9 Fundraising Myths Shattered

Fundraising Myth No. 8: You Can Get By Without Donor Feedback

Here’s the thing: Your donors are the ones that keep your organization going. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to fulfill your mission or complete the projects you begin.

Therefore, it’s enormously important that you listen to your donors when they speak to you. If a donor says she prefers direct mail, start sending more letters and fewer emails. If a volunteer wants to start acting in a more visible role, talk with him about ways to accomplish that. If a major-gift prospect has some ideas about how you should approach other high-quality donors, pay attention.

If you expect to retain donors, you have to listen to what they have to say.

Additionally, you can regularly ask donors for their feedback by:

• Sending out surveys via email.
• Talking to them directly during in-person meetings and at events.
• Conducting an informal poll with social media.

The Truth: No nonprofit is an island. Keep your supporters’ feedback in mind whenever they speak up.