William “Bill” Myatt is the founder and principal of Major Gift Solutions, a Chicago-based fundraising consultancy that helps nonprofits raise major gifts. Since February of 2024, Bill and his team have partnered with Tree House Humane Society in Chicago, where between 2023 and 2025, revenue from gifts of $5,000 or more quadrupled – increasing from just over $976,000 total revenue to more than $4.1 million. Before entering fundraising full-time, Bill earned a PhD in theology from Loyola University Chicago and taught at a number of colleges in the Chicago area. He is the proud father of four almost-adult children and an Australian Cattle Mix named Lucy.
Raising major gifts without breaking your budget (Tree House Humane Case Study)
October 28, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm |
The content of this presentation is drawn from real-world experience at Tree House Humane Society in Chicago, where between 2023 and 2025, revenue from gifts of $5,000 or more quadrupled – increasing from just over $976,000 to more than $4.1 million. This growth was not the result of a “secret sauce” or expensive investments, but of a disciplined implementation of practices that prioritized relationship-building and strategic conversations with the right donors.
The presentation will walk participants through the practices that drove our success and how they can be adapted in animal welfare organizations with limited staff and budgets. Participants will leave with clear, actionable ideas for initiating or strengthening a major gifts program, identifying major gift prospects, securing donor visits, and facilitating purposeful conversations that lead to meaningful gifts.
Speakers
William Myatt
Fractional Director of Major Gifts, Tree House Humane Society