Articles and Insights from the FIT Fundraising Team
Before a donor increases giving to the 5-figure level they usually want to meet with someone. It is about stewardship. Most people who make transformational gifts want to meet to ensure that every dollar they invest in your organization has a real impact.
I traveled to a major city recently and met with a man who had given $25 million to charity over the last decade. The amazing thing was that he is in his 80's and still working everyday. As a matter of fact, he travels to China every month to oversee one of his new...
… half of all donations happen in 4th quarter, and half of those occur during the month of December, and half of those occur during the last week of December (the golden week), and half of those contributions will happen the last day of December.
Now is the time to let your supporters know how much you appreciate them. February 12 has been named nationwide on social media as Donor Love Day (#donorlove on Twitter).
The term “friend-raising” has been popularized in our industry as an interchangable substitute for “fundraising”. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
I have sat down this year, face to face and personally interviewed 117 major donors. People with hearts that are so unique. People whose careers and businesses are not about amassing wealth. People who believe their purpose for living is giving. They have dedicated homes, careers and businesses to alleviate suffering, helping the homeless, feeding the hungry and providing clean, cool water to those who thirst.
…a remarkable difference in income occurs by meeting with your financial partners… I personally met with 117 families over the last 12 months. Thanked them for their support. Listend to why they give and then tailored and “ask” based upon their desires, not mine.
In the month of December, one thing is for sure… if your donor knows that “you a making a list and checking it twice and that you’ll find out soon who’s naughty or nice” they are going to make sure that there is a gift under the tree at your charitable organization. Merry Christmas!
The first question every development professional must ask is how many donors who gave last year have not given this year? In other words, how many supporters have lapsed?
Board members need to get more involved in major donor efforts through sharing, identifying donors, meeting with prospects, introducing their friends to the organization and ensuring the development director has what she needs to be successful.
