7 ways to have a committed relationship with your donors

• Wed, September 21 2011
• Filed under: Fundraising essentials

Ah, the tricky topic of all relationships: commitment.

I don’t have much wisdom to offer on the romantic front, but a new study from Donor Voice has valuable insights on how to increase donor commitment.  (Full disclosure: I’m an advisor to and fan of the study.)  The study looked at the dynamics of donor relationships to charity - and found that what works in love also works in fundraising.  I’m including the full summary here, but the key headlines are:

* It’s worth trying to make donors more committed - because they give more when you do.
* To increase their commitment, there are 7 key things you need to do.

Make your donors feel:

1. You are effectively trying to achieve your mission

2. They know what to expect from you with each interaction

3. They are thanked promptly

4. They have opportunities to make their views known

5. They are part of your important cause

6. Their involvement is appreciated

7. They receive information showing who is being helped

Do these things.  It’s worth it!  For every 1,000 donors moved from low to high commitment, Donor Voice says you can expect $200,000 in increased revenue.