What should be a fair battle between quantity and quality is far too often, and too easily, won by sheer numbers. We should all be recruiting fewer higher-quality donors, instead of more lower-quality donors. Yet, year in and year out we are replacing very large numbers of donors with large numbers of too low quality. That can be done differently. That has to be different. Because it yields too little. And it costs too much.

best practiceReinier SpruitMarch 29, 2024Forward, quality, retention, long term, profitability

The latest trend: best practice fundraising

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.

The most sincere thank you ever written

As you know I often use this quote:“We need to value donors as much as we need value from them.” I think it’s a beautiful way to express the core of our work. When I recently used it Wim Desmedt from Sightsavers Ireland responded. He shared underneath example with me. I’ve seen lots of thank you’s coming by in my career, but I think this is the most sincere thank you ever written.

Give donors the respect they deserve

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.

I can’t thank you enough

Sometimes it’s the simple things that transform the relationship with a donor into something magic. As part of my quest for examples of the best donor-centric fundraising for The Commission on the Donor Experience I came across an inspiring story I’d like to share with you. This is the fantastic story from the talented Sarah Roberts, from the time when she worked as Major Donor Fundraiser for Greenpeace Australia Pacific.