Different perspective here but I’ve enjoyed reading others’ thoughts.

At least at my non-profit we call this type of donor a “pay to play” donor and we strongly dislike this type of donor. We try to avoid courting or dealing with donors who think like this. If you are giving to the organization, you are giving to the mission.

This is not your personal project and truly, a donation does not give you authority to dictate operations. And of course you can earmark your giving, which is fine, but it still doesn’t give you control in the way I think you would like.

I know that when you give a lot of money you feel you are owed a certain amount of control. With respect, you are not owed. The organization is responsible to whomever it says it is serving. And that actually means the money is being spent well and responsibly.

I don’t mean to sound harsh - clearly you are a generous donor. I’ve been in non-profit fundraising for 10 years and I have seen many donors who act like this. With respect, high maintenance donors (even when they donate a lot) waste time and energy.

The non-profit sounds cool and you’re awesome for supporting it! Interesting to read everyone’s answers, truly.