Letting the Donor Decide What to Do Next
These are difficult times. There is no doubt about that. And that is why I am going to keep this post very short, and get right to the point.
Jeff and I are hearing from nonprofit professionals who worry themselves sick about whether they should be asking the donor for a gift during this crisis.
The answer is YES. Yes, you should.
Why? Because the donor loves your organization, and they are concerned for its welfare. And they want to see the mission continue.
“But, isn’t it insensitive to ask,” someone will say?
No, it isn’t. Not if you are careful, and you let the donor decide what they want to do.
If you go into the conversation with an aggressive intention to get the money, that will be insensitive. If, on the other hand, you go into the conversation to express true and authentic care for the donor and a desire to help that donor continue to fulfill his or her interests and passions, all will be well.
So be bold, confident and caring. And ask!
- Categories:
- Donor Relationship Management
- Major Gifts
If you’re hanging with Richard, it won’t be long before you’ll be laughing. He always finds something funny in everything. But when the conversation is about people, their money and giving, you’ll find a deeply caring counselor who helps donors fulfill their passions and interests. Richard believes that a nonprofit has two objectives: Addressing a societal need and fulfilling the interests and passions of donors. If this is not done correctly, the giving pathways of the organization will be broken, and donors will go away and give less. Richard has more than 45 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience and is the founder of Giving Pathways and the Veritus Group.
