Friend-raising is inseparable from fundraising. Find out why, and how. Call 415-625-2942.

Managing Donor Relationships

Thank a donor seven times before the next solicitation, says an old philanthropic maxim. The care and feeding of donors is especially important for small nonprofits, which may rely heavily on them. But paradoxically, it’s the business function most often neglected due to a dearth of staffing.

Good donor stewardship has many phases: informing donors how their gifts were used and the impact they’ve made, keeping in touch with donors about how they can help in future—and of course thanking them in as many ways as possible.

The concierge mindset at My Dutch Uncle means that we’re attuned to our clients’ all-important relationships with donors. We’ll guide you in using both our advanced software and the old-fashioned personal touch, so that you can build lifelong relationships with your donors and your nonprofit can become their charity of choice.

• Mounting an annual plan
  While many nonprofits work hard at cultivating major donors and foundations or corporations, they may fail to see their steady, tried-and-true donors for the loyal supporters they are. Developing a plan to maximize your support among annual donors will bring rewards and advance your mission.

• Developing timely and effective acknowledgments
  Quick, efficient, and professional acknowledgment of donations is critical. (Some nonprofits are still using the first thank-you letter they wrote upon getting their 501(c)3 status!) We can train your staff to ensure that it gets done right, or provide assistance, or handle all the steps needed. Learn to use acknowledgment letters to offer heartfelt thanks for support, to satisfy legal requirements, and to generate excitement about your programs.

• Using a Moves Management strategy
  We’ll help you develop techniques to find prospects and turn them into donors, to encourage first-time donors to give again, and/or to move donors to higher levels of support.

• Considering direct mail?
  Expert advice on the entire process, from targeting mailing lists to generating great copy, from segmenting your lists to delivering final product to the mail house.

• Match stewardship efforts to your resources
  There are endless creative options for thanking key donors, but pursuing every great idea can drain energies and funds. We’ll help you use your resources wisely.