Fundraising pro tip: If you’re searching for “innovative/outside-the-box” ways to increase donor retention and engagement, STOP.
In our constant search for new and different (our brains are wired to want this, so I get it), we fail to focus on the things that actually work and deliver results on a consistent basis.
Whenever someone asks me (and that’s pretty regularly) what new/different things they should try to increase retention, I always disappoint them because my response is…
1. Call your donors and talk with them
2. Ask them why they love supporting your cause, and what you can do to deliver a better experience for them
3. Do what you tell them you’re going to do with their gifts
4. Show them the tangible impact their giving makes on the world
5. Get out of your office chair and meet your supporters.
6. Invite them to see the work in action
As you can see, these are not revolutionary, new, outside-the-box, the next ice bucket challenge, etc.
They are, however…
1. Proven
2. Effective
3. Repeatable
If you want to build a stronger revenue engine for your organization and achieve greater mission impact, do these things consistently.
And stop wasting time looking for the next shiny object.
If you want to chat about this or another collaboration idea, grab time on my calendar here.