Skip the Trial and Error.
Love Your Career.
Raise Lots of Money.
This kit is based on 25 years of higher ed and nonprofit fundraising experience -- over 10,000 donor conversations, advancement leadership roles, and numerous campaigns.
When your performance is tied to fundraising metrics, time is not on your side. These resources will help you accelerate around a few learning curves.
What’s Inside The Development Officer Toolkit?
Donor Tracking Tool
This donor tracking sheet is a game-changer! A favorite in my Donor Visits 2.0 course, it’s been my go-to tool over 25 years as a frontline fundraiser. Despite using various CRMs, I always return to this simple, adaptable sheet. It tracks unique details like event invites, article features, award readiness, and even tasks for others. You can also adapt it for celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries. The spreadsheet and video orientation will help you get started. I’m excited for you to try it!
Supercharged Contact Report
This Supercharged Contact Report template is my most popular resource, and for good reason! It captures everything you need and nothing you don't. We all know CRs are important, and you can spot a bad one a mile away (like “Went to Lunch”). Instead, try a title like "Interested in Student Support; MG Potential." This template guides you to note key details: People, Purpose, Advisors, Assets, Communication Preferences, and Action Items. It trains your brain to listen for critical details during meetings. I'm thrilled to share it with you!
Gift Officer Fundamentals (Video Series)
"Gift Officer Fundamentals" is a series of short, impactful videos designed to elevate your fundraising skills. Covering essential topics like discovering donor pain points, managing donor relationships, and mastering personalization at scale, this series offers practical insights for development professionals. Learn how to do less with each donor while making a bigger impact, name your donors correctly, and ensure the right person is in every gift conversation. Plus, get tips on time management tailored for development officers. Whether you're new to the field or looking to refine your approach, this series will help you succeed.
Why People Give (Video Series)
Why do donors give? Understanding their motivations is key to effectively communicating your cause, especially in major gift conversations. It’s crucial to tap into what drives them—whether it's the dopamine boost from doing good, a sense of belonging, meaning, or loyalty. Without this understanding, you may struggle to resonate with donors on a deeper level. This series of short videos will explore these motivations, helping you connect more authentically with your donors.
Best Outreach Email and Cadence
Never look at a blinking cursor ever again!
This is an email template to be used for a request for a gift conversation
(visit/call/Zoom/whatever)--it's the most effective format I've used in 25 years and 10,000 donor conversations.
It's editable for other uses--I've indicated the critical features of the message so you can swap them out.
I've also included a cadence and messaging for a full sequence of outreach. Because why not?
I would LOVE for you to have this resource handy. Enjoy!
Internal Agenda Setting
You can rely on this checklist as you plan meetings with your supervisor and/or organizational leadership or a collaborator.
These ideas are based on multiple perspectives--leaders, staff, partners, volunteers.
A go-to resource for the rest of your career!
VIP Donor Site Visit Checklist
Your essential guide to hosting a flawless donor visit. When you welcome an important donor to campus, every detail counts. You want them to have an inspiring experience, connect meaningfully with everyone they meet, and leave feeling excited about supporting your mission. But managing the logistics, strong personalities, and a packed itinerary can be overwhelming.
This checklist, created from hundreds of successful VIP visits, helps you navigate every aspect with ease. From planning schedules to avoiding common pitfalls, it's your roadmap to ensuring a seamless visit that brings your donor closer to making a gift.
I Never Meant to Create A Development Officer Toolkit
It's just that no one really taught me how to do my job.
And mentors were few and far between.
So, as I figured things out myself, I created checklists and guides and tools, refining them after each rep.
25 years later, I have a whole bunch of resources to help other fundraisers fill in gaps in their professional development.
Some are universal needs, like my Supercharged Contact Report Template (no more CRs titled "Had Lunch with Bob.") Others are quirky, like a short video about how to make sure you have the correct people in the donor visit. Or why you feel weird about asking for money. Or a spreadsheet for tracking your outreach because there's not a CRM on this planet that does it well.
These are examples of the resources I bring to my individual and organizational clients. Our goal is to help you raise more money without trial and error. Your mission can't wait, nor can your career.
Grab the Development Officer Toolkit and fast-forward your impact.
Resources to Nurture Your Reliable Portfolio
Development Officer Toolkit
The Development Officer’s Path to Success Without Trial and Error
“I did not know much at all about how philanthropy worked in higher education systems and how to communicate with donors and other stakeholders. I felt very uncomfortable, especially at the thought of engaging with donors. ” – Kathryn W
Known as a highly effective fundraiser, authentic leader, and advocate for positive change, Anne Murphy brings 25 years of leadership in higher education fundraising to her work. Her expertise spans:
Raising hundreds of millions for STEM education and research
Leading multiple comprehensive campaigns and special initiatives
Implementing responsible AI applications in the nonprofit sector
Anne's thought leadership includes:
Advisory role on "The Framework Toward Responsible AI in Fundraising"
Host of the "AI Empowered Fundraiser Show" videocast on LinkedIn and YouTubeCollaborations with OpenAI and international fundraising consultancies
Founder of #SheLeadsAI, a global initiative promoting women's leadership in AI
As consultants, Anne and her team address critical needs in professional development, strategic fundraising, and AI integration for nonprofits and educational institutions. In her coaching practice, Anne empowers accomplished fundraisers and executives to elevate their impact.
