The new year has started some time ago. Although it seems as if 2020 has been extended and we are now in month 15 ... But we are looking ahead. What should we do in the new year? I have a few suggestions.
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Ever since I started working as an Interim Manager & Senior Advisor 5 years ago, I have been constantly thinking about how I can best share my experience in individual giving with my clients. One of the subjects that I always thoroughly investigate is my own vision on successful fundraising. I do not only ask myself whether I am doing things right, but especially whether I am doing the right things. So this is the latest version of my vision. On a beer mat!
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Rockstar Amanda Palmer said it in the opening plenary of the #IFC2016: 'A relationship is not a trick'. And it came back to me throughout the conference. The best donor relations are based on authenticity and reciprocity. If that's our goal and we take a closer look at our fundraising results in recent years, we have to start asking the right questions. To be more precise: we need to question everything we do.
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Last week Jeff Brooks reminded his readers how to write an effective thank you to your excellent donors. In order to βthank your donors so they really feel thankedβ you need to know the following three things about your donor:
β’ Who is the Donor? (Show that you know who they are and what they did.)
β’ Which Campaign or Program Did They Give to? (Thank them for the specific thing they gave to. Finish the story you started when you asked.)
β’ How Will You Turn Their Gift Into Impact? (Make it clear: Their money is doing something great!)