One thing I can say for sure is, philanthropy requires innovation. It is at this point that you don’t only realign with new goals but rather to look at the possibilities of rolling out new projects or causes which your donors may have never thought of

Even if the relationship is deep, major donors DO shift their support. And despite not wanting to admit or accept this truth, it's part of fundraising. This is why both steady pipline work AND relationship-building is key. If fundraisers do regular pipeline work, they'll confidently shift to other growing donor relationships. And if fundraisers have done solid relationship-building, an honest conversation about the shift in interests can occur.

When a major donor shifts interests, think of it like hitting a fork in the road—you can’t force them down your path, but you can find a way to walk together. Start by having an open conversation. Ask why their focus has changed and listen closely without trying to steer them back. Understanding their new priorities gives you insight into how to align. From there, craft a compelling case that ties their new passion to your mission, or consider collaborating with another organization that fits both of your goals. This way, you're not asking them to change direction but showing a new path forward together.

When a major donor shifts their philanthropic focus, I’d start by having an open conversation to understand their new priorities and explore how they might align with our mission. From there, I’d look for ways to adjust our proposal or find new areas of partnership that still resonate with their values, ensuring that we can continue the relationship while staying true to our core goals. It's about staying flexible, finding common ground, and demonstrating how our work can still provide meaningful impact within their new focus.