The word fundraising has struck fear into the hearts of many when faced with this responsibiliity, especially if it's the first time. Perhaps it's the fear of rejection or failure. What if I told you that you cannot fail and that fundraising is as rewarding to the donor as it is for your college, university or organization? Fundraising is really about building relationships. You just need to establish a "team" that works together with common achieveable and purposeful goals. If you follow the steps that I have developed from more than 25 years of major gift fundraising experience, you will stay on track to reaching your goals and establishing some wonderful relationships that are not only mutually beneficial but enjoyable as well.

To reach this level of fundraising, I created the LOCKS and LEADS methods for identifying, establishing and developing meaningful relationships between your college, university or organization and potential donors. You cannot do it alone, though. It takes a "team" knowledgeable in following these steps.

LOCKS (Listen, Observe, Collect, Keep and Share)

You begin by taking the first steps that LOCKS a connection between you and a potential donor. This connection will be the foundation on which your relationship is established by staying focused on THEIR interests.

LEADS (Lead, Evaluate, Advance, Deliver and Steward)

The one who succeeds LEADS and uses these steps to build relationships that bring financial support for your college, university or organization and rewarding experiences for your donors.