Donor Relations Momentum after a Campaign

Lynne M. Wester@donorguru

• Donor relations for every donor:– Major and principal gift donors– Mid-level donors– Campaign volunteers

• Donor relations in each phase of the campaign

• Preparing a campaign donor relations plan

AGENDA

THE FACTS

• Gifts

• Plaques

• Certificates

• Donor Honor Roll

WHAT WE THINK DONORS WANT

• Access

• Information

• Experiences

WHAT DONORS REALLY WANT

• Impact reports

• Insider information

• Evidence-based measures of progress, outcomes and impact

WHAT INFORMATION IS MOST IMPORTANT?

THEORY- CONSISTENT DONORS

THEORY- REPORTING ON FUNDS

• Tours

• Events

• Meetings with beneficiaries

EXPERIENCES THEY WILL NEVER FORGET

• Evaluate and analyze all current efforts• Plan for future of next campaign• Retain staff and build for the next campaign• What do we do for those still paying on

pledges?

CLOSING

IN SUMMARY

CAMPAIGN PHASE APPROPRIATE DONOR RELATIONS ACTIVITIES

PLANNING

• Donor relations needs seat at the table

• Begin a staffing and strategic plan• Perform an Audit

SILENT

• Hire new teammates• Evaluate existing processes and

policies• Revise as needed

PUBLIC• Develop consistent messaging and

communications• Begin to plan for campaign close

CLOSING• Assess efforts of campaign• Work on retaining staff• Plan for next campaign

1. Assess and document your existing programs and activities

2. Note the strengths and weaknesses of your current efforts; identify future needs and opportunities

3. Standardize guidelines for recognition levels and naming opportunities - ask your governing board to adopt a formal policy

PREPARING A CAMPAIGN DONOR RELATIONS PLAN

4. Develop plans for commitments to the new campaign, as well as plans for continuing stewardship once all pledges are fulfilled

5. Secure a budget to cover both ongoing donor relations needs and unique campaign-driven demands

6. Secure internal commitment to the program and its implementation

PREPARING A CAMPAIGN STEWARDSHIP PLAN

7. Establish a systematic recording, tracking, and reporting system

8. Educate and train staff and other participants

9. Communicate elements of the plan to donors as necessary

PREPARING A CAMPAIGN STEWARDSHIP PLAN

http://campaign.syr.edu/about/index.html

Thank You, Questions?

• Lynne M. Wester• www.donorrelationsguru.com• @donorguru