Even when you’ve met a big donor and you know the causes that person cares about, it can be hard to make the most of a single meeting and get to know a wealthy benefactor better. How do veteran fundraisers do it?
We’ve collected some of their best advice here. They share key questions to ask to foster meaningful conversations and strengthen relationships, tips for the best ways to end a meeting, and ideas for keeping interest alive after a big gift.
For long-term payoffs, experts advise adopting a patient approach while keeping channels of communication open. Read Why Fundraisers Should Take the Long View.
But even strong relationships can be tested, so it’s a good idea to protect your organization and your donors through clear communication and written agreements.
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Donor Relations4 Ways to Make Your Donor Relations Recession-Proof
Rely on fundraising fundamentals, thank donors broadly, connect with supporters without spending a lot, and create sustainable growth to attract gifts in an uncertain economy. -
Advice
Smart Questions to Ask Donors Before Seeking Money
Discovering what matters to your donors is key to building a long-term relationship and landing big gifts over time. -
Advice
A Major-Gift Ask Is About Much More Than Just the Dollars
Before talking amounts, fundraisers hoping to secure big contributions need to find out what prospective donors hope to accomplish with their philanthropy. -
Fundraising Tips
Major-Gift Fundraising During Crisis: Tips From Experts
Tactics and advice from veteran fundraisers to help you stay in touch with big donors, bring them closer to your cause, and boost results over the long term. -
Advice
Why Fundraisers Should Take the Long View
Being patient and keeping all donors informed can result in big rewards. -
Advice
The Basics of Meeting with Big Donors
Veteran fundraisers and consultants offer their advice on what to do, when, and where. -
Advice
Use Meetings With Wealthy Donors to Build Connections
Nonprofit leaders and major-gift fundraisers offer tips for using face-to-face contact to strengthen ties with big donors. -
Advice
How to Give Donors Hands-On Experiences That Inspire Loyalty
Start small, consider how an experience will make a wealthy donor feel, and make it personal, say experts. -
Advice
Ensure Donor Satisfaction for the Life of a Big Gift
Gift agreements that will stand the test of time require clear and frequent communication before and after the signing. -
Advice
How Gift Agreements Can Safeguard Against Unmet Pledges
Tips for ensuring donors fulfill their gift commitments — and what to do if they don’t.
