Glossary
Contact Management

Relationship Mapping for Major Gifts

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
August 6, 2025

Definition:

Relationship mapping for major gifts identifies and visualizes connections to help nonprofits reach and engage potential major donors.
Relationship mapping for major gifts is the process of visually or analytically mapping out the connections between an organization, its stakeholders, and potential major donors. By understanding who is connected to whom—such as board members, current donors, and influential community members—nonprofits can strategically identify pathways to reach new or existing major gift prospects. This approach leverages personal and professional relationships to build trust, facilitate introductions, and increase the likelihood of securing significant contributions. Effective relationship mapping involves gathering data, analyzing networks, and continuously updating information to ensure the organization maintains an up-to-date understanding of its donor landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • Identifies key connections to major gift prospects
  • Improves strategy for donor outreach
  • Leverages existing relationships for fundraising success

Why It Matters

It uncovers pathways to major donors and strengthens fundraising efforts.

Real World Example

A nonprofit arts organization is planning a capital campaign and needs to raise significant funds through major gifts. Using relationship mapping, the development team analyzes their board members’ networks and discovers that one board member has a close connection to a local philanthropist. With this insight, they arrange a warm introduction and eventually secure a substantial donation. By mapping relationships, the organization not only identified a new major donor but also strengthened internal collaboration and increased the campaign’s success rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is relationship mapping for major gifts?

It’s the process of analyzing and visualizing connections between an organization and potential major donors to improve fundraising outcomes.

How does relationship mapping benefit nonprofits?

It helps nonprofits identify warm introductions to major donors, increasing trust and the likelihood of securing significant gifts.

Can Keela help with relationship mapping?

Yes, Keela offers tools to track and visualize relationships among donors, stakeholders, and prospects to support major gift fundraising.

Who should be involved in relationship mapping?

Development staff, board members, and key volunteers should contribute their networks and knowledge to ensure comprehensive mapping.

Related Terms

Accessibility Compliance
Automation Trigger in a Nonprofit CRM
Average Gift Size
Board Member Profile
Bounce Rate
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