For better results, answer these questions/concerns before your major donor meeting. These are actual statements from visits with Major Donors.

1. If we give this $4 million dollar gift, will we be violating Luke 14 by helping your organization start something it could not finish?
2. How would you immediately use a gift of $1 million dollars . . . how would you utilize a gift of $5 million?
3. Why did you share a gift of $25,000 last year and this year your gift is $1 million? Last year you did not need a gift of a million, but you obviously do this year with your building project.
4. Who are members of your governing board . . . are they leaders in our community and do the have the resources (human-dollar) to pull off this project?
5. Who else are you asking to participate in this project at this level and do you believe they will assist you in this effort?
6. Mr. President, is this your mission statement . . . are you getting it done in the lives of your students. . . it is not just about the inculcation of facts . . . here is my question . . . how many of your students are delinquent in repaying their federally funded loans to the government?
7. Is your organization well managed and does an environment of wise stewardship of existing resources already exist . . . . could I get a copy of your last audited financial statement?
8. Will my gift help you serve more people or serve your current group more effectively?
9. What would or could happen if we do not give this gift?
10. Is this project the most strategic way for your organization to do business?
11. Do you have any hope of making it without my/our gift?
12. How will you sustain your annual/operational needs over the next few years?
13. Are you sure you have negotiated the best price for the purchase of this building/land?
14. Have your board/key staff members participated in this project (percentage of response and how many dollars did they share for this effort)?
15. How much money did you receive from major donors last year?
16. Can my gift be made anonymous . . . who else will know about my gift amount?
17. How will my gift be used if you do not reach your campaign goal and the project does not move forward?
18. You have asked for my gift to be given in this area . . . however, can I designate my gift in another area of your ministry?
19. I am not sure I have total confidence in your leadership team . . . can you assure me this project will become a reality in the time line you have described?
20. Are there naming opportunities in this project . . . can our family name appear on the building/project you are asking us to consider?