An accomplished business consultant, Jason Gesser is well versed in business management, consulting, partnership development, and fundraising. With an Executive MBA from Washington State University’s Carson College Business Schoo, Jason Gesser has expertise in donor cultivation.
Donor cultivation is a key fundraising process that involves building a relationship with a donor prospect through communication and ultimately requesting them for assistance. Cultivation is all the engagement that happens between the time an individual or organization is approached to the time the first ask is made.
Relationship building involves getting to know and understand the donor while the donor also learns more about a non-profit organization. Donor cultivation is deemed to be successful after a prospect becomes a donor and agrees to contribute towards a cause.
The donor engagement lifecycle consists of key activities which are inspiring or recruiting donors to take action, engaging the donor by offering engagement opportunities, asking for the gift when you think the time is right, demonstrate the impact of a gift as well as show why future gifts are required and how they will help.
This cycle should be repeated all over again from time to time. During donor cultivation, you need to know why your donors are interested in supporting your organization and match up to their needs. When dealing with prospective donors, always strive for a win-to-win situation.
Jason Gesser 