135: Karen Cochran on Cultivating Billion-Dollar Donor Relationships

Diana Marquis, founder of DMgroup Consulting, reveals how to manage major gifts with limited resources—and why good prospect research is the secret weapon every development director needs. Read More in the Learning Edge Blog Resources Mentioned Connect with Diana: LinkedIn | DMgroup Consulting

Diana Marquis explores how AI is transforming prospect research and what it means for the future of fundraising professionals. Resources Mentioned Connect with Diana: LinkedIn | DMgroup Consulting AI Tools mentioned: ChatGPT | Claude | Perplexity | Gemini

Karen Cochran reveals why two-thirds of transformational gifts come from outside your donor base—and how research unlocks these relationships. Read More on the Learning Edge Blog Connect with Karen: LinkedIn | Philanthropy Innovators Website Why Your Major Gifts Program is Falling Short—And How to Fix It | Karen Cochran 5 Ways to Develop Billion-Dollar Relationships | Karen Cochran at AFP ICON 2025 | Available for purchase at AFP online  

Co-founder of Veritus Group, Jeff Schreifels shares how to identify true major gift prospects, why two-thirds of donors don't want deeper relationships, and how mid-level programs unlock significant giving opportunities. Read More on the Learning Edge Blog Resources Mentioned Connect with Jeff: LinkedIn Veritus Group | The consulting firm Jeff co-founded in 2009 that works with nonprofits globally to create, build, and manage mid and major gift programs. Veritus Group Academy – An online training center launched in 2016 for fundraisers worldwide to develop skills in mid and major gifts.

Consultant Barbara Shelton shares how deep donor profiles and meaningful conversations transform campaigns. In this episode of ChatBytes, she reveals how researchers, consultants, and gift officers can slow down, ask better questions, and raise both their expectations—and their results. Read More in the Learning Edge Blog Resources Mentioned Connect with Barbara Shelton | LinkedIn Explore the Aspire Research Group Learn more about M.Gale

Courtney Cutler debunks myths, shares the nuances of due diligence and delivers tips for getting started in your organization. Read More on the Learning Edge Blog

Working across many areas of higher education, Aisha Maddox shares how her genuine curiosity led her to a fulfilling career in prospect development. In this episode, she shares the power of asking questions, the impact of community through APRA, and the many hats she wears as Director of Research and Relationship Management at Rollins College. Resources Mentioned Connect with Aisha: LinkedIn Learn more: Rollins College Advancement Join the Village: APRA Florida | APRA International

Bethany Morley, Director of Prospect Strategy and Research at West Chester University Foundation, combines frontline fundraising experience with genealogical expertise. She reveals how targeted portfolio adjustments yielded significant results, including a $1.5M planned gift. Connect with Bethany: LinkedIn Learn more: West Chester University Foundation  

Janet Weimar shares how the University of Iowa reimagined qualification and major gift portfolios for greater clarity and collaboration within the entire team. Connect with Janet: LinkedIn

Janna Lee shares top tips for keeping prospects engaged during staff turnover