Many schools have generous donors but lack a consistent, intentional system for managing major donor relationships over time. Without clear portfolios, defined moves management practices, and reliable advancement services systems, donor engagement can become episodic, overly transactional, or dependent on a single staff member or volunteer.

This webinar builds on the multi-year development planning framework introduced earlier in the “Development Systems That Work” series and focuses on how to establish a donor portfolio system that supports effective major donor management. Participants will explore how to use the donor cycle to guide relationship strategy, apply moves management to create momentum, and leverage advancement services systems to ensure continuity, accountability, and insight. Particular emphasis will be placed on the roles of professional staff, the Development Quartet, the Board, and long-term loyal volunteers in stewarding and advancing major donor relationships. The webinar will provide a practical framework for creating a donor portfolio system that is sustainable, scalable, and deeply donor-centered.