The Relentless Pursuit of Major Gifts

When:  Oct 12, 2018 from 11:30 AM to 01:30 PM (CT)

In this presentation the role of major gift fundraising will be examined. A major gift program can be a powerful tool to underwrite and expand the mission of your organization. We will explore how to integrate a major gifts focus as part of your development efforts for your organization. 

About the Presenter

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Martin Leifeld was responsible for the raising of over $500 million dollars during his 24 years of fundraising leadership. Now, he serves as an author, consultant, coach and public speaker.

Martin established the website MartinLeifeld.com as a resource for fundraising and leadership. Therein is a series of 50+ video presentations about various fundraising matters, particularly focusing upon the work of major gift fundraising. This project is entitled the "Five Minutes for Fundraising" series. A new book is now available that integrates this material. Its title is FIVE MINUTES FOR FUNDRAISING - A Collection of Expert Advice from Gifted Fundraisers. In addition, Martin is now releasing videos on leadership topics.

Martin served as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at the University of Missouri–St. Louis from August 2008 until July 2018. While there, he led a dramatic increase in fundraising, averaging $26.4 million per year. University Advancement at UMSL had more than 140 employees and an operating budget in excess of $16 million. Its primary units included alumni engagement, community relations, fundraising, marketing and communication, university events and St. Louis Public Radio 90.7 KWMU.

Prior to joining UMSL, Leifeld was associate vice president for university development at Saint Louis University. There he directed 55 University development staff, $4 million dollar fundraising budget and all campaigns, planned giving, major gifts, corporations and foundations, data maintenance and gift processing, prospect research and stewardship. He led a major reorganization – involving an 85% turnover in personnel and/or assignments and instituted a moves management system resulting in a 500% increase in donor/prospect engagement. This resulted in $158 million raised in 3 years, compared with $89 million the prior three years.

Previously he served for ten years as director of development for the Catholic Diocese of Belleville in Belleville, Ill. Martin was responsible for the raising of over $80,000,000 by creating and instituting a development program that included an annual appeal with major gifts component, the first diocesan major campaign, a grants office, a diocesan foundation, a stewardship office and a planned giving office.

Leifeld's civic activities have included serving on the boards of directors for FOCUS St. Louis and the Nonprofit Services Consortium, and the President's Council for Food Outreach. He is a former president and board member of the Southern Illinois Charitable Giving Council. Leifeld holds a bachelor's degree (summa cum laude) in theology and a master's degree in business administration, both from Franciscan University.

Martin is married to Ellen Howe and they reside in University City, MO. He enjoys four adult children, seven grandchildren as well as a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law.

Location

Hy-Vee (Upstairs Community Room)
405 E. Nifong Blvd
Columbia, MO 65203

Contact

Julie Kirchhoff

centralmoafp@gmail.com