132. Back to the Basics: Donor Relations - Jonathan McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFRE
Listen to this episode
Overview
Back-to-Basics this week is diving into one of the brightest spots in our sector: donor relations. We're talking all things stewardship, acknowledgment, recognition and engagement, but naturally we're putting that WAFG spin on them to ensure you're not diluting the experience for those who are not in your top 1%. In short, we're talking about how to love on your people while also showing impact. It's one of those awesome feel-good conversations - where you can also learn!
“The whole idea of donor relations is creating the connections between all of this, allowing the donor to feel seen, known and appreciated.”
Episode Transcript
Download Full Episode Transcript Here
Episode Overview
Back to the Basics: Donor Relations (2:00)
Strategies that help donors feel seen, known, and appreciated (4:30)
Donor Relations vs. Stewardship (5:00)
Mindset shifts in donor relations (9:20)
Steps of creating a donor relations program in your organization (12:40)
Leverage technology to take your donor relations to the next level (17:30)
Key goals of donor relations (21:00)
Personal examples of ways we were stewarded that have stayed with us (26:00)
Powerful quotes
“This is the forgotten sector. Development as a whole is a team sport. The whole idea of donor relations is creating the connections between all of this. Allowing the donor to feel seen, known and appreciated.” -Jon
“If you employ some super smart strategies you are going to elevate your donor relations game immensely.” -Becky
“Donor relations is the strategy, stewardship is a tactic to get to that strategy.” -Becky
“How are we creating memorable experiences for our donors? Lead a donor through their journey to their next gift.” -Becky
“We always worry that we are bothering donors too often. You’re actually showing how much you care about them.” -Becky
“Donor relations is a cog to any high performing nonprofit.” -Jon
“Automate what can be automated. The technology is there to help take your donor relations to the next level.” -Jon
“Use your donor relations team to train the rest of your team. They are the experts, use them.” -Becky
“The scope of the world is changing. We hope everything we are saying is inspiring you to up your donor relations game on a digital level.” -Becky
4 Pillars of Donor Relations (Based on our Conversation with Lynne Wester)
1. Acknowledgement
2. Stewardship
3. Recognition
4. Engagement
Key Goals of Donor relations
Feel appreciated and that their gift made a difference
Work hard to see as much down to the One person to thank them and demonstrate impact.
3 phases: retention, upgrade, referral
Receive communications that feels personal even if the message is going to your entire list
Get info in short, easy-to-read formats like infographics, photos, and video
Read and watch stories and updates that make them smile - so be human!
ADVICE FOR SMALL SHOP NONPROFITS, By Lynne Wester
Analyze your gratitude process. Make sure your thank you : ask ratio is balanced
At an organization we worked at… we used to say “pretend I’m the gift… what happens next”
Utilize your board members as “secret shoppers”
Employ your volunteers to help share gratitude
Find your donors who have been giving to you for half or more years that you have been in existence
Bless and release your big donors, start looking at your loyal donors and building relationships with them
Donor Relations Playlist
101. Donor Relations and Fundraising Collide... For Good - Mark Lanum
FREE Workshop! Write less and engage more, today!
Episode Sponsored by
