Additional Tips...

Use the 500 Club to introduce donors to Leadership
For many donors, the move from a small gift to a full Leadership gift can be too much of a leap to make in one year. When this is the case, suggest that the donor consider the entry-level 500 Club. It can be a stepping stone for them to become full Leadership Givers and is also a way for lower-income employees to participate in Leadership.

Raise the spirit of competition.
The Leadership Roster holds a wealth of information that can spark your employees to compare themselves to others at your company and feel a desire to join them. In the roster you can also see what other companies in your industry are doing—which can inspire upper management to increase their support of your Leadership campaign.

Make sure the request IS a request.
We know that for most donors the biggest turn-off is hearing a gift request that sounds more like a requirement. Donors never forget—or forgive—feeling coerced into giving. When asking donors to consider giving at the Leadership level, make it clear that this request can be reached over time. Encourage potential Leadership donors to move toward this level of giving at a pace that’s comfortable.

Make sure the right person asks for the gift.
A peer-to-peer solicitation is often the most effective way to make a request. Recruit your current Leadership givers to ask others at their level within your organization. If you’re just getting started, contact your account manager who can arrange to have one of our current Leadership donors speak to your group of Leadership prospects. Because they have made this commitment themselves, they have great credibility and can be very effective at encouraging others to step up their giving.

Begin with commitment from those at the top.
The first and most important Leadership gift comes from your CEO. Without it, your chances of getting senior management to participate are slim. And unless your senior management is on board, it’s nearly impossible to get mid-mangers and line staff to give at this level. Similarly, the leaders of organized labor set the example for the rank and file. In the early years of a Leadership program, concentrate on getting the commitment of company leaders.