Major Gifts Fundraising from a Donor's Prospective

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with philanthropic power couple Linn and Byron Braun, who offer a refreshing and candid look into the donor’s mind. From third-grade campaign trail adventures to launching garden programs and anti-child abuse foundations, the Brauns’ journey is a masterclass in giving with heart. They walk us through how their charitable spirit evolved, from separate individual passions to a shared mission of supporting a curated list of 10–12 nonprofits with intention and joy. Their golden rule? “Don’t let your giving list get diluted, know your causes, and know them well.” Fundraisers, take notes: the Brauns emphasize the importance of doing your homework. When couples have distinct philanthropic interests, fundraisers need to pinpoint whose passion aligns with their mission. It’s not just about knowing the organization’s pitch, it’s about building a relationship with the right person, be it Linn's green thumb at the YMCA or Byron’s devotion to his church. They also advise fundraisers to understand when to back off, being bombarded with daily asks as business owners, they appreciate a respectful “our plate is full” response when it’s truly not a fit. Flexibility and genuine connection are the real MVPs in major gifts fundraising, as shown through the Brauns’ experience with Humane Fort Wayne. It took two years of relationship-building for the nonprofit to truly understand the Brauns’ philanthropic heartbeat and co-create a niche initiative. What won them over? A stellar director, customized opportunities to support causes they care about, and authentic, consistent engagement, beyond the ask. “We don’t want a lunch,” Byron jokes, “just a personal touch, maybe even a phone call.” The Brauns wrap up with sage advice on what not to do: don’t pawn major donors off to assistants, don’t ignore follow-up, and for heaven’s sake, don’t forget the personal connection. They stress that effective stewardship involves more than a thank-you email, it’s about being seen, heard, and valued. As proactive donors, they often approach organizations themselves, but they’re quick to note that meaningful engagement and tailored communication can turn a casual supporter into a lifelong benefactor. For fundraisers eyeing the big gifts, this episode is pure philanthropic gold.