Daxko is a proud sponsor of the NAYDO webinar series. We have learned so much from all the amazing presenters we have featured and we want to share some of the tips and tricks we have learned along the way. A webinar that really highlighted the importance of strategic work with donors is our two-part webinar series on "Donor Relations Architecture" with Lynne Wester, Director of Alumni Programs and Engagement at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Wester shared several excellent tips and strategies for improving donor relations, and I want to share seven that stuck with me:
1. Tap Into Monthly Donors
The typical one-time online gift is around $62, and the typical monthly donor donation is around $19 per month (that's $228 per year). Monthly donors give more, are more loyal, and are more engaged.
2. Communicate with Donors Using the Method in Which They Give
If a donor makes a gift online, send them a digital receipt (instead of mailing paper receipt).
3. Receipts and Acknowledgements – Know the Difference
A receipt (transaction-related) and an acknowledgement are two completely different things. One is for accountability and the other is for building relationships.
4. Give Your Receipts a Makeover
Make sure you put some thought into the design of your receipts. People save their receipts for a long time, so make sure yours look snappy!
5. Have a Gift Acceptance Policy in Place
Having a gift acceptance policy will protect the donor and organization. Don't let a good gift go bad due to a lack of an agreement.
6. Don't Be Tacky
Never include a gift amount or ask for another gift in a thank you. Make sure your thank yous are thank yous and your asks are asks – never combine the two.
7. Tell Donors How Their Gift is Making a Difference
Sometimes sharing a story about the impact a gift has made on your organization is the best thanks you can give.
Daxko is a proud sponsor of NAYDO’s webinar series.