Featuring Philanthropic Couple Merrill and Ricardo
Note: These reflections represent the personal preferences of one philanthropic couple and may not reflect the perspectives of all major donors.
At Atticus, we believe effective fundraising begins with listening. That’s why we engage major donors in thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give nonprofits a direct line into what truly inspires generosity. The result: strategies nonprofits can build with confidence, rooted in authentic donor motivations and designed to spark deeper, lasting engagement.
In our latest Major Donor Interview, philanthropists Merrill and Ricardo shared how they make giving decisions and what helps them feel valued as partners in impact.
Why They Give
For Merrill and Ricardo, philanthropy is both spiritual and deeply personal. Guided by faith and shaped by prayer, giving is not only a way to support causes but also a path for their own growth.
What Makes Donors Feel Valued
They want to feel known, not generically pitched. Personalized outreach that reflects their interests builds trust and deepens connection. On the other hand, rushed or generic appeals creates immediate distance. For example, an MGO presenting a tailored list of projects in the couple’s preferred areas of interest is far more compelling than being asked to contribute toward a broad, general campaign goal.
How They Evaluate a Gift
Merrill and Ricardo see giving as an investment. Before committing, they look closely at:
-
The mission impact of the gift
-
The credibility of the organization
-
Third-party measures like Charity Navigator ratings
After The Gift
For them, a gift is the beginning of a relationship. They appreciate follow-up that reflects their preferences, whether through data and statistics, meaningful stories of impact, or thoughtful invitations to engage further. Consistent touch points signal that they are valued for more than just their financial contribution.
Advice for Nonprofits
Merrill and Ricardo offered straightforward guidance for fundraisers:
- Ask early- some donors plan at the start of the year.
- Don’t be afraid to ask big.
- First impressions matter.
- Credibility counts.
- Educate, don’t sell.
At Atticus, we help nonprofits uncover donor insights like these and translate them into intentional, authentic engagement strategies. Our clients gain access not only to full interviews with donors like Merrill and Ricardo, but also to a library of conversations with other major donors, proven engagement wins from fellow Atticus clients, and more.
Ready to engage your existing donors more effectively and find new champions for your cause? Reach out to Atticus to learn how our major donor profiles and professional services can equip your team to turn insights into lasting support.
