Benefits of Participation
24 CFRE credits. Professional connections and networking opportunities. A full spectrum of learning-science based skills that will bring your fundraising successes to levels previously unimaginable. All of these are essential takeaways enjoyed by all PLAN-MGO graduates.
But perhaps the greatest benefit of attending this training is that it brings you closer to becoming a Master Gift Officer – the ultimate development professional able to revolutionize donor relationships, execute fail-proof asks, and ensure sweeping enhancements to fundraising outcomes.
And just what makes a fundraising professional a Master Gift Officer? All Master Gift Officers demonstrate at least ten of the following skills and traits:
- A clear sense of purpose and the conviction that their work contributes to them having a meaningful life.
- A genuine passion, commitment, and knowledge surrounding the cause for which they develop funds.
- The skill to establish genuine rapport almost instantly with just about anyone.
- The ability to create and sustain meaningful long-term relationships with people who have a wide range of personality types and diverse cultural backgrounds.
- The ability to listen with an interested and open mind, and in turn, be nonjudgmental and authentically caring about others.
- Possess intellectual curiosity, disciplined learning, and the ability to rapidly integrate knowledge.
- Routinely demonstrate excellence as a leader, collaborator and teambuilder.
- Possess exceptional communication skills with the ability to inspire and motivate through both logic and emotion.
- Embody confidence, comfort and true pleasure in skillfully asking for gifts of all sizes and types.
- Execute on the deep understanding of institutional priorities and giving vehicles¸ and the discipline to create and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies.
- Practice total respect and commitment to ethical philanthropy professional practices and conduct.
- Radiate immense energy, self-motivation, and dedication to goal achievement.
- Act upon high emotional and social intelligence.
- Possess a sincere and positive attitude; a MGO routinely sees possibilities and expresses optimism.
- Consistently follows through in all endeavors; a MGO takes responsibility and closes the loops.
© 2011 Diane Blumenson, Philanthropy Leadership Advancement Nexus