The Major Gift and Legacy forum is a network of philanthropy professionals working with individuals in Ireland and overseas who want to make a significant impact on Irish society.  We welcome those from small and large charities alike. 

The forum was created to support open dialogue and sharing throughout our members’ experiences in working with HNWI’s and legacy administrators in an effort to develop best  practices throughout the sector.

Our meetings are a safe and respectful place to share insights and tips, and given the sometimes sensitive nature of our discussions, we would like Chatham House Rules to apply.

Agenda 

 Meet the Person, Not the Money: What donors have taught me about major gifts

In this highly practical and story-led session, Aisling Nolan explores what years of major-gift fundraising have taught her about the people behind philanthropy.

The 90-minute session will combine approximately 40 minutes of keynote-style storytelling with a practical donor reflection exercise, facilitated discussion and audience Q&A. Participants will be invited to apply the principles to a real donor or prospect from their own organisation and identify the next meaningful conversation they could have with that person.

Participants will leave with:

• a practical framework for understanding donor motivation beyond wealth and capacity;
• greater confidence in approaching and asking major donors;
• techniques for challenging assumptions and identifying genuine alignment between donor and organisation;
• a clearer understanding of the emotional experience of both making and receiving a major-gift ask;
• and a simple process they can use immediately to review existing prospects and plan their next donor conversation.

Speaker: Aisling Nolan, Consulting Director, Consilium Fundraising

Aisling Nolan is a fundraising leader and consultant with experience spanning higher education, international development, homelessness and healthcare. Her career has included fundraising roles with the University of Galway, GOAL, Focus Ireland and St James’s Hospital Foundation, and she now works with charities and nonprofit organisations as Consulting Director with Consilium Fundraising. Across her career, she has personally secured approximately €60 million in philanthropic support and has worked with donors ranging from first-time philanthropists to individuals considering transformational, multi-million-euro gifts. Her approach to major gifts is grounded in curiosity, human connection and the belief that the most important part of any donor relationship is understanding the person behind the money.

Places are limited - only one representative per member organisation may attend to ensure fair access for all members.