As we travel the country doing feasibility studies, one thing we encounter almost every time, is a donor who cannot be interviewed because they are upset with the organization for not appropriately recognizing their contribution during the last capital campaign.
Donors who give major gifts are showing they really trust you and are willing to invest in your organization. These are people who believe in your mission and your vision. In essence, they are your organization’s best friends… but are you treating them that way?
When leaders take time to get to know major donors, life-long friendships can be made and long-term partnerships for your organization are formed. These aren’t artificial, but true friendships.
Are you friends with your major donors? If not, why? Do you understand why they trust you with their gifts? Do you take time to get to know them, thank them and keep them invested in what is going on with your organization? Do you treat them like a friend, saying thank you and respecting their wishes?
Taking care of donors is critical to the future of your organization. Think about what you can do yet this year to strengthen the friendship or partnership you have with your major gift donors.
Take time to consider how your time includes thanking major gift donors. Take a look at your calendar for the rest of the year. Are you making major gift donor relationships a priority?
Now picture this: The next time your organization is thinking about a capital campaign and conducts a feasibility study, each of your major donors greets you saying, “Hey, what’s next? I’m in!!!”