9 Valuable Shortcuts to Influence Nonprofit Donors

By Claire Axelrad

Successful nonprofit development (both fundraising and marketing) is all about persuasion. One of my favorite books is Daniel Pink’s "To Sell Is Human." His premise is that we’re all in "sales" on a daily basis. Whether it’s simply trying to get your kids up and out the door in the morning or persuading your boss to give you a raise, you’re constantly coaxing people to induce a specific desired behavior.

Scientists have studied how to do this effectively, and it behooves you to follow their lead. I always look to two places for inspiration: (1) Robert Cialdini (tried-and-true psychologist), and (2) neuromarketing (cutting-edge behavioral science).

Six Universal Principles of Persuasion

First espoused in "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini, these principles are key to assuring your favorite social benefit organization will reap the affluence it needs to live well and prosper. The essential keys are:

1. Reciprocity—People tend to return a favor, thus all those annoying address labels that charities send out as a fundraising ploy. They work.

Tip: In a way, this is a version of the Golden Rule. Do unto others as they’ve done unto us. So remember to give something to your prospects and donors if you want them to reciprocate.

2. Liking—People easily are persuaded by other people whom they like. You want your champions spreading the word about your cause among their friends and families.

Tip: We tend to like people we perceive to be like us. So you need to show your supporters how you’re like them; how the values you enact are values they share. To do so, you need to get to know your supporters better. Familiarity fosters likeability. This means in-person visits, phone calls and dialogues on social networks. You need to listen; then be responsive.

Tip: Create an army of ambassadors by recruiting your board, volunteers, donors, staff and others who are connected with your cause. Ask them to share with their networks via email and social media. Consider crowdfunding campaigns. People give most to their peers. A recent report revealed the powerful influence peer-to-peer and workplace relationships can have on campaigns. Two-thirds of respondents participated in campaigns because of a personal invitation, and 57 percent of those were invited by a colleague. Get your volunteers out their talking to their families, friends and coworkers!

3. Scarcity—Perceived scarcity fuels demand. “Only four memberships are left” prompts action!

Tip: People stand in line to buy iPhones and Harry Potter books because they might run out! So you need to let people know your events may sell out, your challenge grant may run out and your donor wall may soon be filled up. It’s important to be perceived as precious and sought after. You must do what you can to make your organization and cause beloved.

4. Authority—People will tend to obey authority figures. I recently watched a video of a well-dressed man in a suit jaywalking. Everyone on the street corner followed. When he wore a sweatshirt, no one followed. That’s the principle of authority at work.

Tip: If you have an expert or celebrity endorse you, or sign your fundraising letter, often it lifts response. In fact, thanks to the information now readily available through social media, peer-peer information and expert points of view have soared to the top of the trust pyramid. So target your best influencers, think about who can provide what I call “The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” testimonials and make sure your online presence is your prospect’s reassuring friend. People need to be reassured they made a good decision in supporting you.

5. Social Proof—People will do what other people are doing. That’s why it’s great to show who is taking action for your cause—others are likely to conform.

Tip: People decide what’s right for them based on what others like them are doing. It’s a decision-making shortcut. So you need to let board members know what other board members are giving, tell banks that other banks are sponsoring you and so on. And, of course, if you’ve got great Yelp reviews and Facebook likes, by all means, promote them.

6. Commitment and Consistency—If people commit to an idea or goal, they're more likely to follow through. It’s why pledging is a great option for people who aren’t ready to take action.

Tip: People will continue to do what they already have done. So you must remind donors they’ve supported you before; then ask them to continue. Foster a habit of giving to you. This is why monthly giving programs are so terrific. Plus consider enrolling folks in a legacy society; get them committed before they revoke their bequests!

Each principle is a map of sorts—a guide down the path toward “yes.”

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Donor Relationship Management

Claire Axelrad Author's page

If you like craft fairs, baseball games, art openings, vocal and guitar, and political conversation, you’ll like to hang out with Claire Axelrad. Claire, J.D., CFRE, will inspire you through her philosophy of philanthropy, not fundraising. After a 30-year development career that earned her the AFP “Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year” award, Claire left the trenches to begin her coaching/teaching practice, Clairification. Claire is also a featured expert and chief fundraising coach for Bloomerang, She’ll be your guide, so you can be your donor’s guide on their philanthropic journey. A member of the California State Bar and graduate of Princeton University, Claire currently resides in San Francisco.