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March 14, 2017
Ouch! "I only hear from you when you want money" is the most difficult feedback to receive from donors! We know donors aren't ATMs; they are real people who care about our mission. However, based on an objective appraisal of a fundraiser's communication plan, one can see how donors may feel like the relationship is a bit one-sided.
For donors, "no news" is not "good news." Rather, "communication equals appreciation."
Sincere, regular communication - without an ask at the end - may be the easiest and most cost-effective way to appreciate donors and build loyalty. Here are ideas for you to consider as you review your communication plan:
Regular newsletters
Review your past editions. Do they include a soft ask? They most often do. In the donor's mind, that simple, innocent addition changes the format from a relational communication to a transactional solicitation. Periodically, focus only on sharing success stories without asking for a gift.
Handwritten notes
Consider sending your most loyal and long-standing donors, as well as all your large-gift donors, a handwritten note. It can be a very simple message, including an article featuring the organization, a photo of clients or something of special interest to the donor. Few fundraisers do this, and it will set your organization apart from others, because you took the time to connect with them as individuals and not just as donors.
Personal phone calls
Personal phone calls are another easy and inexpensive way to set you apart from other nonprofits vying for donors' attention. For example, one nonprofit was in urgent need of a roof repair and a few donors had given generously to meet the need. Shortly after, on a rainy afternoon, the executive director called each one of the donors to thank them again, personally. "I wanted to let you know what we are not doing today, thanks to you! Without your help, the staff and I would have been running around with buckets, catching rain water this afternoon. Instead, we are busy serving people in need." Those donors will never forget the personal phone call.
The average donor supports four or more organizations in a big way. To ensure your organization stays near the top of the list, consider how you can communicate with donors outside of the ask.
Janell Johnson, Senior Vice President (Wilmington, N.C.)
Join Us on the Growing Philanthropy Tour
Next stops on the road to achieving Hartsook's mission of growing philanthropy by 25 percent in the next 20 years:
Washington, D.C.
March 21, 2017
Federal Trade Commission & National Association of State Charities
Give & Take: Consumers, Contributions, and Charity Conference
Adrian Sargeant
Chicago
March 27, 2017
National School Foundation Association Conference
How to Retain Your Donors and Build Their Loyalty for Lifetime Giving
Karin Cox
Chicago
March 28, 2017
National School Foundation Association Conference
Thinking Big (Even if Your Nonprofit is Small):
Major Gifts and Legacy Giving
Lead Roundtable: Karin Cox
Kansas City
April 2-5, 2017
Association of Fundraising Professionals Mid-America Chapter
Demystifying Capital Campaigns
Matt Beem
Kansas City
April 4, 2017
Association of Jewish Aging Services
Demystifying Capital Campaigns
Matt Beem
French Lick, Ind.
April 5-7, 2017
Boy Scouts of America
2017 Central Region All Hands Conference
San Francisco
April 30 - May 2, 2017
AFP International Fundraising Conference
Successful Fundraising Events: Just What Does It Take to Be Best in Class
Adrian Sargeant
Dallas
May 10-12, 2017
Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Conference
Relationship Fundraising 2.0
Adrian Sargeant
London
May 23-24, 2017
Third Sector's Annual Fundraising Conference
Thinking Outside the Box: Everything You Wanted to Know about Donor Behaviour
Adrian Sargeant
Houston
June 9, 2017
AFP Houston Chapter
Adrian Sargeant
New Orleans
June 15, 2017
New Orleans Association of Fundraising Professionals Conference
Adrian Sargeant
London
July 4, 2017
IoF Fundraising Convention 2017
Great Fundraising Events
Adrian Sargeant
Richmond, Va.
July 19-20, 2017
Virginia Fund Raising Institute
Innovating Philanthropy
Karin Cox
John Warren
Presenting Sponsor: Hartsook
Tulsa
August 2, 2017
Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
Massive Fundraising
Adrian Sargeant
Oklahoma City
August 2017
Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
Relationship Building: Where Do We Go From Here?
Adrian Sargeant
Scotland, U.K.
October 23-25, 2017
Alan Clayton Associates
Great Fundraising Masterclass
Adrian Sargeant
Scotland, U.K.
February 7-9, 2018
Alan Clayton Associates
Great Fundraising Masterclass
Resources for Smart Fundraising Available on Kindle
Keep up to date on the latest fundraising trends with the Kindle ASR Media collection:
Book Deal of the Month
On The Money! (ASR Media) is an enlightening collection of success stories and lessons learned from 25 nonprofit fundraising campaigns nationwide. Click here to order On the Money! for a special price of $10 (plus shipping and handling).
On the Web
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Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with thousands of fundraising professionals. We welcome your best practices contributions or comments. Send to Strategies for Success editor Karin Cox, [email protected]. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy, contact [email protected].
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