About this episode

Tom discusses the preparation needed for major gift fundraising, covering the donor cultivation cycle and how to build an effective portfolio.

You can't close a major gift you weren't ready for. In this installment of Abundant Vision Academy, Tom gets into the mechanics of preparation: what has to be in place before you ever schedule a meeting with a donor. This episode covers the full donor cultivation cycle from suspect to steward, why your vision has to be fundable before it's compelling, and how to build a major gift portfolio that actually works. Tom breaks down the difference between affinity and capacity, why 100 names in a portfolio is a setup for failure, and exactly how to mine your donor database to identify your best prospects before you ever pick up the phone. This is Parts 2 and 3 of a 10-part series releasing every two weeks. If you missed Part 1, go back and start there. Looking for fundraising coaching? Check out www.abundantvision.net [http://www.abundantvision.net/]

More episodes of Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast

• Abundant Vision Academy, Parts 6, 7 & 8: Running the Donor Meeting, Handling Objections & the Pre-Solicitation · July 20, 2026 · 18 min
• Abundant Vision Academy, Parts 4 & 5: How to Contact Donors, Handle Objections & Get the Meeting · July 6, 2026 · 20 min

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