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The High-Performance Course: A Major Gift Fundraising Course By J.Paul Fridenmaker

Revolutionize Your Major
Gift Fundraising Strategy

Don't let the challenges of major gift fundraising break your spirit! In this course, you'll learn fresh strategies to help overcome the obstacles you face and get back to enjoying your role as a fundraiser.

Major Gift Fundraising Isn’t a Necessary Evil

The demands of major gift fundraising can feel unbearable at times. You feel like you're always bothering people and getting the cold shoulder in return. Rejection is never easy and it can be hard to keep a positive attitude when it starts to affect your confidence. And despite everything you go through, you still hear others express a desire not to have to fundraise at all, or downplay the challenges and difficulties of your role, making it seem like you have it easy.

If you don't get some momentum rolling and ignite your passion for major gift fundraising, it might be a long, miserable road to retirement. The good news is that it’s not complicated to get back to feeling happy and productive! By making small tweaks to the little things you do on a daily basis, you’ll start to see things head in the right direction.

J.Paul has nearly 30 years of experience in major gift fundraising, and he’s excited to pass along creative strategies and tactics for dealing with the challenges you're facing. He'll also be available as a lifeline for you, long after you've completed the course.

Course Coming Soon
Standard High-Performance

$500

For experienced major gift fundraisers who are
ready to take their productivity to the next level.
Six pre-recorded, expert-level consultations with J.Paul.
Refinement of action plan, ask strategy, prayer strategy, networking strategy, and more.
Create systems for messaging, daily and weekly routines, and strengthening donor relationships.
One live 60-minute phone or video debrief once you complete the course.
Lifetime 25% discount on additional ad-hoc consultations (90 minutes each).
Course Coming Soon
Premium High-Performance

$3,600

Get everything included in the standard version plus exclusive access to 6 live 60-minute phone or video consultations with J.Paul. Plus offline reviews of development strategies, grant proposals, job descriptions, and vision and mission. Collaborate in real-time to create strategies that are tailored to your unique needs.

Course Coming Soon

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of courses does J.Paul offer for major gift fundraising?

J.Paul offers two courses: Catalyst and High-Performance. The Catalyst course is for those new to the major gift fundraising role (major gift officer, executive director, or board member) and the High-Performance course is for experienced major gift fundraisers who are ready to take their productivity to the next level.

What is included in the Catalyst and High-Performance courses?

The Catalyst and High-Performance courses both include six pre-recorded consultations with J.Paul, which include assignments and additional activities. They also include advice and innovation on strategy development, action plan, messaging, networking strategies, specific approaches, ask strategies, hiring strategies, prayer strategies, and more. Additionally, both courses include one live 60-minute phone or video debrief, and a lifetime 25% discount on additional ad-hoc consultations (90 minutes each).

Are there any additional resources or tools provided with the course?

Yes, sample tools include VIA documents for clear and quick messaging of projects, activity scoring, strength of relationship scoring, simple and effective execution plan, and prayer strategy.

How much do the courses and coaching packages cost?

The standard Catalyst and High-Performance courses are priced at $500 each. There is an optional extension priced at $500 per course. The premium Catalyst and High-Performance courses are priced at $3,600 each.

Can I schedule additional consultations with J.Paul?

Yes! And you get a discount to boot! A lifetime 25% discount on additional ad-hoc consultations (90 minutes each) is offered with the courses.

High
Performance
Process

1

Keep it Fundamental

Discover how the art of storytelling can captivate potential donors when you share the vision and mission of your cause. Learn how to craft a compelling case for support that will knock their socks off.

2

Keep it Meaningful

Uncover the benefits of regular and specific prayer and learn how it can enhance your connection with donors. J.Paul will also show you how to avoid treating donors like an ATM and appreciate the positive impact they make on the world.

3

Keep it Playful

Learn why it’s important to pop the cork and celebrate all the amazing things your staff and donors have accomplished! It's a great way to give thanks for all the blessings God has provided.

4

Keep in Touch

Keep J.Paul by your side as a lifelong consultant. Enjoy one free 60-minute phone or video debrief once you complete the course, and take advantage of a lifetime 25% discount on any additional ad-hoc consultations (90 minutes each).

Your Cause Is Worth It

Our goal is for every client to experience an exponential return on investment.

"I love the Catalyst Course. Pedagogically (I am a teacher by training) it's been beautifully put together. The course includes reading (text book), watching (video - so high quality, I started to watch the first one and could not stop, so appealing and touching!), reflecting and journaling (writing), sessions with J.Paul (speaking). It takes into consideration different learning styles. At the completion of the course the student will have learned and been transformed in his/her thinking, philosophy, theology of generosity...and ultimately fundraising strategy and practice. Regarding the relevance to us in the Finnish context, it is very relevant indeed. I don't think anybody offers anything like this here. I am happy to recommend J.Paul's course and services."

Taneli Skyttä
Refugee Ministry Specialist, Finland

"When I go through the fundamentals part of the Catalyst Course from the VIA document to systems to impact stories, it is a very well-organized set of learning systems that I learned for this endeavor. The videos with J.Paul's face appearance are like a real-life interaction in a class room setting. His teaching method speaks of rich experience. He is generous."

Anteneh Tula
CEO, True Riches Foundation, Ethiopia

"If you don't know much about fundraising, particularly with high net worth donors, this course will launch you into a whole new world. If you know a little bit about the process and have struggled with it, you will walk away from this course not just with a better process and better strategies, but your whole attitude and perspective will undergo a fundamental shift. Fundraising will shift from a 'have to' to a 'want to.'"

Henry Klopp
President, International Graduate School of Ministry

"The Catalyst Course has been life-changing for our organization. The interface is so easy to navigate and can be accessed well on my laptop, iPad, and iPhone. Our team has been applying every single tool. The course is extremely practical and give us a lot to work on as an organization, which has been super helpful. Because of the course we were able to raise an extra $126K from new donors and give solid reports to our existent donors. Thank you so much for the opening the course to us. I cannot recommend it enough."

Roman Khripunov
Executive Director, Revival Sport Inc.

"J.Paul did a short consult on fund-raising at my request. He was able to communicate complex principles and ideas in ways that were practical and achievable. He is able to work with large and small non-profits, local and global. I was able to meet my fund-raising goals using J. Paul's recommendations."

Jose De Dios
Veteran Non-Profit Executive

"Having worked with J. Paul in various capacities over the years, I have always been impressed with his ability to relate to diverse people and situations. I highly recommend him to any organization (US-based or international) looking for major donor gift growth and acquisition."

Brian O'Connell
Founder/CEO, REACT Services

"J. Paul is one of the most savvy, intuitive, clear-thinking consultants I've been privileged to work with. Any time spent, (literally), with J. Paul is money well spent! Highly recommend him if you're in need of Development expertise, whether a start up or seasoned non-profit, he'll steer you clear and results will soon follow!"

David Carlson
Major Gift Officer, Medical Teams International and Agros International

Unlock Your Fundraising Potential

Much like the guitar, major gift fundraising is easy to learn and difficult to master. With the guitar, you don’t need to be an accomplished musician to enjoy playing hundreds of songs in a relatively short time. Major gift fundraising is similar. If you possess a natural talent and appreciation of networking, you can learn how to excel in major gift fundraising efforts.

Gain Clarity

Prioritize your overwhelming to-do list, experience the satisfaction of knowing exactly what needs to be done.

Multiply Results

Discover how to help givers invest in your cause. Speak to their heart and mind. Strengthen your networking skills.

Save Time & Money

Receive expert advice on strategic tools and resources that best fit your needs.