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A Major LIFT to your Major Gifts

In Major Gift fundraising, one of the biggest fears is hearing no. 

We've hosted several sessions lately about major gift fundraising, and every time we talk about fears, the top one is rejection.

And I get it. 

No matter what type of no — there are nine by the way — it’s hard to hear. 

So, that’s one of the things we train fundraisers to practice hearing. The more you practice, the better you are at identifying the no, responding, and keeping the relationship moving forward. 

In fact, at Kittiwake, we’ve started integrating coaching into a lot of the work we do. That’s not just teaching people how to fundraise, but helping them find their own style and their own way of getting there. 

That’s why we're so excited to launch our Kittiwake Academy: Major Gift Intensive.

It’s a Major Gift Fundraising program that puts you in active conversations with qualified prospects, so you’re working to close real gifts while you learn, not waiting until it’s over.

And most importantly, we don’t just talk about the theory, you’ll be learning from fellow fundraisers and working with your prospects and your pipeline throughout the program.

The program covers the full cycle of major gift fundraising:
  1. How do you identify and prioritize the best person who might give?
  2. How do you cultivate them at a pace that aligns with their goals?
  3. How do you successfully make the ask at the right time?
  4. How do you steward your donors and keep them engaged with your mission?
  5. And, how do you build a lifelong partnership after the gift? 

You’ll also get one-on-one coaching where we will be as targeted as you need us to be. 

We’ll talk through real experiences and conversations and show you how to do more of what’s working well and adjust what isn’t.

This work takes patience and persistence, so we want to walk alongside you as you work through it.

Because, like you, we believe this sector does better when we all learn from each other. And we’re excited for you to connect with fellow fundraisers and feel the lift that comes from soaring together.

If you’d like to find out more, you can get the full program details and early registration here: www.kittiwakeco.com/academy

Our first cohort starts on September 10th, 2026, and has space for only 10 fundraisers. 
We can't wait to work with you.
Joanne

 
 
 

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