Make Time for Supporters Who Do Not Donate: Stay Connected

It’s tough to make time for people who don’t give to your organization, but that’s exactly what’s needed in these economic times. According to a recent article from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, “one of the hardest things to do as a fundraiser is keep treating people well who do not make a gift. But you have to be sensitive to the fact that they may not have it to give right now, and aware of the fact that they’ll still give in the future.”

Stay Connected To Current, Lapsed and Prospective Donors

Make sure donor stewardship and relationship building activities are part of your daily and weekly activities – and included in the overall Fund Development plan. Include board members and key volunteers in these activities; their involvement speaks volumes to current and prospective donors. Hand-written notes, phone calls, and personal visits are simple and effective ways for volunteers and staff to keep the mission of the organization in the hearts and minds of current, lapsed, and prospective donors.

Organizations that do a great job of long-term stewardship are much better positioned for long-term fundraising success. It’s trite but true: fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint.

Alyce Lee Stansbury, CFRE, President of Stansbury Consulting, is a fundraising consultant, trainer, and coach and teaches a graduate course in fundraising at Florida State University. She can be reached at alycelee@stansburyconsulting.com.