Gift Mapping Strategies

A clear message leads to big gifts!

TimGunsolley — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 03:58:22 +0000

Recently I helped a client clarify its very compelling message down to just one page – front and back. But it had power and clarity. It was aspirational and inspirational. It told exactly what the organization would do if funders invested in the vision. They gathered a small group of prospects (less than 25) together in the home of an enthusiastic host. Results? More than $400,000 raised in one evening. So much easier than another golf outing or bake sale, don’t you think?

Major Gifts in this economy?

Tim Gunsolley — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:44:04 +0000

I believe that raising major gifts in this economy is still possible. However, it will be the organizations committed to a strong culture of development that will survive and thrive. Here are five keys to help you keep your head.
1) Focus your communication on mission and effective results. That’s why people give in the first place.
2) Report on the lives that have been saved or changed because of your organization.
3) Respect the reality that your major donors may have lost a substantial percentage of their assets. They still want to give, and are hurting that they can’t give as they did in the past.
4) Find inexpensive expressions of your gratefulness to your donors. A simple email or personal letter letting them know you appreciate their circumstances will go a long way.
5) Continue cultivating new relationships with no expectation of an immediate contribution.
Let me know what you’ve done to thrive in this economic downturn

Welcome from the President

Tim Gunsolley — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:49:33 +0000

Hello and welcome. I’m Tim Gunsolley, President and founder of Gift Mapping Strategies. When I first started raising funds for worthy causes 20+ years ago, I really needed an experienced guide to help me be successful in the challenge of raising major gifts. I found lots of seminars to attend, but no one was able to “walk the path” with me. That’s why I created Gift Mapping Strategies. We provide expert coaching for success in major donor fundraising. Why get lost blazing your own trail? We’ll create an executable plan for you and your team. Thanks for visiting our site and please send me your questions. I’d be happy to respond.

What is Gift Mapping?

Tim Gunsolley — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:49:22 +0000

Welcome to a system of developing major donor gifts called Gift Mapping. Before climbing a mountain, you would assess your readiness, pack your supplies, and map a route to the top of the mountain. The same applies in major gift fundraising. Gift Mapping Strategies does this for you and your organization. I developed this system after years of searching for a comprehensive training and coaching program for development professionals. While scores of seminars exist, little has been created to actually show a fundraiser how to walk the path of relational fundraising. This is where Gift Mapping Strategies is different. We use expert and experienced professionals to walk the fundraising path with you, every step of the way – just like a guide would help you reach the top of a mountain peak. With two decades of experience and millions of dollars raised, we’ve made most of the mistakes already – so you don’t have to. I’ve also developed a software tool to help bring discipline and accountability to our work. Thanks for visiting and please give me your comments and questions.