1. The Donor Development Cycle
Identification
Cultivation
Solicitation
Stewardship
Identifying new prospects starts the development cycle.
Soliciting major and planned gifts is just one stage of the development cycle.
Stewarding current donors well often leads to a cycle of additional giving.
Cultivating current and prospective donors increases the likelihood of giving.
For new major gifts this is often the longest stage of the cycle.
We monitor and address all areas of community need. Including:
Arts and culture [provide local example if possible]
Economic development [provide local example if possible]
Education [provide local example if possible]
Environment [provide local example if possible]
Health [provide local example if possible]
Human Services [provide local example if possible]
Recreation [provide local example if possible]
Our grant staff probably knows more about our community needs than any other single source.
As you can see, [your local foundation name] is here to support our donor’s broad variety of interests. We are a flexible vehicle through which our donors can impact multiple areas of community need…
[click]
2015 copyright of Adaptive Alternatives LLC ®

2. 2014 copyright of Adaptive Alternatives LLC
The Donor Pyramid
Time
Gift Size
Bequest
Major gift
Annual gift
We monitor and address all areas of community need. Including:
Arts and culture [provide local example if possible]
Economic development [provide local example if possible]
Education [provide local example if possible]
Environment [provide local example if possible]
Health [provide local example if possible]
Human Services [provide local example if possible]
Recreation [provide local example if possible]
Our grant staff probably knows more about our community needs than any other single source.
As you can see, [your local foundation name] is here to support our donor’s broad variety of interests. We are a flexible vehicle through which our donors can impact multiple areas of community need…
[click]
Event support
Mailing list opt in
# of donors
2014 copyright of Adaptive Alternatives LLC

3. 3 predictors of Major Gift success (CIA)
Financial Capacity
Philanthropic Intent
(Customize this slide with information on the formation of your community
foundation)
In 1914, the first United States community foundation was established in
Cleveland, Ohio.
[Insert text about the formation of your foundation]
Since then, community foundations have become established in the U.S.
Today there are over 600:
Serving citizens across the nation
With more than $30 billion in assets
Together, we distribute nearly $2 billion in local grants each year
And our field is growing rapidly, as more and more people discover the value of community foundations.
Now let’s look more specifically our [your local foundation name]…
[click]
Note: This information could be revised locally to be about the history of your
community foundation or community foundations in California.
Affiliation
2014 copyright of Adaptive Alternatives LLC