Xponential - the big gift specialists

21/02/2025

Roewen Wishart (Xponential) and Sam Jackson (Wayside Chapel) knocked it out of the park today with their presentation at FIA Conference 2025 on “How to Help a CEO Ask for a Major Gift”.

23/02/2023

Congratulations to Xponential founding director Craige Gravestein on being recognised with the Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Fundraising Institute Australia tonight

26/10/2022

I was thrilled today working with a client on an approach to leverage more than a million dollars of philanthropic support after identifying that a new donor’s first time $500 “test” donation was iceberg tip territory. What thrilled me was saying to the client, “better pull out the Xponential Wheel of Philanthropy” and seeing it in action, with such accuracy. I was one of the authors of this diagnostic tool over a decade ago and I use it a lot to plot pathways to ask for big gifts. But having the client experience it’s utility I had not seen like this. Might be time to update the technology.

04/06/2022

Congratulations to Roewen Wishart on being recognised with the Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award by FIA

07/01/2022

I found this a fascinating read. I am unaware of such debates in Australia. I find the logic of dual, even triple benefit for giving, to be compelling at one level yet killing off most philanthropy in practicality, if implemented. Has liberal democratic society progressed to the point where sacrificial giving is at best a remnant religious observance and at worst, simply a nonsense?

In my experience as a big gifts fundraiser, I find that self made new money is where generosity is offered graciously and without seeking benefit. Gratefulness, a desire to repay for a good education / health outcome or a celebratory offering appear to dominate these giving motivations. I find it a fascinating topic.

America: We have a problem.

31/08/2021

Our team gets together to talk about 2022 and they're all smiling!

24/08/2021

Got an ‘under construction’ preview of the new RFBYC Juniors Training Centre today with the Commodore. Capital Campaign is $1m over target. Very happy client.

09/06/2021

Looking forward to presenting this to FIA WA

Starting or improving your major gifts program should be on every fundraiser’s ‘Do Today’ list.

There is no excuse for not-for-profits of any size not to have a well thought out and strategic major gifts program.

In this session, we will start with an examination of the five distinct and sequential action phases of a major gifts program – Identify, Develop, Engage, Ask and Nurture.

We’ll then focus on the needs. We will explore what your organisation needs to do and what your major donors need to hear. You will be encouraged to look specifically at the needs associated with your organisation and your donors.

The goal of this session is to provide you with practical takeaways to enhance your donor conversations and understand donor giving motivations.

You should leave with the keys you need to start or improve your major gifts program and, in doing so, create a pathway to successful major gift solicitation.

Register at https://fia.eventsair.com/wa---major-gifts/

19/05/2021

Started filming the Major Gifts Masterclass for Fulfilled Fundraisers today. Lights, camera, action 🎬🍿

19/04/2021

A shout out to Xponential's 'Agent Provocateur' talking about the "dude", Prince Philip.

The British-Aussie fundraiser and DJ who called Prince Philip 'dude'By Jorge Branco5:23pm Apr 17, 2021 Tweet Facebook Mail After the bathroom as big as her apartment and the biscuits with the little crowns on them, it was Prince Philip's eyes that struck Erica Myers-Davis on her first visit to Bucki...

22/02/2021

Xponential's Chief Provocateur of new ideas and better solutions Dr Erica Myers-Davis hosts a discussion with Lisa Houlford Executive Director, Head of Financial Planning, Not-for-Profit and Philanthropic Advice on "Successful Relationships with High Net Worth Individuals and their Gatekeepers". Join them live at 12.25 AEDT on Wednesday 24th Feb at

Xponential is pleased to collaborate with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management to provide complimentary lunchtime seminars for non-profit staff and boards across Australia. Email us [email protected] to be added to the invitation list.

03/09/2020

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-02/mint-releases-special-dollar-coin-designed-to-be-given-away/12621404?fbclid=IwAR1E-X6uOvT87eLxfQ8kKwXXVUoOgMf_W4w9aq2vAoaDVwjsZAYDuNRHS-A

The 'donation dollar' is legal tender — it can be used like any other $1 coin — but the Federal Government wants you to treat it a little differently.