Donor Relationship Management

The more I work on fundraising software procurement and implementation projects, the more I ask this question: How much does the supplier's experience of fundraising matter?

For years, this hasn't been such a relevant question, at least when purchasing packages as opposed to bespoke systems, because most new fundraising database systems were supplied by companies who either specialized in the sector or who at least had a dedicated department who did so.

This article is a must-read for people who think they are tracking long-term marketing metrics.

Fundraisers need a platform that includes a comprehensive array of fully integrated online fundraising and communications applications for donor tracking, website content management, online marketing, social networking, personal fundraising, online donations, online auctions and event management.

Nothing keeps donors engaged like timely, personal acknowledgments. If donor acknowledgment is the key to retention, what are the keys to donor acknowledgment and recognition?

Creating a culture of philanthropy within families can help ensure continued giving and engagement for generations to come.

Attention to detail improves the fundraising "net." By having a strong gift-processing, accounting and donor stewardship function, you have vital tools to deepen donor relationships. 

Got data? It does a development department good! Learn how three organizations utilized donor data and new technology to enhance their fundraising.

How long would you stay in a relationship with someone who continually asked for money despite what you’ve told them, and never said thank you when you did help? Of course we need to ask. But we need to be asking properly. So how do we do that?

The same way you try to mend a broken relationship with someone you love. Wouldn’t you spend some time listening to them, finding out what they cared about and trying to give it to them? So how about learning what’s important to your donors and tailoring your communications around that?

Here are seven myths about cloud fundraising courtesy of Robin Fisk, global fundraising product manager at Advanced Solutions International, that are laid out in the Fast15, "Get Your Head in the Cloud."

A bad experience with a vendor drives home important points about how to treat your donors.