Boo! Don’t Scare Away Your Donors

Putting all your eggs in one basket

Way too many nonprofit organizations get most of their funding from one grant or one source (usually government reimbursement), and they are strangely comfortable with that. If for some crazy reason that one grant or source goes away, they're going to be dead in the water. It makes the future of the organization terribly unstable and unpredictable.

How to avoid this scary mistake: Don't rely too heavily on one grant or one contributor. Diversify your revenue streams. Use lots of different resources and techniques for raising money so you can stabilize your cash flow.

Never actually asking for money

You know what a great organization you have. Your donors might have an inkling, but your nonprofit is probably not their most pressing priority and even though they want to see you be successful, 
they might forget to send gifts. You need to provide them with multiple opportunities throughout the year to give.

How to avoid this chilling mistake: You must actually ask your donors for money from time to time, whether through a direct-mail piece, an e-mail, an event or a personal ask. Make the ask as tangible as possible. For example, "Your gift of $25 will provide 100 meals," or "With your gift of $100 or more you will receive a one-year membership …" Use holidays or seasons as a time to make an ask like, "Make your year-end gift now," or "Help us by making a back-to-school gift of $25."

Not thanking donors adequately

Even worse, not thanking donors at all. You'd be amazed how many nonprofit organizations don't send thank-you letters. I've tested this myself, and I was stunned. Not thanking donors in a timely manner or not thanking them at all can send the message that you are disorganized, don't appreciate the gift or don't care about the donor.