper level.
3. Meet the Legends: Schedule meetings with key staff and board members. These are the legends of your organization—the ones who have seen it all. Their stories will give you context and inspiration as you start your journey.
4. Know Your Audience: Start familiarizing yourself with your donor portfolio. Who are the biggest fans? Who needs a little extra love? Knowing your audience is half the battle in fundraising.

Days 40-60: Hitting the High Notes with Donors

It’s time to take the stage! With a solid understanding of your organization and your donors, you’re ready to start making some noise:

1. Do Your Homework: Before reaching out to donors, do your research. Know their interests, giving history, and connection to your organization. This will make your interactions more meaningful and personalized.
2. Warm Up the Crowd: Start with a friendly introduction. If you have mutual connections, use them! A personal touch goes a long way in building rapport.
3. Make It About Them: When you talk to donors, focus on how they can make an impact. It’s not about your organization’s needs; it’s about their ability to drive change through their generosity.
4. Stay Cool, Stay Connected: Keep in touch with donors, but don’t overdo it. Your goal is to build a relationship, not just close a deal.

Days 60-90: Evaluating Your Performance and Going Solo

You’re almost there! The final stretch is all about evaluating your progress and preparing for your big solo—your first independent donor visit:

1. Check Your Stats: How many face-to-face meetings have you had? How many new donors have you added to your portfolio? These metrics will help you assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
2. Go Solo: By now, you should feel confident enough to take on donor meetings independently. Prepare thoroughly, set clear objectives, and go in with the mindset that you’re not just asking for money—you’re inviting someone to make a difference.
3. Follow Up Like a Pro: After each meeting, send a personalized thank-you note. This small gesture shows that you appreciate their time and are committed to building a lasting relationship.

Wrapping Up

The first 90 days as a Major Gifts Officer are all about laying the foundation for successful donor relationships. By getting to know your team, understanding your organization, and connecting with donors, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a fundraising rock star. So, keep the energy high, stay focused, and remember—fundraising is all about making meaningful connections. Now go out there and rock your role!