I’ll keep this intro short, because I’m sure, like me, you are already looking for ways to kick off 2021 with some new fundraising tactics, tips and strategies. So let’s dig into what we learned in 2020, the year we never could have predicted!
- Making the case for support is no longer enough; demonstrate why a donor should give by clearly showing the impact of their gift.
- Donors don’t care about fundraising goals; they care about feeling like they made a difference.
- Retaining donors at all levels is the single most important thing to ensuring the success of a fundraising program. Remember: it costs less to retain current donors than to gain new ones.
- Donors and prospects want to engage; they want to talk about the issues and how you can collectively work together to help solve problems.
- Even when times are hard, people want to connect (and give!); don’t be afraid to reach out, even if the person isn’t in a position to give.
- Even when times are hard, it’s ok to ask for a gift, as long as you ask in the right way what will work for the donor or prospect.
- Empathy and kindness are critical to building and sustaining donor relationships.
- Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give to donors and each other; particularly in these difficult times, allowing people the space to express themselves is so important.
- Accept donors where they are – listen when they talk and step back when they need space.
- Philanthropy is a vehicle through which donors express their values and dreams. It’s not a fundraising goal or a destination.
What else have you learned about fundraising in 2020? I’d love to hear from you.