Major donors can literally transform an organization and make a magnificent impact on the communities that the dollars assist. What motivates people to give thousands of dollars to charity? At the heart of this transformative giving is a deep-seeded interest in translating values and beliefs into operational action.

Let's look more closely at what motivates a person to make this type of investment in your organization:

1. People want to be part of change. When people see that their dollars can make a significant change in the lives of a child; turn an injustice into a community of freedom; or help a community after a devastating natural disaster, they are likely to offer their support.
2. To give back to their community. This is especially true for people who were not raised wealthy, but worked hard for their wealth. They want to give a transformational gift as a way to give back to their community.
3. To engage in an issue that personally impacted them. Frequently, these people do more than just write a check, they also get involved on the board of directors and as volunteers.
4. To ensure that others have what they did not have when they were a child. We see this with immigrant groups that have come to America to escape persecution and now set up major institutions to remember the past or celebrate the accomplishments of their people. I have seen this often in the Jewish community where the transformative donor has gotten back to their roots by supporting major Jewish-related institutions.
5. To support communities that have helped them turn their job into great wealth. We see this with corporate executives and CEOs that have made their money in Detroit or Peoria and now want to give back to the community that has supported them in their rise to wealth and power. These people become icons in their community and give millions of dollars to support the arts, cultural, educational and medical organizations.
6. To schmooze with people that are similar to them. People like to spend time with people who they jibe with and who share their values and beliefs.
7. To help assure the continuation of the institutions they love. This is one of the reasons Harvard University has a $23+ billion endowment -- people who attended it want to see it thrive.
8. To obtain a lifelong legacy and be recognized in the community. This is why people name buildings, business schools, hospitals and other major capital projects after the major transformative donor. The donor wants the long-term recognition.
9. To invest in the future of the community. Some donors want to be a major part of the growth of an institution or a community, and they want to be recognized for giving money by receiving awards, accolades and honors.
10. To demonstrate that it can be done and is possible. This is important especially among entrepreneurs who have overcome odds to get to where they are.