Donor Relationship Management

Are You Engaged in 'Mop & Glo Fundraising'?
February 16, 2016 at 10:41 am

I used to think Mop & Glo was the greatest product known to man. Once a week, I’d mindlessly squirt Mop & Glo on my tile flooring, run a damp mop over my tile and step back to admire the shine. Until the day came when there was no shine left to admire. So, are you using what I call "Mop & Glo fundraising"?...

Is Your Newsletter Putting Your Donors to Sleep?
February 16, 2016 at 10:30 am

Newsletters can and should be a great way to stay in touch with your donors and keep them updated on how they are helping you make a difference. Unfortunately, most donor newsletters can be used as a cure for insomnia. They’re too long and filled with articles that brag about how wonderful the organization is.…

Be the Change: Put Donors First
February 15, 2016 at 10:47 am

I want to let you in on a secret. Almost every day Richard and I get notes and emails from major gift officers, who, like you, are readers of our blog and lament that their bosses, executive directors or boards are making it impossible to do their jobs. Richard and I have a ton of empathy for your situations....

Love Your Donors Every Day
February 12, 2016 at 9:26 am

While Valentine's Day is very symbolic for us, I will never forget what I was told decades ago: to show affection every day of the year and not just one special, designated day. I always have carried that premise over to donors in my career. We need to love them all of the time. Unfortunately, many professionals have not developed a proper method or process to do this over time...

A Catalyst for Fundraising Retention, Part 3
February 11, 2016 at 11:19 am

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....

Show Some #DonorLove
February 11, 2016 at 10:43 am

When was the last time you thanked your donors? If it’s been at least a month, then you need to show some donor love. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to thank your donors and show how much you appreciate their support. Maybe you’d rather not acknowledge Valentine’s Day, but you should still do something fun…

Want to Guarantee Fundraising Success? Dive These 5 Fundamentals
February 10, 2016 at 11:26 am

In 2016, there are five fundamental skills nonprofits must master to guarantee success in an overcrowded marketplace. Some of these skills will seem familiar, but the way you employ them may need to be tweaked in order for you to survive and thrive in our digitally revolutionized society. Other skills may be things you’ve thought about or dabbled in, but haven’t really committed to with serious intent and dedicated resources....

A Catalyst for Fundraising Retention, Part 2
February 4, 2016 at 10:12 am

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....

Donor Relationships Belong to Organizations, Not Fundraising Professionals
February 3, 2016 at 11:11 am

Consultants, just like other fundraising professionals, have a responsibility to treat donors with respect and hold any private information in confidence. Donor relationships are not meant to be transferred when a fundraising professional leaves one organization and goes to another. Likewise, they are not to be purportedly brokered by a fundraising consultant. Neither in practice is effective for very long....

7 Practical Ways to Surprise Your Donors
February 1, 2016 at 11:25 am

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.