Year-End Results and Moving Forward
Well, we made it at least this far. I don't know what most people expected, but as the year changed, all I could think about was how well so many organizations had done with their Annual Appeal. The majority of the organizations I know or work with did better than they expected. This included Acquisition Appeals. With a relatively small individual giving program, one organization increased its new donors by 25%, which is a huge increase for this organization. The renewal rate stayed at about 80%, which is about average, in my opinion.
Well, the most obvious reason is that people are home and read mail they might have just thrown away in pre-pandemic days. I also think that by November- December 2020, people were feeling better about the world and wanted to make a difference. I have not found that the $300 in the CARES Act making a difference. It might be interesting to survey your new donors and see if the $300 deduction affected their giving. Surveying new donors soon after their gift is always a good idea, anyway.
Considering we have not idea what 2021 will be like, I recommend that organizations focus on Stewardship. Pulling these new donors closer to the organization is vital if we want them renewal their gift or make an additional gift during the year. Let's not take them for granted.
Now is also an excellent time to provide different options to donors like Monthly Giving and Planned Giving. We should reach out while we have their attention.
No matter what you decide to do, remember, this is a unique opportunity to build relationships with your donors during an unusual time. It would be best if you did not let it slip away. Prospects and donors want to hear from us.
A Holiday Wish
May the end of year giving be all that you have hoped and planned for it to be. This has been a weird year and hopefully, something good will come from it for your organization. Here's to whatever 2021 holds for all of us.
Aldervan
Vulnerability - It Seemed Like The Right Time To Revisit
Brené Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk at TEDxHouston, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. As fundraisers, we deal with vulnerability and shame on a daily basis just doing our job. We must understand how these affect us and our donors.
October 9, 2023
I have yet to see the movie "Uncharitable,", but I did read the book and see the TEDTalk that Dan Pallotta did. I was taken by many of his ideas and suggestions for and about the non-profit sector. What do others think, and if the movie will somehow affect change in the field - for better or worse? If you still need to see the promo for the film, this is a link. https://uncharitablemovie.com/ |
August 18 2023
There is nothing more I can say. The title says it all, except though Black women face this more. I think all People of Color are accused of yelling when we are happy, excited, empathic, or simply right. What do you think?
August 25, 2022
Quitting Quietly-
I am fascinated by this concept, this movement. I always figured that once you got a job, you did your best at the job, maybe you learned some new stuff and used that to, at some point, move to a higher position. If you are "quietly quitting," are you doing your best at your job? Isn't that our part of the hiring bargain? This NYTimes article examines many of the issues surrounding this movement. What do you think? Click the photo below to read the article.
Please leave a comment thoughtfully.