Donor Recognition Standardization

Many organizations avoid standardizing donor recognition product design, assuming that uniformity is contrary to the premise of donor-centricity. Others follow a logic that says if the departments or organizational units pay for the product, so should they design it (or pay for that design). Both approaches are expensive, inefficient and diminish effectiveness. 

Donor recognition product should be carefully branded, in the same way that all other public communication is crafted to reflect a voice that is true to the mission and character of the organization. This does not mean that every recognition product should be identical, but instead, that design should follow a logic resulting in recognizable consistency that is representative of the organization. Importantly, a recognizable system of donor recognition promotes confidence in the donor community and inspires greater giving because it is distinct and authentic to the organization. 

POST WRITTEN BY ANNE MANNER-MCLARTY · NOVEMBER 14, 2014