YOU’VE GOT THE GIFT –NOW WHAT? Faith Maddy, Vice President Development and Campaigns Forest Park Forever AFP Conference – August 30, 2017

Overview What is Donor Relations and why is it important Four elements of donor relations Ideas and Examples Q & A

What is donor relations? Donor relations is the comprehensive effort of any nonprofit that seeks philanthropic support to ensure that donors experience high-quality interactions with the organization that foster long-term engagement and investment. Source – Association of Donor Relations Professionals

Why is it important? Good donor relations allows for power to be shared equally Good donor relations preserves the opportunity for future support Retention is costly And it’s the right thing to do

Donor Relations Cycle Donor makes a contribution Acknowledge Appreciate Account Ask Again

4 Elements of donor relations Gift Acceptance and Management Acknowledgement Donor Recognition Reporting/Stewardship

Donor Relations and Stewardship Donor relations include all of your organization’s communications and relationship-building with donors, while stewardship’s primary focus is honoring a donor’s gift intentions Donors are not stewarded, gifts are stewarded Donor relations is proactive, stewardship is reactive Donor relations is the action of engaging, cultivating, and informing donors Stewardship is just one piece of donor relations

Gift Acceptance and Management Policies and procedures Process for review of gifts – can we do what the donor wants us to do? Structure for giving opportunities Process for tracking gifts as they are expended

A donor REQUIRES stewardship but DESIRES donor relations

Acknowledgement One-on-one communication with donor Accurate, timely, and meaningful expressions of gratitude Includes receipting and personalized, written correspondence including letters and emails Phone calls Personal visits

Donor Recognition Giving societies Honor Rolls Donor walls, named space signage Internal and external publicity Donor recognition events Engagement opportunities

Reporting/Stewardship Reporting to donors on the impact of their gifts Qualitative – storytelling Quantitative – fiduciary responsibility met

Rethinking Donor Relations Put on your donor glasses Get creative – what is unique to your organization? Look not just at donor dollars but donor behavior Ask for advice from those who know – board members, volunteers, long-time staff, etc.

Questions?