Category: Donor Relationships

Years ago, I received a giant padded envelope in the mail with a lunchbox as a gift. Confused, I found a generic “Thanks” card tucked inside. I had recently given a gift in honor of a dear friend who had earned her Doctorate in Management and Leadership. The donation was in support of a college scholarship fund for single mothers earning their degrees – something I knew my friend would sincerely appreciate.

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of a successful fundraising program is the personal relationships you have with your donors. The more knowledge you have of a donor’s interests, capacity and passion, the more likely you are to ask for the right gift, of the right amount, at the right time.

At Let’s Build Hope, we suggest SEVEN STEPS to make “general” stewardship to the donor of small gifts feel specific.