Major donor fundraising

Building meaningful relationships to secure significant gifts.

Major donor fundraising can feel out of reach, especially for smaller shelters or rehoming organisations. In reality, it’s often more achievable than you might expect – especially when you build on the relationships you already have.

This online half‑day session helps you understand what “major donor” means in your context and how to identify potential supporters within your existing network. You’ll explore what it takes to build trust, nurture long‑term relationships and create a clear engagement plan that feels realistic for your organisation.

We’ll also challenge some common misconceptions and look at how vision, clarity and confidence play a role in securing significant gifts. No matter your size or capacity, you’ll leave with practical ways to strengthen your approach. 

Duration: Half-day session on Wednesday 29 July 2026

What you’ll learn

• Defining a major donor – what it means for your organisation and why it matters.
• Relationship‑based fundraising – understanding the role of trust and connection.
• Developing and stewarding donors – key considerations for long‑term success.
• Creating an engagement plan – strategic approaches that fit your capacity.