Donor Relationship Management

Are you using the same thank-you letter repeatedly? If so, that needs to change. Instead, add elements that make your letters unique to your nonprofit and update the letter frequently...

It’s a fact. Saying “thank you” is key to building strong relationships, and that includes donor relationships. Research by Penelope Burk and others affirms the positive correlation between effective thanking strategies and long-term donor value...

I recently attended a coffee and conversation event set up by my staff. The purpose of the event was to educate, thank and inform donors in a special and warm way. The event numbers, by design, was small and intimate in nature...

When nonprofit organizations are in the midst of fundraising efforts, follow-ups can fall by the wayside. Asking for and receiving funds takes the focus, and nonprofit employees may forget to extend their appreciation...

Be fully present in your work and be alert to opportunities and roadblocks. Listen and observe. Know the data. Ask questions. Pay attention to the surroundings. Use your skills and genuine understanding to deepen relationships at all levels for your organization. A key is to always be aware of your circumstances...

Are getting donor meetings more difficult for you than securing gifts? If so, that’s my experience, too. The fact is that if you get the meeting, your chances of securing the gift are relatively certain...

Are getting donor meetings more difficult for you than securing gifts? If so, that’s my experience, too. The fact is that if you get the meeting, your chances of securing the gift are relatively certain. Why Is It so Difficult? There are many answers to this question. We’ve become more dependent on technology and, because of […]

In fundraising communications, it is important to tailor your message as much as possible to the recipient. This can mean segmentation on a larger scale or individual personalization on a smaller scale. The same is true about fundraising relationships.

You've heard the saying, "the customer is always right," and you probably already know that it's the mantra of good customer service—even if the customer is blatantly wrong. You never want your customer to feel as though you're calling them out while you try to solve an issue or handle a complaint.

Bot. This may likely be your favorite word, or a word that strikes up a lot of fear and uncertainty at this time. What is a bot? Simply put in context of the nonprofit professional, a “bot” is software technology that helps to create one-to-one conversations between your organization and an individual...