Is donor love just a tactical means to an end? Is it a recognition that fundraising should be about relationships, not transactions? It can mean a lot of things. But today, I want to say it’s about recognition, respect and shared values. Recognition Not everyone is your potential donor. The people who do choose your […]
Five ways to steward potential donors before their first gift
By Carrie Rice, Project Donor Love #Donorlove is frequently focused on what happens after someone makes a donation, such as thanking donors and encouraging donor retention. In fact, everyone who interacts with your organization is a potential donor. Applying a few stewardship best practices with each person with whom you interact begins the relationship-building before […]
5 ways to win back your lapsed donors
What is a lapsed donor? Yes, of course, a donor who hasn’t given in a while. But how do you define that period? How long do you consider a donor active? Experts tell us that after a first gift, you need to thank donors, report back on the impact of their gift and ask again […]
Straight talk about donor love
Is the idea of donor love just fluff? The answer depends on you. But first, let’s clear a few things up. Maybe it will make you more comfortable. Here’s what donor love isn’t: Donor love isn’t romantic Donor love isn’t exclusive Donor love isn’t extraneous This is love in the sense of philanthropy. That is, […]
Your donors want to know: will you still love me tomorrow?
Tell the truth: does your organization love them and leave them? I’ve noticed a few situations where gifts to large, national organizations – even memorial gifts, no less – have resulted in truly bad donor care. These are organizations that spend tremendous resources on acquisition and “awareness”. Like fancy television campaigns and a constant stream […]