10 Strategies to Celebrate Nonprofit Donors on Valentine’s Day
Last year, you posted about sending donors valentines, which I came across a bit too late in the game, so I sent emails. But, this year, I kept that idea and planned for it, and sent handmade valentines to my top level donors. I felt like I was in 2nd grade with my glue stick and doilies, but the response has been amazing! Not only did my colleagues get in on the action, but I have received nothing but great comments via email and phone calls. Definitely a practice I’ll do every year. Thanks for the great idea!
— Rebekah Cross, Special Gifts Officer, Guiding Eyes for the Blind
I love a good celebration.
And nothing is more worth celebrating than a holiday, and your donors!
You’ve still got time to send a little love your donors’ way! It’s been a tough, and for many a lonely, few years. Chances are good we’re still in for a long season of time during which donors could really use a little extra love from you. Many folks — your donors included — are love starved right now.
Why might this be something for you to consider, amidst all the other “to-do’s” on your plate?
If you don’t do a lot more donor loving, you’re going to do a lot more donor losing.
I hope by now you know donor retention is the name of the game. It costs so much more to acquire a new donor than to keep an existing one. Yet too few nonprofits have serious, intentional donor stewardship programs in place. Because of that, on average, nonprofits lose roughly 8 out of 10 first-time donors and close to 6 out of 10 of all donors.
Don’t be one of those “take the money and run” organizations!
If donors only hear from you when you want something from them, they’re not likely to give more. Or even give again.
Be generous! Show donors how much their support means to you.
Really, donor love should be like breathing for you. In and out. Out and in.
- They love you, and show you.
- You love them, and show them.
You’ll be amazed at how a little love can go a long way.
This year why not dedicate Valentine’s Day to giving, not asking?
If you can’t send val
entines to every donor, pick a segment or two.
Think about those donors for whom you’d like to show some special love, because they showed you some. Show them you noticed! They could be:
- Major donors.
- Monthly donors.
- Donors who’ve given faithfully for five years or more.
- Donors who increased their giving this year.
- First-time donors of $100+.
- Donors who also volunteer.
- Board and committee members.
Annual reports don’t have to be dry as dust. In fact, the most effective ones are not financial reports; they’re a story with the donor at the center. And they inspire action.
For many nonprofits, the yearly annual report is often just another task on a very long to-do list. Most charities are juggling a lot—development, program maintenance, fundraising, and more—and the annual report can feel like yet another mandatory routine project. One that often gets handled at the last minute without much intentional care and effort.
Okay, I recently let folks know I’d “finagled” a discount for them. After one reader told me the word “finagle” means “to obtain something by devious or dishonest means,” I sent an apologetic “Ruh Roh” email. I received a lot of forgiving feedback. Thank you! Many of you kindly supported my initial use of the word “finagle.” Apparently, there is more than one definition.
This Thursday folks in the United States will celebrate what I consider to be the social benefit sector holiday of the year.
In 2018, WSJ columnist Christopher Mims observed:
Have you started working on your annual appeal and year-end fundraising plan?
This year Giving Tuesday is November 29th. So, soon.
In 
You’ve got one month before fall fundraising season begins in earnest.
Babies can teach you the same thing.
You bet!
I had a fundraising post all ready to launch today, but I just couldn’t do it.
Here’s the deal: When you match people to environments or roles congruent with their skills, knowledge and strengths, they’ll do better.
What I have for you is something you can do this week (or you can pick another week on your calendar that isn’t already overfilled with appointments, assignments, meetings and what-not). It’s really simple and really powerful. There’s one catch: you have to put aside 45 minutes/day for five days. If you’re resistant to change, read no further. This post isn’t for you. If, however, you have a hunch you might be able to move from good to great, then… read on (oh, and there’s a little bonus ‘gift’ at the end).
I’m excited to share three easy tips with you, and the results are measurable. Do these things and you’ll be able to tell if they impact your bottom line!
For this year’s appeal, are you shooting from the hip?
TRUTH BOMB:
I know you’re working on calendar year-end fundraising right now.
Whatever side of the political spectrum you’re on, the photo below is triggering.
The modern model is more like a vortex — an energized circle where everyone is equal. People move in and out as needed, and your job is to keep the energy flowing.
What motivates someone to make a major philanthropic gift?
I’ve created for you a little “Declaration of Fundraising Independence” to help you become a fruitful philanthropy facilitator from this day forward.
Legacy gifts don’t fall from the sky.
Text messaging is becoming an increasingly important fundraising tool. Why? One of the reasons is U.S. adults now spend 10.5 hours/day consuming media. With all the competition for your donors’ attention, there’s a need to cut through the clutter.
What do you most need to sustain your nonprofit through thick and thin?
No one can do it alone, sitting in their own little corner.
Trust defines the credibility and legitimacy not only of your organization, but of the entire social benefit sector. Yet too few organizations make the effort to operationalize this construct into their fundraising and marketing planning.
Ever have a well-meaning, yet perhaps overly controlling or risk-aversive, boss say to you: