The Whats, Hows, and Whys of Major Gift Solicitation

As fundraising professionals, we are expected to know how to talk with a potential donor, how to ask them for a major gift, and how to get them to a yes. This may not be a skill we were born with. The good news is that it can be learned and what we are doing already can be made better.

This session will explore interacting with your prospective donor, stating your case, asking for a gift, encouraging your prospective donor to talk, the importance of listening, what to listen for, and how to respond. We will also look at donor motivations, objections, and overcoming those objections.

Here's to enhancing what you know and exploring what you don't!

About the Presenter: Vern Snyder, ACFRE

Vern Snyder was appointed University of Toledo Vice President for Institutional Advancement on July 1, 2002. Prior to his appointment, he served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Eastern Kentucky University and Youngstown State University. At EKU he also served as President of the EKU Foundation. At YSU his responsibilities included fundraising, intercollegiate athletics, public relations, and communications. Vern is a graduate of West Virginia University with a master's degree in music education. In 1993 Snyder earned Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) status from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). In 2010 he earned Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive status (ACFRE), one of only 107 individuals with that distinction. Snyder serves on the AFP International Conference Education Advisory Committee and the Professional Advancement Division Committee. He also advises a number of local not-for-profit organizations in Northwest Ohio. Vern retired from the University of Toledo in July 2015.