Loading ...Build relationships and engage donors
Cultivating a strong relationship with your donors is the backbone of any effective fundraising program. Strong communications can help build trust and entice audiences to support your work. Once donors get involved, they want to know how their funds are being used to help make a difference. And, by reaching out to donors and involving them in your cause, they will feel connected and are more likely to contribute again and again.
Once your organization receives a gift from a donor, your role as a communicator is just beginning. This process of relationship building, commonly known as donor stewardship, is a critical piece of your organization’s development efforts. Stewardship programs have three basic components, all of which are supported by strong communications. Learn more by clicking below.
- Acknowledgment
- Recognition
- Reporting
It’s vitally important that donors understand how much you value their contributions. Thank them early, often, and appropriately for their level of support. Make sure you promptly thank them and get the details right!
For major gifts, publicly acknowledge a donor’s generosity through a newsletter profile, honor roll, naming opportunity, or invitation to a special event.
Remind donors of the impact of their giving to set the stage for future support and provide accountability. What have you been able to accomplish as a result of that gift? What impact stories can you lift up on a regular basis?
Once your organization receives a gift from a donor, your role as a communicator is just beginning. This process of relationship building, commonly known as donor stewardship, is a critical piece of your organization’s development efforts. Stewardship programs have three basic components, all of which are supported by strong communications. Learn more by clicking below.
-
Acknowledgment
It’s vitally important that donors understand how much you value their contributions. Thank them early, often, and appropriately for their level of support. Make sure you promptly thank them and get the details right!
-
Recognition
For major gifts, publicly acknowledge a donor’s generosity through a newsletter profile, honor roll, naming opportunity, or invitation to a special event.
-
Reporting
Remind donors of the impact of their giving to set the stage for future support and provide accountability. What have you been able to accomplish as a result of that gift? What impact stories can you lift up on a regular basis?
How can I create communications that support our development and fundraising efforts?
People want to feel a connection with the organizations and causes they donate to. By sharing your stories and developing compelling narratives, your donors and their networks will be motivated to continue giving and spread the word about what your organization is achieving.
Click below to reveal some strategies to engage your donors and support your organization’s fundraising efforts.
Learn about what is important to your donors. Remember, they are people too — they want to hear from you when you’re not asking for money.
Donors want to share their passions and their vision for creating positive change. Additionally, get to know how — and how often — they want to hear from you.
Demonstrate why your organization is worth supporting and build narratives to show donors. Describe:
- How your organization makes a difference
- Why your organization is relevant
- What your organization is doing that others aren’t
- What would happen if your organization went away
Stay in touch with donors; stay connected. A good rule of thumb is seven touchpoints before making an ask
Learn what your donors are trying to accomplish with their gifts. More often than not, it isn’t necessarily about your needs or your immediate goals. However, that doesn’t mean change your programs based on a donor’s preferences. Donors want to know they are making a difference to a cause that is important in their lives or their community. Translate your needs into benefits and outcomes—what are you going to do with their gifts and why does it matter? In your follow up, consider some stories and relevant metrics that convey how these gifts helped.