Your best donor strategy is probably free
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Hey Reader, This past week I was in a meeting where we were brainstorming ideas to meaningfully engage donors so that they become more invested in our organization and deepen their involvement (and support!) of the organization. I had some great, fancy ideas - webinars with notable luminaries that would draw in crowds, all day events that would dazzle attendees, and on and on. And then someone reminded me that the best thing we did last year was hold a quick zoom call - with very little notice- and invited a handful of our top donors to virtually meet with one of our clients and their families, and to hear how they were doing. It was so last minute: there was no prep, no "production," no formal invite. It was as if we had all hopped on a Zoom call with our extended family - everyone joined as they were, camera on, ready to listen and ask questions. And the donors loved it. It was genuine, authentic, at times a little awkward, and had no mention of fundraising or support. Just a simple call to share an update about a client our organization had supported. It's easy to think "the fancier, the better" but often times, people just want real connection. No selling, no fluff. But sometimes, your best donor engagement strategies are free, easy, and the lowest-lift.
So, what's that easy, low-lift, free thing you can do to engage your donors? Maybe it's a "behind-the-scenes" email you regularly send to your board, or a heartfelt note you get from a community member that you forward to donors. It may be the best thing you do all year! Cheers,
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