Unlocking Transformational Gifts: Harnessing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon in Health Care Philanthropy
In health care philanthropy, particularly when pursuing major gifts, the importance of relationships and connections cannot be overstated. While data, research and donor capacity are critical, successful major gift fund development is built on understanding and cultivating human relationships. Identifying major gift prospects is not just about wealth screening or cold calls—it’s about recognizing and nurturing the personal connections that unlock transformational gifts. This paper examines how the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon theory provides a framework for discovering new donors, and explores three key elements needed in ideal prospects.
Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon
Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, or the six degrees of separation theory, posits that everyone on Earth is connected to any other person through no more than six social connections. This theory is not just a fun party game—it offers profound insights into the interconnectedness of people. In health care philanthropy, relationships often span across networks in ways that are not immediately visible. The key is tapping into these networks to uncover connections leading to major gifts.
For example, a board member at a health care organization might know a business leader who regularly donates to education but has no direct connection to the health care organization. The business leader, however, could be friends with a philanthropist passionate about health care, who in turn might have ties to a patient treated at the hospital or serve on a board with someone connected to the organization. By leveraging these connections, gift officers can identify new prospects, demonstrating how every relationship has the potential to open doors to transformational gifts.
Connection, Passion and Resources in Major Gift Prospect Identification
While wealth screening and donor databases are important, philanthropy is a personal act built on trust and authentic relationships. Major gift prospects are more likely to be identified through personal networks than through data alone. Additionally, when seeking major gifts, gift officers often look for three key elements in a prospect: connection to the organization, passion for a cause and resources to make a meaningful gift.
Connection to the Organization
The first and most essential factor in identifying major gift prospects is their connection to the health care organization. Prospects with a personal connection to the organization—such as a patient, family member or acquaintance of a board member—are far more likely to consider making a significant gift. The Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon theory becomes particularly useful here, helping to identify prospects who may not have a direct link but are connected through broader networks. By diligently mapping these relationships, gift officers can uncover prospects who are more inclined to engage with the organization.
Passion for the Cause
Beyond a connection to the organization, major gift prospects must feel passionate about the cause for which funds are being raised. Passion is the emotional driver behind philanthropy, often sparked by personal experiences. For example, a family who has lost a loved one to cancer may feel deeply committed to oncology research, while a patient who benefited from cutting-edge cardiac care may want to support heart health initiatives.
As the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon theory suggests, there are often hidden connections and untapped passions that may not be immediately apparent. By exploring broader personal networks and relationships, gift officers can uncover these connections and align donors with causes that resonate deeply, significantly enhancing the likelihood of securing major gifts.
Resources to Make the Gift
Finally, while connection and passion are critical, prospects must have the financial resources to make a significant gift. Wealth screening tools and financial analysis can help identify prospects with the capacity to give. However, wealth alone doesn’t make an ideal prospect—without a connection to or passion for a cause, resources alone won’t result in a gift. By applying the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon theory, gift officers can use personal networks to identify prospects that are financially capable as well as connected and passionate.
Ultimately, in health care philanthropy, the identification of major gift prospects is deeply rooted in relationships and connections. The Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon theory reveals that potential donors are often closer than we think, residing within the networks of those already connected to the organization. By tapping into these relationships, gift officers can uncover new prospects and expand their reach, unlocking transformational gifts that will have a lasting impact on individuals, families and entire community.
About the Author: Sarah Burdi, CFRE, is a Principal Consultant with Accordant. She can be reached at Sarah@AccordantHealth.com or through LinkedIn.
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