You've identified a promising prospect. Now what?

For many fundraisers, this is where momentum stalls. You're not sure what to say, which channel to use, or how to make contact without sounding like you're after their money. And when you do reach out — silence.

This major donor fundraising training gives you a clear, step-by-step approach to making the first move with confidence.

Why first contact matters so much

Major donor cultivation is a long game, but it starts with a single moment: the first time your organisation meaningfully connects with a prospect. Get it right and you begin building the kind of relationship that leads to a transformational gift. Get it wrong - or do nothing - and the opportunity quietly disappears.

The good news is that engaging major donors at this stage doesn't require charm or luck. It requires the right approach, at the right time, through the right channel.

What the session covers

In 60 minutes, we will walk you through tried and tested techniques for making first contact with any potential major donor. You'll cover:

* How to research a prospect before you make contact, and what you're actually looking for

* Which channels work best for first outreach (and when not to use email)

* What to say - and what to avoid - to capture attention without making it about money too soon

* How to follow up when you don't get a response

* How to move from first contact to a genuine relationship

What you'll leave with

By the end of the session, you'll know how to:

* Make confident, well-researched first contact with any major donor prospect

* Write and deliver outreach that gets a response

* Handle silence without giving up

* Create a clear pathway from cold prospect to warm relationship

* Approach new business targets with a strategy, not just hope

The session includes a live Q&A with us so you can get direct answers to the challenges you're facing right now.

All attendees receive a recording to revisit at any time.

Who is this for?

This webinar is ideal for fundraisers, managers, and charity leaders who want to strengthen their major donor relationships from the very first interaction - whether you're brand new to major donor fundraising or looking to sharpen an approach that isn't quite landing.