February 18, 2015
EXTRACTCreating sustained interactions with donors isn’t always easy for nonprofits, but it’s an important and necessary component of operations.
Creating sustained interactions with donors isn’t always easy for nonprofits, but it’s an important and necessary component of operations. In many respects, donor development is comparable to the business concept faced by for-profit companies, where the cultivation of repeat customers is less costly and more effective than constantly reaching out to new ones. This same situation applies to charitable organizations, where the connection created by initial outreach efforts means less time needs to be spent on basic education or getting potential contributors over the relatively large hump of giving that first gift.
Nonprofit blog, Winspire News, said that because the majority of nonprofit gifts will continue to come from individuals as opposed to corporations or other large entities, an emphasis on individual donor development is key. Winspire said cultivation should be a daily goal in some form or another. While one-on-one contact and other individualized measures won’t be taking up the majority of staff members’ days, some attention needs to be paid to cultivation on a regular basis. Considering the high level of contact needed to develop individual donors, creating calendars and other plans for outreach should be a priority. Providing a great experience for donors makes them more likely to give and to discuss positive experiences with a nonprofit within their social circles.
One reason effective individual donor development can take so long is the need to understand the motivations of contributors. Nonprofit blog npENGAGE pointed out the expectations of donors are one of the biggest areas to focus continuing research. If nonprofits can understand what contributors expect from the organizations they donate to, they can more effectively assemble the materials needed for both one-on-one and mass engagement efforts more successfully. Outreach efforts that don’t specifically focus on solicitations, but instead let donors know what has been done with their gifts, is another area to consider. Such an approach demonstrates the enduring value of donors and keeps them engaged without making the relationship seem like a purely financial one.
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First Nonprofit has saved us so much money over the state’s program. We had one little glitch with the state recently and we contacted FNP immediately. FNP staff called us back immediately and moved to remedy the problem.
First Nonprofit has been a great partner. They have helped us saved hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have awesome resources for our nonprofit organization. Thanks for the partnership.
Life is certainly busy these days but having business partners like First Nonprofit has made some of the process hassle free. We have worked with this team for years. When we changed payroll systems, they outlined every step. I think this team is terrific and I know they get the job done! Thank you, Cruz, to all the team at FNP.
FNP has helped our agency to save thousands of dollars every year on our unemployment coverage. The service is phenomenal, and we are thankful to their team as our partner. My experience working with Marshall on the advocacy around UE for nonprofits was also a highlight as someone who teaches advocacy and lobbying for nonprofits. Really, your whole team is top shelf, so thank YOU!
Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.
FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.
When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.
First Nonprofit gets an A+ in my book. You are so easy to work with & very knowledgeable! Whether it is my quarterly correspondence with Kim or my random interactions with Dawn about a bond … I am so pleased that I get to work with such a helpful company. Thank you!