How To Use Experiential Fundraising as Major Donor Stewardship
Insights from Howie Hutchinson, Director of Philanthropy
What is experiential fundraising and how to use it as major donor stewardship?
In the world of nonprofit fundraising, relationships are everything. As much as dollars and cents drive our missions forward, it’s the relationships we cultivate with our donors that create lasting impact. This is where experiential fundraising comes in. Experiential fundraising is a powerful tool that not only strengthens connections but also enriches major donor stewardship in ways that dollars alone simply cannot.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use experiential fundraising as a major donor stewardship tool.
What is experiential fundraising?
Experiential fundraising engages donors through memorable, personalized interactions that help them feel connected to your mission. Rather than simply making a donation, supporters participate in meaningful activities, events, or engagements that allow them to see and feel the impact of their contributions firsthand. By creating immersive moments that inspire and connect, experiential fundraising fosters deeper relationships, builds loyalty, and enhances donor investment in your cause.
What is a major donor?
A major donor is someone who contributes a substantial financial gift to your nonprofit. The amount of the financial gift can vary from organization to organization. I encourage every nonprofit to take the time and define “major donor” for themselves. Major donors are critical to your mission's success, and they deserve to be treated as valued partners, not just sources of financial support.
What is donor stewardship?
Donor stewardship is the practice of cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with your donors over time. It’s about expressing gratitude, recognizing their support, and engaging them in meaningful ways that build long-term loyalty.
The Power of Experiential Fundraising
Why should you use experiential fundraising
Traditional donor stewardship often focuses on transactional exchanges—thank-you notes, recognition plaques, donor walls, or the annual gala. While these practices are honorable and important, experiential fundraising takes donor engagement to a much more profound level, which is especially valuable when recognizing major donors. It's about offering personalized experiences that resonate deeply with high-net-worth individuals, experiences that money can’t buy. These are moments of true connection, where donors are not just seen as financial supporters but as valued partners in your mission. Experiential fundraising helps turn major donors into passionate advocates and lifelong partners.
Take, for example, the world of golf—an arena where many major donors often feel most at home. Imagine an exclusive golf experience with your organization’s CEO or board members. It’s not just about the game—it’s about time spent together, forging a deeper personal connection that could last a lifetime. Over the course of 18 holes, a shared meal, or the unique downtime that a golf venue can provide, conversation flows naturally. Endorphins from the fresh air, physical activity, and beautiful surroundings will make you feel like you are on top of the world. Your donors are no longer just faceless names on a donor list; they are individuals who now feel personally connected to the mission they are supporting, with faces and relationships that make the cause all the more meaningful.
Experiential Fundraising Ideas
Experiences that Money Can’t Buy
The true magic of experiential fundraising lies in offering donors access to experiences that they can’t easily replicate elsewhere. While many high-net-worth individuals may already have access to elite events, lavish parties, and luxury experiences, there is something undeniably compelling about being invited into an experience that feels deeply personal and bespoke to their interests.
Experiential fundraising examples:
A behind-the-scenes tour of a project or program they’ve funded
An intimate dinner with your leadership team
An adventure that ties back to your cause in some meaningful way
For instance, imagine a donor who supports wildlife conservation getting to embark on a private safari with your organization’s conservationists, experiencing firsthand the impact of their generosity in the field. These moments transcend the donor appreciation—they are powerful opportunities for donors to witness, feel, and understand the real-world impact of their gifts.
Dormie Network’s golf experiences help build relationships.
The Long-Term Benefits: Turning Donors into Lifelong Givers
Building Relationships That Last
Experiential fundraising isn’t just about showing donors a good time—it’s about building authentic relationships that deepen engagement over time. By offering meaningful, tailored experiences, you communicate a message to your donors: “You are more than just a donor. You are a vital part of this mission.” For major donors, this kind of recognition can foster a deep sense of ownership and pride in the cause, reinforcing their commitment not just for one year but for a lifetime.
By inviting donors into these experiences, you are not only expressing gratitude—you are also creating a shared journey.
Experiential fundraising is more than a donor stewardship tool; it’s an investment in long-term relationships. When donors feel emotionally connected to the cause and the people behind it, they are more likely to engage in a lifelong partnership with your organization, one that transcends monetary support and becomes about shared values, purpose, and impact. High-net-worth donors who feel a personal connection are not just likely to give more—they are also more likely to stay engaged with your cause over the years. By building a lasting relationship through tailored, unforgettable experiences, you open the door to sustained support and continued growth for your organization.
When donors know they are valued not just as financial supporters but as partners in a shared vision, they are much more likely to become lifelong givers, invested in your mission for years to come. These relationships, nurtured through personalized, memorable experiences, lead to greater retention rates and a more engaged, committed donor base.
Why experiential fundraising for major donor stewardship works:
Strengthens emotional connection to the mission.
Increases donor retention and lifetime value.
Encourages donors to become ambassadors for your cause.
At its core, experiential fundraising is about more than just securing gifts. It’s about cultivating genuine relationships with your donors and providing them with experiences that connect them to your cause in powerful, unforgettable ways. It’s about offering exclusive access to something that money can’t buy: a deeper bond with your mission, your team, and the difference they are making in the world.
In the end, it’s these experiences that lay the foundation for life-long partnerships, where donors continue to feel both appreciated and inspired to support your cause for years to come. It’s not just about the funds raised—it’s about the lives touched, the connections formed, and the impact made together.
This approach to major donor stewardship fosters connections that are as meaningful as they are enduring, building a foundation for continued success and impact. At Dormie Network Foundation, we believe in the power of these deep, personal relationships and are committed to creating unforgettable experiences that transform donors into true partners in our mission.
Howie Hutchinson, Director of Philanthropy, enjoys helping his nonprofit partners connect more deeply with their supporters. Connect with Howie to explore partnership opportunities with Dormie Network Foundation that will deepen supporter engagement.
Howie Hutchinson playing in The Gauntlet at Victoria National
Howie Hutchinson (pictured left) at The Gauntlet at Victoria National, a Dormie Network golf club
