Simple But Effective Donor Cultivation Strategies

By Ines Flores


To ensure fundraising success all round the year, a non-profit organization ought to build strong relationships with prospective donors. Actually, it is part science and part art but donor cultivation strategies done right effective. They have to be consistent, have personalized communication methods and be carefully planned to ensure mutual benefit. The following are some of the growing strategies;

The most important factor to take care of is the quality of conversation. Fundraising letters, telephone calls and messages should leave a powerful impression. The conversation should also be taken to the public. This comprises of pledge breaks, review programs, newspaper and tune-in ads. More donations are made if people feel part of the process.

Formal and informal events and parties are also a necessity in the cultivation process. They include wine events, annual dinners, program reviews and luncheons. The most important part of the events is the follow-up. Personalized telephone calls, emails and thank-you notes should come after a successful event. The follow system should be well planned and coordinated.

It is not just about personal interaction. The messages communicated during the growth process have the biggest impact. The message in the phone calls, letters, emails and newsletters should communicate the impact of the organization programs. It should also portray in words and pictures the people served in the programs. The message should not be only the special events of the organization but also volunteers, recognize them and the impact they have had in the communities they serve.

The culture to welcome and cultivate donors should be carried out by everyone including volunteers, staff and board. Also, current donors should be part of the process as they serve as champions for your cause. When there are many diverse people in your course, even more people are attracted to it. You cannot predict the immediate returns of a cultivation process but you can influence it.

It is easier to sequence activities for corporations and foundations compared to individuals who do not have a calendar. However, the process of growing donors should be systematic, coordinated and strategic for corporations, individuals and foundations. Lastly, do not ignore the small givers. You cannot tell big givers from small ones and after all anyone has the potential to give big. So, grow both groups in the same way.

The cultivation process is not about knowing more about their checkbook. It is about getting real interest in their personalities. Get to know their culture, vision for the future and interests. Do not rush to develop the relationship when the fundraiser is around the corner, it will not work. A successful relationship should make everyone feel like part of a big family that shares a common goal.

Just as courtship precedes marriage, donor cultivation precedes requests for gifts. Potential donors want to know more about your organization and whether you share similar values. So let them in into what you do, right to the details. Let cultivation be a process not an event or series of events. The process should be thorough, well thought, designed and implemented both before and after the gifts are given.




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