1. A strong and supported major gifts team
To retain as many donors as possible who are major gift prospects, you need to have a major gifts team that is trained and skilled in donor retention and has ample capacity to focus on this priority.
Questions to consider:
- Are your major gift officers’ portfolios already too large for them to manage?
- If so, do you have enough new major donor prospects to warrant a new major gift officer?
- Has your team developed an effective strategy and the right talking points to focus on new donor engagement?
- Is your team creating and communicating the most compelling and impactful story possible?
Investing in your team—whether it be through training, strategy sessions, and/or additional hires with specific skillsets—is crucial.
2. An up-to-date, robust and well-utilized database
A strong, well-deployed fundraising team needs a great database, along with clear and strategic protocols, to be successful.
Questions to consider:
- Does your current database work for your team today? And is it core to the daily function of your team?
- Does your database manager have what they need—in terms of support, training, and capacity—to manage a growing database?
- Are your database protocols aligned with best practices?
- Do you fully utilize your database’s potential such that you can have an effective moves management program for new donors?
- Is your data capture robust enough to segment donors effectively?
If you answered no to any of these questions, and you have the financial capability to do so, now’s a prime time to upgrade your database.
3. A robust and sophisticated annual fund program
Organizations with robust annual fund programs, with strong networks and donor loyalty, are best poised to succeed in donor retention.
Questions to consider:
- Does your team have the necessary annual fund expertise? And are there best practices in place?
- Do you have enough team members to manage an ongoing, robust annual giving program?
- Does your team have the tools they need to identify future major gift prospects?
- Are you investing in strong, compelling stories to boost your annual fund messaging?
4. Compelling and tailored messaging
Being able to illustrate your impact and results in ways that are qualitative and quantitative will be key.
Questions to consider:
- Are you refreshing content regularly?
- Are the results of your work front and center on your website and in all external messaging?
- Are you creating a library of stories to use as appropriate?
- Does the team have a good script that speaks specifically to a prospect with “new donor” language – in writing or by phone/zoom?
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At Development Guild we are poised and ready to help your organization achieve its fundraising and donor retention goals. Reach out to schedule a consultation to discover how we can support you.
How can we help you?
For 45 years, Development Guild DDI has partnered with nonprofit organizations nationwide to achieve their most ambitious goals. Whether you need new talent, fundraising or campaign solutions, or strategic counsel, we can help.
Provide us with some context, and we will connect you with the right consultant.