43 Ways to Turn Your Supporters Into Fundraising Superstars
Treat fundraisers like VIPs
19. When someone creates a fundraising page, call to say thank you and answer any questions. Let him or her know you are there to help.
20. Check in occasionally. At some point, most fundraisers will feel discouraged, intimidated or confused about fundraising. Offer your expertise and your encouragement.
21. Ask them what you can do better. Your fundraisers likely could use additional support or resources at some point. Learn what else would help, and provide this for future fundraisers.
22. Implement their good ideas. It helps them take ownership of the program and feel responsible for its success. If you don't implement an idea, explain to them why you did not.
23. Find out what motivates your fundraisers. They are likely fundraising because of your cause, to be part of a team or receive an incentive. Find out what motivates them, and tailor communications accordingly.
24. Celebrate their milestones. Your fundraisers will likely be really excited when they reach their goals. Capitalize on this opportunity to thank them.
25. Respond quickly to fundraiser questions and complaints. Problems and slow response times lead to frustrated fundraisers, which may cause them to stop fundraising altogether until they hear back from you.
26. Offer your fundraisers any "extras" you have. Call your top fundraisers first, and offer them any extra tickets to a game or the extra seats at your gala.
27. Arrange meet-and-greets with celebrities at events. Regardless of whether you introduce them to a professional athlete or a radio station DJ, give your fundraisers the VIP treatment whenever possible.
Highlight fundraisers online and create user-friendly forms
28. Make it easy to find a fundraiser's page on your website. The more clicks and searching a visitor has to do on a website, the less likely he or she will donate.
Mike Snusz brings 20 years of digital fundraising experience to his role as director of nonprofit customer experience at Tatango. Today, Mike closely partners with Tatango's nonprofit customer to maximize the impact text marketing can have to further their mission.
Prior to Tatango, Mike spent 15 years at Blackbaud, leading a team of digital consultants focused on increasing nonprofit fundraising. Mike started his nonprofit career managing the Ride For Roswell in 2003.
