How to Retain Donors?

Once the fish is hooked, all you have to do is reel it in. Yeah, right. That is easier said than done. Donor retention is difficult, but not impossible. It is said that major donors require at least two personal contacts per year. Here are ways you could achieve those contacts:

Personal Phone Call - A Thank You phone call goes a long way. Have your board members personally thank your donor for their gift. During the conversation ask them for their input and ideas. You'll find the results very insightful.

Monthly Email - Keep your donors informed via a monthly email campaign. Write about your fundraising efforts and what your cause your non-profit is supporting.

Keep them informed - Some donors like to give to a specific cause and not just a general fund. Therefore, make sure that you take the time to inform them about the process of those causes. If your donor gave to support the Oncology Department, invite them for a tour and show them their fundraising dollars at work.

Have lunch - A face-to-face meeting is a great way to retain donors. Once a year, take your major donor for lunch. Remember to listen to what the donor has to say. Don't dominate the conversation with your talk, rather listen to the ideas and thoughts of your donor.

Mingle with the crowd - A donor information event for no more than ten major donors is a great way to "pick their brains". Involved donors feel attached to your non-profit organization. It is also a great way to make them feel appreciated.

Keep in mind that a nurtured donor relationship will most likely result in substantially increasing donation amounts.