As explained in the ‘Approach’ section, the project draws conclusions from the following sources:

• Major donor interviews – we have drawn on a range of sources of these, particularly including the case studies from the Coutts 2015 and 2016 Million Dollar Donors Report. References are included in Appendix 2.

• Major donor fundraiser interviews to gather best practice, together with published articles and blogs that offer best practice examples.

• A non-representative survey among the MGLG. The survey did not achieve a high response rate so we have used the information in a qualitative rather than quantitative way. It is also interesting to note that most major donor fundraisers are only prepared to be quoted anonymously. In part, it seems because they wish to avoid publicly criticising their organisation’s approach and response to major donors.

• Various discussions on best practice, primarily through the MGLG.

The MGLG is an informal networking group set up by Helen Pert and Angela Cluff to encourage senior discussion on major donor fundraising. The group now consists of more than 70 major donor practitioners. The group usually meets three times per year and attracts 20–25 members to each meeting. Over the last 2–3 years the group has considered key topics, including:

• What it takes for organisations to really succeed with major donors

• How to offer major donors authentic, personal relationships

• Recruitment and retention of major donor fundraisers

This project has drawn on the work of the MGLG.

The project report was written by Angela Cluff and has also drawn on the expertise of a range of senior major donor fundraisers. Special thanks goes to:

• Kate Hogg, Director, Beneficial Fundraising

• Sharon Jackson, Sharon Jackson Consulting

• Alison Pemberton, Head of Philanthropy, NSPCC

• Sarah Roberts, Major Gifts Manager, Taronga Conservation Society Australia

• Bernard Ross, Director, The Management Centre

• Caroline Totterdill, Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, British Heart Foundation