In Part 1 of this two-part article, Secret Nonprofit Donor Thank You Advice: Always Add a Tip, I encouraged you to ‘tip’ your donors with extra gratitude right now. Your donors deserve this, and it will pay off for you in the short and long run by encouraging more donations [...]
You know what the word ‘tip’ means right? Commonly we think of it meaning “to improve performance,” though it really stands for giving something to another. And, if you’ve read my articles here, on Clairification, or some place else, you know I often say “If you want gifts you must [...]
Before this crisis, I would have told any fundraiser the best way to build a meaningful relationship with your donor is to be meaningful to them. Fast forward to today. We’re in a global pandemic. It’s terrifying, sure. There is a silver lining though (says the town crier for donor [...]
In today's digital-dominated world, personal touches like handwritten notes and phone calls can break through the noise. Though mostly anecdotal, top fundraisers and consultants have espoused the power of such personal touches, particularly the use of the phone. We even have some data to back it up: McConkey-Johnston International in [...]
Just. What a loaded word. It implies something isn’t quite what it should be. Something is barely sufficient. It’s judgmental. And not in a good way. Do you judge your donors in this manner? If you’ve worked in fundraising for more than a nanosecond, I’ll wager you’ve heard someone say [...]
What about counting the ways for your donors this year? Or at least for a subset of your donors who have the potential to give you the lion’s share of your philanthropy? We talk a lot in the sector about donor love and gratitude, but how do we practice it? [...]
Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, our very own Fundraising Coach, also known as Charity Clairity. Today's question comes from a fundraiser who isn't sure who a thank you should come from. Dear Charity Clairity, We're a middle judicatory of our denomination [...]
Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, our very own Fundraising Coach, also known as Charity Clairity. Today's question comes from a fundraiser who is pressed for time but wants to thank donors personally. Dear Charity Clairity, Is an immediate e-mailed or texted [...]
How often do nonprofit events that aren’t billed as fundraisers turn into passive “wouldn’t it be convenient if you re-upped your membership/made an additional donation/took care of the next couple years’ worth of pledges?” conversations with coy development staff? Hard data is elusive, but it’s probably pretty often. As fundraisers, [...]
I’ve been preaching for 25 years about the importance of service quality in building donor loyalty. No, not the quality of service that your charity provides to its beneficiaries, but the quality of service that the fundraising team provides to its donors. Increasing donor satisfaction with that can massively pump [...]
Fundraising is the perfect job for hopeless romantics because being genuinely thoughtful and compassionate with your donors makes you a remarkably better fundraiser. Many of the charities I give to do an incredible job of making me feel appreciated. I reward them by making another gift and if I [...]
You know what is an unsung holiday for loving on donors? Valentine's Day. You know who is not expecting to hear from you on Valentine’s Day? Your donors! Why not surprise them with some donor love? I’ve outlined 21 ways to show you care including a spotlight on a couple [...]