{"id":21428,"date":"2020-12-03T09:45:58","date_gmt":"2020-12-03T14:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/?p=21428"},"modified":"2021-06-01T15:00:15","modified_gmt":"2021-06-01T19:00:15","slug":"4-donor-relations-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/4-donor-relations-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Donor Relations: 4 Tips to Get on Your Donors\u2019 Nice List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Your nonprofit has done a lot of great work this year to make the world a better place. That puts you on Qgiv\u2019s nice list! But how are your donors feeling? If your donor relations missed the mark, you could see lower donor retention rates and fewer donations. How do you avoid getting a lump of coal from dissatisfied donors? Use these 4 donor relations tips to improve your stewardship efforts and get back on your donors\u2019 nice list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Show Gratitude<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most important thing you can do for better donor relations is thank every donor sincerely and promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine this\u2026 you took the time to give the perfect gift, but the recipient doesn\u2019t say thank you or send a thank-you note until June. How would that make you feel? If you wouldn\u2019t feel good about not receiving a thank-you, you can bet that\u2019s exactly how an un-thanked donor would feel!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not sending acknowledgments to donors quickly enough, it may be time to revisit the acknowledgment process and determine what you can do to speed it up. With Qgiv, donors receive a customized thank-you email and printable gift receipt immediately upon completing their gift. That\u2019s fast!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t go above and beyond by sending multiple messages of gratitude. However, if you rely on snail mail, be sure to get donor thank-you letters mailed within 24 hours after receiving the donor\u2019s gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to know how to really knock your donors\u2019 stockings off? Check out Rachel Muir\u2019s on-demand webinar, The Art of the Unforgettable Thanks<\/a>, for ideas that are sure to impress your donors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Highlight Donor Accomplishments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Has talking about your nonprofit\u2019s<\/em> accomplishments landed you on the naughty list?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We all have that one relative who must make everything about themselves. If your donor communications focus on your nonprofit\u2019s accomplishments, you\u2019re not positioning your donor as the hero of your story. If you bury your donors\u2019 accomplishments in your appeals, chances are they won\u2019t know what they\u2019ve accomplished. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of being the self-centered cousin, think of your nonprofit as the proud parent instead. Brag about your donors and everything they made possible with their contributions to your nonprofit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, make your appeal, and check copy twice. If the donor isn\u2019t the hero, the appeal is naughty, not nice! Try using the Ahern Audit<\/a> to determine if your donor communications use enough donor-centric language. Then adjust your copy accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Donor-centric<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Respect donors’ preferences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are you taking a one-size-fits-all approach to donor relationships? If so, you may be unintentionally turning donors away. Tailor your donor relations to your donors to ensure all your donors get what they want from your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not sure what donors expect when they give to you? Ask them! Call donors and strike up this conversation or email them a survey<\/a> asking for their expectations and preferences. Pair that with what you know about your donors and you are on your way to taking a customized approach to donor stewardship. As you learn more about your donors add notes to your database to keep track of their preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to taking a tailored approach to building meaningful donor relationships you need to know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n