When it comes to sending our receipts and thank-you messages, the most important goals should be “fast and grateful.” So kudos to every organization that receipted me—and did it quickly. The typical donor will see the thank you and probably file it away for taxes; it may not seem to make much of an impression, but research shows that saying “thank you” does matter as it is one more piece to building a relationship with that donor....
It’s one week later, and two things haven’t changed. First, four of the 23 nonprofit organizations that I sent a year-end gift to still haven’t said “thank you,” and secondly, I remain convinced that a strong receipting/thank you program is a key component to building lasting relationships....
There are multiple ways to analyze giving and charitable trends, but you can’t run from the findings. Give it a try. Can you run from this statistic: “Every 100 donors gained in 2014 was offset by 103 donors lost through attrition”?...
Caring for, nurturing and developing relationships with your donors is what major-gift fundraising is all about. If you do that well, the money will follow. Providing your donors with amazing service will set you apart from all the other charities that are clamoring for your donors. Make no mistake; as much as you may not want to think about it, you are competing for the attention of your donors with dozens of other organizations.
Your nonprofit probably already is doing what it can to retain your existing donors. It’s a worthwhile effort since donor retention is easier and more cost effective than donor acquisition. However, as many as six out of every 10 donors make a contribution and never give to an organization again. If your nonprofit struggles with…
On Dec. 14, I mailed checks for $25 to 19 nonprofits. Then, I mailed $25 checks on Dec. 31 to an additional four organizations that I have supported for several years. Despite all the arguments I have heard defending the need to save money by not receipting donors (or at least not donors under a certain threshold, often $50), I simply cannot support that cost-saving measure.
Any of you who have read my blog posts over the last four years are well aware of my focus on one of the most important concepts in fundraising success: donor retention. Because of that focus, the research on the subject spans every nook and cranny possible for fresh insights and techniques. Needless to say,…
One thing that happens as you get older is that the Christmas season becomes a bit less about wonder, awe and toys, and becomes more about details, plans and socks. I remember that year of transition when I realized that my days of getting sweet presents was over, and I wouldn’t be getting any more…
The fact is all of us work extremely hard to cultivate, solicit and secure donors but have trouble retaining these donors, a large percentage of them “gone with the wind” each year. So, what do experts have to say about donor retention?...
A recent survey shows retention has increased over the past few years. But many fundraising professionals view the report differently. They use it to reinforce their opinions that the industry has a retention problem. Yes, it continues to be a huge issue, but I’m not convinced the problem is any more significant than it always has been...
