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Iconic Income

The Fastest Path to Cash for Your Nonprofit

Learn how Major Gifts works for Small & Large Nonprofits, and for All Founder Skill Levels
Bring in all your organization needs, even if you have
never raised money before!
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Trusted by 4000+ Nonprofits Operating Worldwide
Introducing Iconic Income

Your Major Gifts
Training & Coaching System

Iconic Income is the self-paced A-to-Z Training & Coaching System to create and execute a robust fundraising program to produce a conveyor belt of donors - who not only give the first time, but connect more deeply with each subsequent gift, so your bank account can grow to match the size of your vision.

You have already invested time, treasure and talent in your organization - but many hard-working, knowledgeable, caring nonprofit founders quickly learn that passion alone does not carry any worthwhile effort. Resources must be brought to bear.
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You Can't Change the World if You Can't Pay the Rent!

I'll never forget hearing those words from mentor Morton Blackwell, as I struggled to earn enough to support myself in full-time nonprofit work. And then I was shocked when I was trained how to unlock large donations from people we had never bet before, in a short window of time. Here's the story of my first Major Gifts "ask"...
In my first "real" nonprofit job, I was told to wear a suit, bring a briefcase, and learn a presentation. The costume was easy; however I was almost fired due to my difficulty in learning by heart a 25-minute script matched up to forty-something slides.

After convincing my boss to let me out into the fundraising field despite my stumbling style and painful pauses, I got on a plane, hopped into a rental car in wintry, wind-whipped Wisconsin, and followed printed maps to a home where I felt teleported back to the 1950's.

My first-ever "prospects" were a husband and wife who owned a small farm-implement manufacturing company. These were the modest, old-fashioned folks in "flyover country" - whom one might encounter while reading a Hardy Boys novel. And they had money.

The Earl Grey tea "the missus" made me warmed my hands and tasted good as I nibbled a dry tea biscuit.  I'd have taken any excuse to delay the real reason I was there, surrounded by floral wallpaper and patterned doilies that adorned every piece of furniture. . .
"Why would anyone sign up for this?" I almost wondered aloud. I eventually pulled out my caveman-era laptop and presented, thankful I didn't pass out right on the spot.

As I came to the end, I made the ask, then shut my mouth, as I had been trained. What I didn't know was that the road to this moment had been carefully paved ahead for me.

My hosts smiled, reviewed some desk papers, and quietly discussed my request, which seemed immense to me: $17,000.

The next few minutes felt like hours.

My pasted smile faded. I fidgeted with my hotel key, then I was handed a check for $17,000. I almost drove into the ditch as I left their driveway, elated and shocked. My life's trajectory changed that day, forever.

Today, I am an elite fundraiser. I'd like to share how you can be as well...

- Christian LeFer, CEO InstantNonprofit

Iconic Income

Three Experiential Learning Modalities

At InstantNonprofit, we have found that there are three elements to a lasting, transformative learning experience. In the age of video calls and online learning, it's more important than ever not to have a "one- or two-legged stool" - humans learn best with support from three legs of experiential learning, which are:

01. Content

Iconic Income includes over a dozen hours of video training proven to accelerate your fundraising effectiveness, plus interviews with fundraising specialists in: annual giving, events, and development operations.

Each module is carefully segmented into bite-size pieces so you can log in and make progress in baby steps or big leaps.
You'll also be guided through nine (9) units of personal reflection & skill-development assignments designed to deepen your learning experience. Includes nearly two dozen downloadable resources including: proposal templates, request sheet examples, best practices, and major gift portfolio templates.

02. Coaching

You’ll work live in a weekly video room with our top coaches and guest subject matter experts, answering your questions and letting you share your experience and insights.

This is where we will talk about the lessons, and get feedback about your celebrations and your frustrations, and mainly address one thing: Where are you going, and how do you move there as quickly as possible, to reach your funding objectives?.

03. Community

Your private messaging and sharing group is a peer-learning moderated environment where you will share your progress and get feedback and encouragement and contribute as you are able.

This is also a place you can spontaneously bring insights and ask for situational guidance that can be addressed in real time or answered more in-depth on your weekly coaching call.

Here's what one of our participants had to say about Iconic Income

Learn to produce money on demand while being THANKED by supporters … even if you have no prior experience at all in fundraising!
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Course Modules

Your Journey to becoming an Elite Major Gifts Fundraiser

01

Module 1: Mindset

Understand the World of Philanthropy

You’ll gain valuable insights into donor behavior, giving trends, and the philanthropic landscape in the US, enabling you to strategically navigate and succeed in your fundraising endeavors. You'll also discover and adopt the pivotal fundraising mindsets that will propel you towards fundraising success, breaking free from limiting beliefs and fundraising myths, allowing you to fully embrace an abundance mindset.

02

Module 2: Message

Master the Art of Storytelling

We all possess an "inner hero" - think William Wallace of Braveheart, Luke Skywalker, or Katniss Evergreen - ready to answer the call to adventure. By mastering the art of storytelling you will learn to resonate with your audience, creating a powerful bond and uncovering donors' genuine motivations. You'll then be able to seamlessly guide prospects through your Fundraising Framework, transitioning from cultivating interest to securing commitment using your compelling narrative.

03

Module 3: Mission

Set Your Fundraising Targets

In this practical module, you'll establish clear fundraising goals for the next six months, from seed funding to long-lasting donations. With our guidance, you'll create a concise one-page plan to target major donors aligned with your organization's needs. You'll also conduct a comprehensive Assets Audit to assess your organization's resources and gain expert advice on key questions commonly asked by founders.

04

Module 4: Market

Donor Identification & Prospecting

In this module you'll develop a targeted list of potential major gifts prospects by creating a Donor Profile and employing the "Prospecting Equation." You'll then master the art of nurturing your "Donor Tree" to ensure a consistent flow of funds and establish long-lasting support for your organization.

05

Module 5: Money

Nurture Prospects Through 5 Stages of Giving

Like growing a garden, cultivation takes time. We recognize that you may be juggling multiple roles in your nonprofit, or perhaps even balancing a full-time job alongside your passion project. Don't worry; this is where you're learning becomes transformative!

You will learn how to seamlessly integrate your List, Story, and Action Plan into the Iconic Income framework. This essential tool will help you capture the attention of your top donor prospects, driving your nonprofit's growth and success.

06

Module 6: Media

Create Your Major Gifts Engagement Packet

Module 6 takes you on an exhilarating journey where you become the captain of a well-prepared vessel, ready to reel in major gifts. Picture yourself sailing confidently into uncharted waters, armed with a meticulously crafted net that attracts potential donors.


During this lesson, you'll unleash the full potential of a compelling engagement packet and gift proposal. When presented in the right manner at the right time, these will inspire to action the individuals you've engaged in Module 5.

07

Module 7: Mobilize

Fearlessly Engage through Authenticity

In this transformative module, you will begin to step out and take action in the field, while experiencing a shift in perspective. Moving away from viewing fundraising as a necessary evil, you'll begin to see it as a pathway to forging genuine partnerships with philanthropists who share your vision for a better world.

Now is the time to cultivate those emerging relationships and advance your major gifts program, enabling you to sustain a thriving, effective organization - all without resorting to aggressive sales tactics, through a focus on building authentic connections.

08

Modules 8 & 9: Measure

Evaluate Your Results & Celebrate Wins!

Embark on an exhilarating journey of continuous improvement and growth with Module 8. This module equips you with the necessary tools and knowledge to measure the impact of your Major Gifts fundraising efforts, refine your strategies, and achieve remarkable success. Just like a skilled sculptor, you'll mold and shape your fundraising strategy based on real-time experiences and field insights.

Harness the power of data-driven decision-making as you become a master of impact measurement. This empowers you to gauge the effectiveness of your efforts and make strategic adjustments for securing even greater philanthropic support.

The Best Time for Nonprofits to Raise is NOW

There's never a "bad" time of year to start raising money - get money in the bank in as fast as 30 days by starting TODAY!
Customers served! $ 0 B   2023
Americans giving at an all-time high
Customers served! $ 0 B  Increase
Foundation giving is growing
Customers served! 0 %   Increase
Mobile Giving Single-Year Increase

Fund Staff & Programs, Go Full-Time, and Serve Your Mission NOW

Enroll Now

Your Bonuses Alone Could Cover the Course in Weeks!

New! Rolling enrollment means you can get traction within weeks.

We limit the size of our coaching groups to 10, so you get the benefit of personal attention, which translates to confidence & results.

Sign up now and take advantage of special pricing - due to the intensive nature of this program, Iconic Income will increase in 2025.

The Iconic Income bonuses are updated periodically, based upon YOUR input. We are committed to your success, and that's why we add supplements to keep up with cutting-edge fundraising opportunities, trends and technology.

BONUS #1 GIVING TUESDAY

Giving Tuesday: ‘’Kickoff the Giving Seasons’’

Fill the Top of your Fundraising Funnel with a Giving Tuesday appeal that raises more than this course costs!

We’ll show you how to set up your donation page so you can:

● Peer-to-peer fundraising
● Text-to-give campaign
● Pledge drive
● Social media fundraiser

Value: $197

BONUS #2 pitch power

Create Your Compelling Slide Deck: Live Workshop & Templates

Value: $397

BONUS #3 awesome a.i.

Slash Your Workload, Double Your Output and Advance Your Mission with ChatGPT and A.I.

● Copy-and-Paste Prompts
● Like having a ‘’Free Assistant’’
● Amazing A.I. Hacks for:

- Copywriting
- Fundraising
- Website Content
- Social Media

● Works for Non-Techies

Value: $697

BONUS #4 impact reporting

Live Workshop: A Deeper Dive Into Post-Gift Donor Impact Reporting

● Grow Annual Donation Size via Impact Reporting
● What to include in your Report
● What if you’re just starting?
● Engaging Ways to present Data
● How to get Pro Design for Less that $50
● Infographics 101

Value: $497

BONUS #5 media maven

Live Coaching Workshop on Video & Media Presence with Founder & TV Host Amy Scruggs

● Look great with existing lighting at home
● Connecting with donors via Zoom
● Skyrocket Online Donations with a 1-minute video
● Basics on capturing your impact on camara
● B-Roll: Vision-cast with stock web-bases footage
● Cheap Production Hacks

- Amateur Video Editing for Newbies
- Hiring Video Editors
- A.I. Video Tools

● More...

Value: $297

Raise money TODAY, become elite tomorrow.

When you enroll in Iconic Income, you're securing a brighter future for those who will benefit from your nonprofit mission. While there are hundreds of billions raised by people just like you every single year, those checks won't write themselves. Equip yourself with the strategies, tactics, tools you need, TODAY.
The combined value is more than $5,782 - don't miss out. Reserve your seat today!
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3-Way TRIPLE Guarantee

7-Day Unconditional Refund - no questions asked.

"Never-Give-Up" Guarantee: We guarantee that if for any reason you don’t raise your target amount in the first 9 weeks during the standard coaching process, we’ll keep working with you until you do.

300% Return Guarantee: If you follow this program, do the work (and show it), and don't raise 3x the investment in 180 days, we will refund your money.

conic Income Fundraising Trainer

Meet Chris Bague

With a heart to help people transform the world, Chris has over 11 years of nonprofit experience. He has a background in directing, fundraising, media, communications, and more, serving with a number of different causes and organizations throughout Southern California; his broad range of roles has given him a unique insight into all aspects of the nonprofit world.

His love for coaching began by leading cross-functional teams, where he realized the best thing he could do for others was to show them how to become the best versions of themselves - which is why we're proud he'll be leading this program!

Chris and his wife are born and raised Californians, where they enjoy the west coast sun with their kids. When he’s not coaching, you can find Chris reading (usually Greek philosophy), writing, or sipping a glass of whiskey on his patio.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Have questions about something else? Check out our Help Center or email us at support@instantnonprofit.com

Just the FAQs...

How long does IRS approval of tax-exempt status take?

For the past decade, the average IRS approval time ranged from 10 to 18+ months - but even with the Full 1023 Application for 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Status, Instant Nonprofit files average 4 - 6 months, eliminating 1/2 to 2/3 of the delay for our family of founders. At this time, the average approval time for Instant Nonprofit Streamlined customer applications is 4 to 8 weeks.

How can you offer faster-than-normal tax-exempt approval?

Over the course of filing thousands of 501(c)3's, we've built up a body of expertise when it comes to using the right formula for fast approval. Just as we promise to be as human as possible with our customers, we do the same with the good folks at the IRS.

Does InstantNonprofit help with grant writing or fundraising as well as filing my 501(c)3?

InstantNonprofit offers basic fundraising training & resources, 100% free upon purchase of one of our 501(c)3 Formation packages. 

We also offer professional fundraising training through a long-time partner, who raises tens of millions for a broad array of causes. 

Finally, we have a growing list of vetted grant writers who are available for introductions.

What if I already formed an LLC (or other entity), or obtained an EIN, prior to engaging InstantNonprofit?

Some customers approach InstantNonprofit for our services, hoping that they can utilize an LLC or other entity formed independently prior to engaging us.

It’s important to note that the LLC entity type is not compatible with a 501(c)3 nonprofit; if you mistakenly started an LLC for the purpose of taking a step toward starting a nonprofit, it will need to be dissolved (we can help with this). 

The correct type of entity is the Nonprofit Corporation (called a Non-Stock corporation in Virginia).

It's also important to note that even in cases where the correct entity type was filed, there is also required addenda (Purpose and Dissolution Clause), without which the IRS will reject your application.

If you filed a Nonprofit Corporation but failed to add the required language prior to starting with us, don't worry! We'll carefully examine your documents and file the proper amendment at no charge (not including government fees).

Also any EIN that is or was assigned to another entity at any time is NOT able to be applied to your new nonprofit - a new one must be obtained.

The BEST thing to do is NOTHING - it's usually better to start fresh with InstantNonprofit - because we do it all FOR you!

Can I be reimbursed, or receive a write-off against my personal income taxes, for my nonprofit startup costs?

Yes, you may choose to be reimbursed (your nonprofit can pay you back after it raises funds or receives a grant), or you can choose to write it off as a charitable donation on your personal or business income taxes.

Keep receipts for such expenditures, and it's wise to create a paper trail, such as an invoice or acknowledgement of the expense provided by the nonprofit to the source of funds.

How much does it cost, and how long does it take?

The IRS has created two paths to 501(c)3 tax-exempt status based on expected donations: 

Organizations confident that they will raise more than $50,000 in the current tax year, or any of the following two tax years (these qualify for our Enterprise Plan)

One for organizations with expected donations below $50,000/year (or do not have a clear path to exceed that amount (these qualify for our Express Plan)

 About 88% of our customers qualify for Express, while the other 12% choose Enterprise. The  IRS 501(c)3 designation is the same.

If you choose the Express Plan and then exceed your wildest fundraising dreams, there is no penalty, and you do not have to re-file a thing! You will simply report your donations to the IRS  in the following year as normal.

Your investment in service fees and government filing fees is visible on the following page when you click "get started".

Can my for-profit and nonprofit work together?

Yes. You can build a strategic partnership with your for-profit and nonprofit, however, your nonprofit will be set up as it’s own entity and operate separately from your for-profit.

If I start a nonprofit under the Express plan and exceed $50,000 in donations, what happens?

Nothing. 

While the Enterprise package is designed for larger organizations that anticipate donations exceeding $50,000 in years 1, 2 or 3, and the Express is for organizations expeting to fall below $50,000, there are no penalties for Express customers who exceed those numbers.

The IRS does not come back and make you file another application. You simply must report your revenues on the appropriate 990 tax form.

A Personal Note

The #1 biggest reason I'm so excited to bring Iconic Income Major Gifts Training and Coaching system to you is because I have personally raised millions using these proven principles and practices - and I want YOU and YOUR mission to succeed!

I know that since this course was conceived, Dan and the team have poured heart and soul into improving it - while leveraging the experience of helping organizations raise hundreds of millions of dollars to advance causes that are vitally important to our brothers and sisters in need worldwide, as well as right in our back yard.

You literally could not be in more skilled, more caring hands.

- Christian LeFer | Founder & CEO | InstantNonprofit

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