Major Donors

Hello, I hope someone can help a bit...

We're recently launched an appeal to build a large shelter in our area (Keighley, W Yorks) for unwanted cats. It is to be a half way home whilst new owners are sought, not a permanent sanctuary. We need to raise in excess of £2m.

We've had a consultant advise us and she has come up with Major Donors as the best way forward. However, at all the training and network events we've attended, the advice has been to tap into our database and/or trustees to see who they know and what they can give.

Our database is tiny and we've had no response to our appeals for help or suggestions in this area. Our trustees don't know anyone who has high profile contacts or who is wealthy.

Where do we go from here? There are some high profile celebs who like cats, but I would expect that they are inundated with requests for help. And we'd like to try with local wealthy people. Do we just start cold-calling, or is there a better way?

Sorry this is long, any hints and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

(We are currently applying to Trusts and Foundations with some limited success so far).

Thanks
Sara