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Major Gift Giving: Complete Guide to Recognition Strategies for Educational Institutions
Major gift giving represents the cornerstone of educational fundraising success, with individual transformational contributions often exceeding entire years of annual fund revenue. Research from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education indicates that major gifts—typically defined as contributions of $25,000 or more—account for 80-90% of total dollars raised in comprehensive campaigns. Yet securing these gifts requires far more than simply asking wealthy alumni for money. Successful major gift programs combine strategic relationship cultivation, compelling project presentation, authentic stewardship, and meaningful recognition that honors donor generosity while inspiring continued philanthropy across your community. Understanding Major Gift Giving in Educational Context Defining Major Gifts and Gift Levels Educational institutions structure major gift programs around tiered giving levels that recognize increasingly significant contributions while creating aspirational targets that encourage donors to consider larger commitments. While definitions vary based on institutional size and fundraising capacity, common frameworks include:
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