Donor Stewardship Webinar
Tools and information
for people who
love to give.
Grants and
knowledge to meet
community needs.
Smart Givingto improve communities
27 Affiliatesstatewide organization, local approach
YOU DID IT…
$5.6 Million!!
$6.1 Million to
Nonprofits
in 2017
$13 Million to
Nonprofits in
3 years!
Congratulations!On your hard work and dedication…
• Checks will be mailed by Monday May 1.
• Donor lists and gift breakdown will be
included with checks.
• Final results, including prize winners, can
be found at: www.arkansasgives.org
Arkansas Community Foundation
Donor Stewardship Director
Lindsey Simmons
A Partner in Service
Defining Stewardship
When you hear the word “stewardship”
what do you think of?
Money or people?
Fiduciary & legal responsibilities?
Or recognizing & engaging your donors?
Defining Stewardship
Most narrow view = fiduciary responsibilities
Donor relations = all relationship-building contacts & touches
Broad scope = comprehensive effort
Defining Stewardship
Defining Stewardship
It’s more than just a step in the
development cycle.IDENTIFY PROSPECTS
EDUCATE, CULTIVATE, INVOLVE
REQUEST TO CONSIDER/ASK
THANK AND RECOGNIZE
INVOLVE MORE DEEPLY
It’s part of the WHOLE cycle!
Why so important?
➢ For a donor,
it’s all about the FEELS!
➢ Acquiring new donors =
more time & money
• Respond to emails & phone calls in a
timely manner
• Offer clear communication—no jargon
• Be friendly & attentive
• Show enthusiasm & initiative
• Take ownership – be accountable
• Set a timeframe to follow up
Stewardship begins with basic customer service
Stewardship is an
extension of your brand
Messaging and
branding are important to
building trust.
Stewardship is not
one person’s role
Donor Relations has a tentacle
in every department.
Stewardship depends on
every team member.
Building Relationships
➢ Thank—early, often, & personal
➢ Gratitude,
Gratitude,
Gratitude
Building Relationships
• Connect to the Mission—show impact
• Get donors involved—create
opportunities for personal interaction
• Communicate and LISTEN
Building Relationships
Make a genuine connection.
➢ Discuss donor interests
➢ Discover the
personal
reasons behind
their giving. https://bloomerang.co/blog/23-questions-to-ask-donors-and-prospects/
Building Relationships
LOVERIZE your donors!
➢ Make the donor the hero
➢ Use “You”—not “We” language
A Donor-Centric Philosophy
Movement to transition fundraising
strategies from focusing solely on
donations (the ask) to prioritizing
building relationships and trust with
the donor (the person)
A note about Trust & Ethics
Philanthropy makes the work of
nonprofits possible.
Trust makes philanthropy possible.
Ethics help make trust possible.
The Stewardship Plan
➢ Next, develop appropriate touches
Formal gift acknowledgements & customized thank
yous, Holiday cards, Event invitations, Annual reports,
Newsletters, Recognition societies, Social media, etc.
➢ First, consider your audiences
Donors, Volunteers, Board & advisory committee
members, Event attendees, Corporate Sponsors, Program Partners, Clients/patrons/patients
➢ Then, make a plan!
Sincere Stewardship
• Confirms donors’ wisdom in making
original gift & draws them closer
• Should not be left to chance, but
should be part of a structured plan
• Builds relationships by connecting
donors to impact & mission
ResourcesFor your nonprofit
ArkansasNonprofits.org
ResourcesFor your nonprofit
www.VolunteerAR.org
ResourcesFor your nonprofit
classy.org/blog
ResourcesFor your nonprofit
arcf.org/nonprofits
Congratulations!On your hard work and dedication…
• Checks will be mailed soon!
• Donor lists and gift breakdown will be
included with checks.
• Final results can be found at:
www.arkansasgives.org
• Call 501-372-1116 with questions