Get Past the First Date With Donors

Disaster fundraising: a case in point

Fundraising efforts in response to the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile have made donor retention a particularly hot topic of late. The urgency, immediacy and terrible human cost of a natural disaster are very effective at inspiring people to give. American donors have given millions and millions of dollars in the past months to support recovery in Haiti and Chile. The trick is to keep those donors — most of whom probably contribute to disaster relief when need is greatest rather than on an ongoing basis — engaged and inspired beyond the immediate crisis.