Description

Major gift fundraising is about more than raising large sums—it's about building lasting relationships that align donor values with your mission. The Art of Major Gift Development is a two-hour interactive workshop designed to help nonprofit professionals deepen their approach to major gifts. The first hour will offer a comprehensive look at the major gift pipeline, including how to attract high-capacity donors, develop tailored cultivation strategies, and sustain giving through thoughtful stewardship. In the second hour, participants will move from theory to practice with hands-on exercises focused on relationship-building and the art of the Ask. Through real-world scenarios and role-play, attendees will practice making compelling, donor-centered asks and receive feedback to strengthen their approach. This session is ideal for fundraisers who want to move beyond transactional giving and create a sustainable, mission-driven major gifts program.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

An executive leader and career fundraising professional, Vicki Pugh has led teams that have raised more than $350 million for organizations in Florida and New York City, including the New York City Opera, Carnegie Hall, Ballet Florida, YMCA, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. She has extensive experience in all areas of advancement, including strategic planning, annual and capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, board development, corporate and foundation support, and special events.  Vicki is currently CEO of Advancement Experts, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations build a culture of philanthropy through Advancement Planning, Vision-Based Strategic Planning, Campaign Planning, Board Development, and Organizational and Culture Development. She is a faculty member of The Fund Raising School of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, teaching courses in leadership, major gifts, capital campaigns, and fundraising principles and holds the CFRE and CAP credentials.