Many fundraisers are aware of relationship fundraising. Ken Burnett’s famous book Relationship Fundraising has opened many eyes over the last 25 years. There aren’t many fundraisers who haven’t read this book. However, its vision and core message have never been fully implemented in our sector.

donor loyalty, opinion, best practiceReinier SpruitJune 1, 2017Ken Burnett, relationship fundraising, donor centricity, donor experience, Commission on the Donor Experience, De Toekomst van Fondsenwerving, MSF, Artsen zonder Grenzen, Robert Jan Oosterhaven, thank you, donor communication

The Syrian refugee crisis, tipping points and fundraising

Remember how you felt last week when you saw the photo of Aylan Kurdi, the little Syrian boy who drowned and ended up on a Turkish resort beach? Or when you saw Laith Majid, the father crying and embracing his children as they arrived on the beaches of Greece? Both probably stirred powerful emotions in you. Whatever you think of the politics behind the situation, this current Syrian refugee story is a human tragedy.

Drowned little boys and girls, lying on Mediterranean beaches, alone, miles from home. These are some of the saddest things I’ve ever seen in the media. These images and stories should ignite action. It’s almost impossible to do nothing. That’s what happens when extreme human suffering is in our face.

opinionReinier SpruitSeptember 7, 2015emergency, Malcolm Gladwell, media, emotion, MSF, Syrian refugees, storytelling, donor communication