Worried about fundraising with all the economic predictions? Worried about losing donors? It is a crucial time to consider how to truly connect with your donors. However, you can set your worries aside. By simply taking a step back and evaluating the needs of your donors and working on acting on those things, you can successfully continue in your fundraising.
First, you need to understand why your donors contribute. As statistics and hundreds of interviews emphasize, donors contribute because of a relationship first and foremost. That relationship can grow deeper by continuing to pursue after the donors as people. Make your mission really stand out to them, not just words but by actions. This gives them a better picture of how their donation is helping.
So how do you go about doing those things? The easiest way to get started? Tell a story. Explain why you are fundraising, why your work is important, or how their donation will make a help. Statistics may be impressive, but knowing that you are genuine in your passion matters more to donors.
Want some more easy tips? Consider these things:
State a fundraising goal- We all love to see things accomplished, goals met. It provides a challenge for people to step up to. Donors want to see your success.
Use pictures- To go along with stories, this gives your donors a visual that they now can connect your ministry and heart with.
Thank your donors- To know that they are genuinely appreciated is important to your donors and to all people. Besides, it’s just common courtesy.
Use social media sites- If you aren’t already using some of the sites available, look into Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter. Use these to promote to your donors the latest happenings or post stories.
Set up a blog- The power of using a blog continues to increase. You can promote your ministry, link to your fundraising page, share your ministry’s latest pictures, and connect with various donors.
Information taken from Team First Giving Blog 8/20/08
--Jessica High is a Research Assistant at Christian Foundation Grants (www.christianfoundationgrants.com) which is subscription database of foundations that provide grants to faith based organizations. iDonate.com is a website (www.iDonate.com) that allows ministries to receive non cash gifts online.