Washington Nonprofit Conference Roundup: Strategies to Recognize and Engage At-Risk Donors

For prelapsed donors, we decided to focus on the one-year anniversary. We don’t know why they gave a year ago, but we wanted to help them remember and somehow inspire them to give again. For one client, we tested a simple package that thanked the donors for their support of one year ago and asked for another gift. By reminding them that they gave one year ago, we were hoping to somehow help them recall the inspiration for their first gift. And it worked! This package increased response by 36 percent.

For on-the-move donors, do you have chapters, services or events that change the relationship when a supporter moves to a new state? If so, you might benefit from sending a quick note that welcomes them to their new home and introduces them to local events, services or offices.

In our conference presentation, we had time to cover many more audiences and examples. I hope these highlights help jump-start new ideas for you.

Robin Riggs is chief creative officer for L.W. Robbins.