Donor Relationship Management

While more and more organizations are realizing the value of a mid-level program, the concept of having mid-level donors, and creating specific strategies and a program for them is still in its infancy.

One of the most crucial parts of nonprofit fundraising is finding donors. If a donor doesn't give, your organization can't adequately serve its mission. But creating a potential donor portfolio isn't always easy.

In this session, Steven Shattuck from Bloomerang will break down leading research studies into 2020-21 fundraising and donor behavior.

Retaining donors is difficult and retaining a significant number of donors is rare among nonprofits. However, effective donor retention is possible with a retention plan that takes into account why your donors give to your nonprofit, works to build personal connections and gives donors the flexibility they need to continue giving to your organization. 

Why does your donor love your organization so much? Have you sat down with your donor and really listened to the answer? If they say, “Well, I just think you do a great job,” do you dig deeper to find out their "Why?" — the story behind their motivation to give?

I am convinced that attempting to secure a face-to-face meeting is one of the hardest things a development professional can do. People have told me seeking a first meeting with a prospect is harder than speaking in public.

Text messaging is an important — and largely underused — donor stewardship tool. As texting has become the primary form of communication for many of us, it’s time to embrace texting as a central piece of your larger donor communications strategy.

Planned giving is traditionally based on two data points: the donor’s age (55 and older) and capacity (more than $1 million). However, Giving DNA’s Dawn Galasso cited those as the “most terrible predictors of planned giving” from a data perspective.

There is not a limit to how many times you should tell a donor they are making a difference. You could do it every week. But then the question is how do you make the story different and unique?

The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot about the world and how we approach virtually everything. Here are two things I learned during that time about connecting with new audiences and existing stakeholders that will have a lasting impact on me.