Major Gift For St Bonaventure University

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Making a Major Gift to St. Bonaventure University: My Journey and Yours

Hey everyone, so I've been thinking a lot lately about philanthropy and, specifically, about making a major gift to St. Bonaventure University. It's a topic close to my heart – and one that's probably pretty intimidating for a lot of folks. Let me tell you, it was for me at first! I mean, "major gift"? That sounds like something reserved for mega-rich alumni, right? Wrong! That's what I thought, anyway, until I really dug into it.

My (Slightly Humiliating) First Attempt at Major Giving

My first attempt? Total flop. I thought I was being all clever, emailing the development office with a vague promise of "significant support" sometime in the future. Yeah, that got me nowhere. Absolutely nowhere. Lesson learned: vagueness is the enemy of major gift giving. You gotta be specific, folks.

Understanding What Constitutes a "Major Gift"

Now, what exactly is a major gift for St. Bonaventure? Well, it's not a hard-and-fast number. It depends on the university's current fundraising priorities and your own financial capacity. I learned that the definition varies. For some smaller institutions, a few thousand dollars might be considered a major gift. For a place like St. Bonaventure, with its robust programs and ambitious goals, you're looking at a considerably larger sum. Think five figures and up; maybe even six. But don't let that scare you! We'll get to that.

Breaking Down the Process: It's Not as Scary as You Think

The whole process of making a major gift is more of a conversation than a transaction. Think of it as a partnership. You're investing in something you believe in – in this case, the education and future of St. Bonaventure students – and the university is committed to making sure your gift makes a real impact. That impact could range from supporting scholarships to funding new research initiatives to building state-of-the-art facilities.

Here’s my top three tips (learned the hard way!):

1. Do your homework: Understand St. Bonaventure’s strategic plan and identify areas that align with your values. Their website is a great resource. Seriously, spend time there. It’s worth it.
2. Start the conversation: Don't just send an email; pick up the phone or schedule a meeting with the development office. They are amazing resources! These folks are experts in this area, and they'll guide you.
3. Plan for your gift: Don't feel pressured to write a huge check overnight. Explore options like planned giving, where you can make a gift over time or through your estate.

Beyond the Money: The Real Rewards

Giving a major gift isn't just about the money. It's about making a difference, and I've been blown away by how this whole process has changed my perspective. I’m more connected to St. Bonaventure now, and involved in the university in ways I never thought I’d be. The sense of community and shared purpose is incredibly rewarding. Seriously, the warm fuzzies are real!

Finding Your "Major Gift" Sweet Spot

Remember, a "major gift" is relative. It's not about matching the Joneses or feeling inadequate; it's about what you're comfortable giving and the positive impact you want to make. Maybe it’s a planned gift, or a smaller annual gift over many years. You figure out what that feels like – and what feels right for you. It could be less than you think.

This has been a real learning experience. Let me know if you have questions or want to share your own experience! I'm totally here for the conversation. Let's support St. Bonaventure together!