The buzz about donor retention seems to get louder with each passing month. It’s the “thing” that will fix all fundraising problems. The “must-do” and or “must-have,” like that nice black dress or suit you rely on for special events.
The truth is, donor retention IS a continual challenge that CAN be overcome. But it takes focused effort and that thing you have in so much abundance: time. (Said tongue in cheek of course!)
Recently, the very wise folks at Bloomerang took a look at the 2013 Fundraising Effectiveness Project Survey Report and created the infographic below. It sheds stark light on how far we in the social sector have to go when it comes to retaining donors.
So, what to do, you ask? We can look at those numbers and shake our heads OR, as I like to do, shift the lens to look from the positive. Armed with great data we have the opportunity to do better by our donors, to sharpen our storytelling, and to make sure we’re actively sharing how important our work is and how our donors make so much of it possible.
After you take a look at the infographic be sure to visit Bloomerang for more insights on the survey. When you’re ready to rise to the donor-retention challenge you can get some help by watching this a handy video to help you use Excel to figure out your retention rates and then read some advice I gave on retaining donors.
Pay attention to those donors. Keep them engaged and feeling great about giving. Then watch your donor retention numbers increase.
