Who Owns the Donor? Fundraiser vs. Structure Showdown

Bubble blowers, legacy gifts, and neighborly introductions—this session of Fundraisers Friday bubbles over with wit and wisdom from cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall. Tackling real-world fundraising dilemmas, the duo dives into sticky questions nonprofits often tiptoe around.

We kick off with a sparkling debate: when a donor grows from a small supporter to a major one, who "owns" the relationship? Tony reminds us, “Relationships come first. Structure comes second.” His point: when a fundraiser elevates a donor’s giving, the organization should also elevate the fundraiser’s role. Julia reflects, “I didn’t think of it that way… they should be elevated—and they haven’t been.”

Next up: corporate crossover. What happens when an individual donor brings their business into the giving picture? Should the relationship transfer to the corporate team? Tony weighs in: “The development professional may not have the skill sets for corporate partnerships. So, invest in training—or consider a strategic handoff.”

Then comes the glitzy question—exclusive events for high-net-worth donors. Are these smart strategies or community-killers? Tony, a champion of inclusivity, says, “Exclusivity has its place… if it leads to planned giving and legacy conversations.” Julia adds in, saying how savvy orgs are shifting these events toward behind-the-scenes access and thought leadership rather than fancy galas.

They wrap with the boardroom. Should fundraisers speak at board meetings? Tony suggests quarterly appearances. “Your board should know the development team—if you see them in the grocery store, you should say hello!” Julia adds, “It’s not about asking for money. It’s about connection, introductions, and understanding.”

Packed with humor, heart, and practical advice, this fast-paced convo gives nonprofit professionals tools they can use—and some new ways to look at old problems.

00:00:00 Welcome 
00:02:06 Who Owns a Donor: Structure vs. Relationship  
00:03:18 Fundraiser Elevation Through Donor Growth  
00:05:49 Corporate Sponsorship Conflicts  
00:06:55 Managing New Corporate Gifts from Existing Donors  
00:10:22 Exclusive Events for Top Donors  
00:12:00 Are VIP Events Worth It?  
00:18:12 Should Fundraisers Speak at Board Meetings?  
00:24:24 Board Member Roles in Fundraising  
00:27:30 Wrapping Up: Ask Questions, Share Freely  

 #FundraisersFriday #NonprofitLeadership #DonorRelationships

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