The Lockpicking Lawyer, a YouTube content creator who opens “unpickable” locks, received an interesting challenge. A viewer, whose local locksmith had resorted to using an angle grinder to open a lock, sparked a heated debate. The viewer insisted the Lockpicking Lawyer could have picked it, while the locksmith dismissed his videos as fake. The challenge was set: if the Lockpicking Lawyer could pick the lock faster than the time it took to cut it with an angle grinder, the locksmith would refund the viewer $75. While the angle grinder took two minutes and fourteen seconds, the Lockpicking Lawyer needed only 28 seconds to pick the lock.
One frustrating reality for every fundraiser is the inability to open a major donor door. Every attempt to reach a prospect feels more difficult than breaking into Fort Knox. Solomon reveals the key to connecting with any major donor prospect is to offer a gift.
A Personal Gift
Who doesn’t like to receive a gift? When choosing a gift, don’t default to SWAG (Stuff We All Get) you hand out at a conference. Get more creative than pens emblazoned with your logo. Consider your prospect’s interests. What unique gift would your potential donor appreciate that reminds them of your ministry whenever they see it? Perhaps you could share something special from one of your noteworthy alumni.
An Opportunity Gift
Pay attention to your prospective donor’s unique interests and expertise, then create opportunities for them to share their knowledge. Business professionals might appreciate invitations to lead workshops, teach classes, or deliver keynote speeches. A prospective donor with a passion for Revolutionary War history brings history to life in full George Washington attire. A perceptive school principal invites him to captivate elementary students with his presentations. For this donor, the opportunity to share his enthusiasm for history is itself a meaningful gift.
An Honor Gift
Pay attention and acknowledge news about your prospective donor. It could be as simple as sending a note of congratulations about their business success, job promotion, or personal accomplishment like a hole-in-one or being featured in the media. One college invites their prospective donors to a banquet in their honor and presents them with an award acknowledging their contributions to the community.
The Gift of Prayer
One simple way to make a meaningful connection is to offer to pray for your prospective donors. You may never have met that person but offering to pray may open a door for a future conversation. Perhaps they or a family member have experienced a personal tragedy and your offer to pray brings comfort and encouragement. Perhaps they’ve experienced great success and your prayers will remind them to give glory to God. The key is connecting with them spiritually.
Think About This: The greatest gift you could ever give your prospective donor is the gift of the Good News. Perhaps you could share a book, music, or video from your ministry that includes a gospel presentation.
Response: Father, please give me wisdom to choose the best gift that will open major donor doors. Thank you for sharing the greatest gift, your Son, Jesus Christ.
