Major gifts don’t start with an ask – they start with trust, connection, and strategy. In this session, we will explore how to build authentic, long-term relationships with donors that lead to transformational giving and lasting impact.
- Victoria Jones, Chief Development Officer, Mass Audubon Society
About the Presenters
Victoria Jones
Chief Development Officer, Mass Audubon Society
Victoria Jones, Chief Development Officer, is currently executing a $300 million campaign for Mass Audubon, the largest conservation organization in the state. This follows 23 years as Executive Director of the Fundraising Practice and President of Development Guild, a national consulting firm offering fundraising and campaign, executive search, and strategy planning counsel. In all of these years – so many now! – Victoria has focused on how to help nonprofit organizations across all sectors see and understand their fundraising potential and the conditions under which their organization will best succeed, and to use this new found opportunity to create incredible impact for wonderful missions ranging from health care and higher education to conservation, arts, and social justice. One thing has been a constant: major donors are always the key to big dreams and big goals, and appreciating the artful dance between cultivation, asking and stewarding these donors makes or breaks success. And this constant has led to success with goals that range from $5 million to $1 billion, from venerable longstanding institutions to brand new organizations. For Victoria, the connection between donors and mission, the relationships formed, and the impact achieved makes each work day a personal gift.