Book Review: Major Donor Game Plan

Author: Patrick G. McLaughlin
Reviewed by: Rev. Patrick L. Clements
President, Church Extension Plan

It can be difficult to embark upon soliciting money from major donors. How does one go about asking for money? How do you find people who have the money to donate large amounts? How do you cast the vision for your organization to these people? Patrick G. McLaughlin, President and Founder of The Timothy Group, answers these questions and more in his book Major Donor Game Plan.

McLaughlin begins with planning. He stresses that there are no “do-overs” with major donors. You must have your mission, vision, and core values concise and compelling, and your organization must be well managed. People don’t want their hard-earned money wasted by a company that lacks careful planning.

Perspective is also a key element to fund-raising. It is important to educate those we are in contact with that God intends for us to be stewards of our money, not owners. When we are stewards, we want to know where He wants us to direct our funds. Fund-raising is our opportunity to allow our donors to give their money according to God’s direction. If we never present the need to the donors, then we neglect to give them the opportunity to give.

The process of fund-raising includes research, romance, and request. We research who the donors are, we romance them by initiating a relationship with them, and we request the gift for our organization. All of this requires time, and a major donor team that can include your board, staff, and volunteers. But the CEO is an integral part since many major donors want to know the person in charge. They want a relationship!

We must recognize those who play such a large part in making our vision come to fruition. McLaughlin write, “Saying thanks and meaning it is critical to a successful major/mega donor program.” (115) We must be sincere in our relationships with our donors.

Once you establish these relationships, you can recruit help from your donors. “For you to be successful in the major-donor arena, however, you need your major donors to assist you in this process, and that will mean giving their time!” (123) Donors know other donors, and this gives you new opportunities for relationships.

McLaughlin concisely puts his years of fund-raising experience into a an easy-to-read book. This truly gives those who are learning about fund-raising an opportunity to put this knowledge into practice. You can order this book from The Timothy Group at www.timothygroup.com and clicking on store. Or you can call (616) 224-4060.