The broadly stated goal in listening to donors or other constituents is to learn how they think – how they think about the institution as a whole, how they think about a recent decision or change, how they think about a specific event or piece of communication. Donor relations professionals are poised to take leadership in defining the methods, limitations, risks, and benefits inherent in creating two-way communication with donors.
Read MoreNaming opportunities are a familiar tool for securing and recognizing major gifts. This practice is now used by all types fundraising organizations and can address both physical spaces, like a building or office, or a concept, like a center or a faculty position.
Read MoreThere are two key questions that we all want to ask and they both point to donor motivation. The first is why did you give to us? The second is what will motivate you to give to us again? One can be asked, the other should never be asked. If we are to demonstrate understanding of our donors, there are some things we have to figure out without asking.
Read MorePackaging information or the elements of an experience in a familiar “wrap” is often the most efficient and practical means for the donor relations team to brand the messages they prepare. This wrap can be as simple as adding a consistent look or brand to outgoing emails, a two-pocket folder or a regular template for your donor reports.
Read MoreAs we all well know, the experience surrounding an event starts long before the attendee arrives at the physical location. Events should be designed with the pre- and post-event communication strategies in mind and the experience of those components should be managed and branded with care.
Read MoreCreating and policing graphic standards is not typically within the scope of work assigned to a donor relations team. Most often, donor relations teams work with a variety of materials coming from multiple sources with little opportunity to reformat the information they receive. There may even be specific directives to avoid taking leadership in the expression of the graphic identity for the organization.
Read MoreWhat are the basics every donor relations professional should know? Think it through from your own point of view. If you were hiring a new person who would take on half of your work, what skills would he or she need? What talent and experience would you be looking for? What knowledge would you need to share right away?
Read MorePhilanthropists (bless every single one of them!) have at their disposal a brilliant tool to encourage a better world to grow: money. It's a resource familiar to all of us who share the affliction of being human.
Read MoreToo often, smaller not-for-profit organizations assume that quality donor recognition is out of their reach. They don’t select products that represent their missions effectively or provide flexible communication potential. In doing so, they miss the opportunity to invest in outcomes that speak to the value the organization places on its donors and the unique character of the work that they support.
Read MoreAt Roper St. Francis, members of a patient’s family and support team are encouraged to participate in cancer wellness programs, too. Donors to the Donna Fielding Cancer Wellness Institute help meet a simple goal: to address all of a cancer patient’s needs – mind, body and spirit – and to include those around them in the journey.
Read More
