Donor Relationship Management

How to Tell Strategic Nonprofit Stories That Raise Money
July 25, 2017 at 11:20 am

Storytelling has been "hot" for some time now and for good reason. Our human brains are wired for storytelling. We’re automatically open and receptive. So, you’d be foolish not to use this to your advantage when it comes to your nonprofit marketing and fundraising—especially if your goal is to raise money. Storytelling is not difficult once you get the knack of it...

When Is Not a Good Time to Upgrade a Monthly Donor?
July 24, 2017 at 11:18 am

I’ve been a monthly donor for many years. Two years ago, I did a little experiment: I joined 20 organizations to see what they would do (10 small and 10 large organizations). I wanted to experience their “thank you” process, their subsequent communication stream, tax letters, emails, lapsed recapture (if any) and upgrade process...

Donor Retention: Winning the Attrition Battle
July 24, 2017 at 9:03 am

Since 2008, new donor retention rates are down 22 percent and repeat donor retention rates are down 11 percent. And let’s face it, 2008 was not a banner year for fundraising (or really anything in the economy, if you weren’t a character in “The Big Short”). So, we are either getting worse at retaining people, or lower retention is happening to us because of systemic changes...

Don’t Be Out of Your Major Donors’ Minds!
July 20, 2017 at 12:06 pm

How often is “enough” for a prospective donor to see you? Often, organizations have stewardship and cultivation plans that may outline five, 10 or even more “touches” for donors...

Introduction to Strategic Nonprofit Major Gifts Moves Management
July 19, 2017 at 11:26 am

Today, we’re going to look at a great tool for building those important relationships with top prospects over time. And we all know that is what will result in the big gift. You know how important it is to put a plan in place to build relationships, right? It’s super de-duper important if you want to secure major gifts. I’m talking about “moves management...

Are You Creating a Checklist or a Powerful Relationship?
July 17, 2017 at 10:37 am

Not surprisingly, most development professionals have a long "To-Do" list. It can feel overwhelming to keep up with data-entry, make donor phone calls, draft mailings and reports and more. Being able to cross things off our list can feel great...

A Simple, But Powerful ‘Thank You’ Can Make a Big Impact
July 10, 2017 at 9:26 am

Jeff and I have talked quite a bit about “taking the donor to the scene,” the phrase that describes using words and pictures to help the donor understand, feel and “see” the need. The same thing is true on the backside of giving—the stewardship side. If you can show the donor what his or her giving has done, through a picture and a story, it can have a tremendous impact...

The Summer of Major Gifts
July 7, 2017 at 8:17 am

Is the summer season of vacation home getaways to the lake, mountain, vineyard or coast making face time with your major donors elusive? As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Yes, join them on vacation!...

12 ways to engage your zero-dollar fundraisers
July 6, 2017 at 3:07 pm

Is the summer season of vacation home getaways to the lake, mountain, vineyard or coast making face time with your major donors elusive? As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Yes, join them on vacation! Consider planning a few days away to a destination where you have a concentration of donors […]