Prospect Identification Form
James Madison University
Office of Development
Prospect Identification Form
Fundraising is a collaborative partnership between the JMU Development Office and the university's faculty,
staff and academic and administrative leadership. We will have the most success securing private gift support
for your department, college or unit if you can assist us in identifying those who might have a special interest
in supporting your programs.
The Prospect Identification Form is designed to assist you in sharing with the Development Office the names of
potential major gift donors, with "major gift" defined as a commitment of $25,000 or more payable over a period
of up to five years. Typically a major gift prospect is an individual who 1) has the capacity to give at that
level; 2) is philanthropically inclined; 3) has a natural affiliation with JMU; and 4) is someone who is accessible
to us. These attributes are described in more detail below.
Please complete the form in full, including your name and contact information so that we can follow up with you prior
to making any contact with the individual whose name you have referred. We hope you will also agree to be involved
in the approach in some manner.
If you want to download the form and mail it in instead, please return the completed form to:
JMU Office of Development
Leeolou Alumni Center
MSC 4401
Harrisonburg VA 22807
or you can fax it to 540-568-1769.
Characteristics of a Major Gift Prospect
- The individual has the capacity to give, as might be recognized by giving, lifestyle, or knowledge of family circumstances.
- The individual is philanthropic, a regular donor to JMU or to other non-profit organizations. A philanthropic interest in higher education is of particular interest.
- The individual has an affiliation with JMU, as an alumnus, faculty or staff members, board member, parent, professional colleague or friend of the university.
- The individual is accessible, someone who you or another JMU faculty or staff member, alumnus or friend can readily contact on behalf of the university.