No Network? No Problem: Building a Major Donor Programme

Starting a major donor programme can feel intimidating, especially if you’re in a small team, have limited capacity, or don’t have an existing network of wealthy supporters. This session is for fundraisers who are at the very beginning of their major donor journey and want a clear, achievable starting point.

We’ll walk through the foundational steps to get your programme up and running, from identifying prospects and setting gift levels, to creating simple cultivation plans and securing your first meeting. No jargon. No assumptions. Just practical tools, relationship-led thinking, and examples you can adapt to fit your own organisation.

This session won’t promise innovation or shortcuts, but it will give you a realistic, replicable approach that builds confidence and momentum.

Key learnings from this session:

1. A clear, step-by-step approach to starting a major donor programme, even if you’re working with limited time, budget or contacts.
2. How to identify and prioritise prospects, and begin building relationships in a way that feels authentic and achievable.
3. The confidence to take your first steps into major giving and permission to start small and build as you go.