In this series, the DBD Team will take a deeper look at some of the axioms we use when working with our clients. In today’s blog, Peggy reflects on our axiom: “The Best Predictor of Future Giving Is Current Giving.” To read other axiom blogs, click here.
In the course of raising funds for a nonprofit, church or school, have you ever heard anyone say: “We don’t want to bother that donor with an annual gift. We’re saving them for capital.”
There are several potential problems with this thinking. If we’re “saving” donors for the big ask, we are losing the chance to engage them in our cause ahead of such a major appeal. An annual gift is often the entry point into a donor relationship.
Here’s another problem with this thinking: we’re assuming we know a donor’s capacity to give. We’re telling ourselves that asking for a large gift will deplete their assets and impact future giving.
In reality, we can’t know someone’s capacity to give. High capacity individuals in our communities are very often philanthropic and understand the broader need of annual and capital giving to improve their communities.
The best predictor of future support for your campaign is past support of your organization. Consistent giving, even at a lower level, is a sign of deep and committed support to your mission. And the proper stewardship of an annual gift is a great way to deepen a donor relationship.
That future support doesn’t happen automatically though. How are you cultivating these donors? Engage them in outcomes, in activities or on your board. Or consider simply visiting with them to gain their perspectives on various issues in the community. Thank them better than any other organization they’re involved with.
Even if you understand this, there may be others on your staff or volunteer leadership who don’t. It’s imperative that we train our key stakeholders to understand the importance of this concept, because they may be withholding potential donor names out of the misguided desire to “save” them for a later day.
So think about these questions in regards to your donors (including event sponsors):
Raise the bar to your approach to donors. The day of one gift and the donor is gone is over – unless you let it happen! Donors enjoy being “part of the team”. Engage them, listen to them, and enjoy your new friendships with people who can make a huge difference for your community.