This checklist was created to help you allow your donor data to tell you next steps of who to contact and where to focus your time.
DATA CHECKLIST
___ Who has been giving? For how long?
___ Know your LYBUNT donors (Last Year But Unfortunately Not This
Year) & SYBUNTs (Some Years But Unfortunately Not This Year)
___ What do we define as a major gift?
___ What’s our retention rate?
___ What’s our acquisition rate?
___ Why did they start giving?
___ With which current donors should you focus your time?
___ How many personal (phone or in-person meeting) contacts do you
have annually?
___ Who are you meeting with? Calling?
___ Are you tracking the board activity of calls & meetings with donors
or prospects?
During this time of year when donors are making thoughtful choices about where to give, it is important to give them a reason to stay connected to you. Keep your messages short, timely, and make sure your communication lets your donors why YOUR organization should remain a priority in their giving.
Watch for those who have fallen off in their giving and reach out to them with a special message inviting them to return. And most of all, make sure your contacts with donors are personal: phone or in person. Personal contacts make a difference!
Seven weeks of live coaching with Lori WILL ensure you are making the most of your data. Learn more here.
Wow, great post Lori-I think every nonprofit should take a look at this insightful list! I think that “how many contacts do you have annually” is neglected or overlooked by many nonprofits. Donors lives are cyclical, and the reality is that they may be in a better position financially to provide support during certain times of the year than others. Mal Warwick suggests asking a minimum of 6 times per year. Frequency is critical as well for keeping donors dialed in even when they are not in a spot where they can help financially. You also mention segmenting (which donors to focus on) and this can help those trying to stretch a lean budget.