A question I get asked often is: “How do we keep our donors wanting to come back?” It’s a topic that just about everyone one of us who work as fundraisers worry about, contemplate, and struggle with every day.
Over the years I’ve shared a some ideas on how we can work on retaining donors, here are a few of them.
What’s Working in Donor Fundraising: Wisdom from Lisa Sargent
Consider making story-based and relationship fundraising a bigger part of the donor communications mix.
At one organization, an executive noted that they have seen a 25% boost in gifts from existing donors, by shifting to a more story-oriented communications style. Read More.
You Lose More Than HALF Your Donors Every Year
I find organizations that pay close attention to their retention and acquisition rates are much better at creating a “donor-centered” experience, raise more money from individuals AND their board becomes involved in the donor stewardship experience. (This post also includes there important steps to help you retain your donors.) Read More.
Ignite Your Fundraising: How to Have Donor Loyalty Forever
“Make your contacts, meaningful, and personal, and make them authentic. Don’t treat a donor like they are a dollar sign, treat a donor like they are person with real feelings and real goals and as a real person and I think that’s how we have donor loyalty forever.” Michelle Silverman, Executive Director Gilda’s Club Twin Cities.
Ten ways to increase donor retention
The truth is it takes time to conduct your day so that it is this donor-focused. The reward is you build a deeper relationship that lasts. And you’ll stand out from the crowd of organizations doing things the same old way allowing hundreds of donors to slip away each year. Read More
Insights into Donor Engagement Behavior
For me what is the most surprising, rather startling in the report is, “30% of donors reported being thanked immediately…and a significant number of donors (21%) reported they were never thanked.” Read More.
