Key Term

What is Major Gift?

Definition

A major gift is a significant monetary donation made to a charitable organization, typically representing one of the largest contributions received by that nonprofit. The specific threshold for what constitutes a major gift varies by organization, but it generally ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. These gifts often come from individual donors, foundations, or corporations and may be given as a one-time contribution or structured as a multi-year pledge.

Significance

Major gifts are crucial to nonprofit organizations as they often provide the foundation for sustainable funding and enable organizations to undertake significant projects or expand their programs. These substantial donations typically require careful cultivation of donor relationships, often spanning months or years, and usually involve detailed gift agreements outlining the use of funds. Major gifts can transform an organization's capabilities, fund capital projects, establish endowments, or support specific programs. They also frequently inspire other donors to give and can create momentum for capital campaigns or other fundraising initiatives.