Kris Kewitsch | Executive Director, Charities Review Council | February 2024
Ways to Deepen and Refresh Relationships with Donors
As with any relationship, it takes communication and investment to build trust and commitment with your donors.
When we get too comfortable, we start to miss out on opportunities in our relationships. Here are a few ideas to keep your donors interested and feeling cared for:
Spend some time on self-reflection. Consider the type of relationship you are building or want to build with your donors.
Gestures, even small, mean something. Spotlight a donor in your next newsletter or the annual report. Celebrate milestones (significant # of years donated or total amount contributed). Send a surprise thank-you video from a client or program staff to donors without making an ask.
Get personal. Know why your donor is giving. If you don’t know, ask. We feel special when we feel seen. What is one step you can take this year to better segment your donor communications? The more individualized you can make the donor experience, the more impact it will have.
Acts of kindness like these, on Valentines Day or any time throughout the year, are a thoughtful way to express gratitude and strengthen the relationship between your nonprofit organization and its supporters.
