Soapbox Engage Blog

Donor retention can be as notoriously challenging as it is vital for nonprofits. The good news, though, is that doesn’t have to be! Here are twelve simple ideas that keep givers giving and vault donor retention:

1. Call donors and thank them

A personal thank you call to a donor can make a lasting impression that expresses the importance of their support.

2. Enlist others to call and thank donors

Board members, volunteers, clients, staff members, and fellow donors can all be great voices to share heartfelt thanks to supporters.

3. Send a handwritten note of thanks

The more handwritten notes fall out of practice, the more meaningful they are for a donor to get.

4. Create a video thank you

A video featuring staff and clients and shared over email is a fantastic way to show gratitude and make your mission and efforts more tangible.

{loadposition blog-ad-general}

5. Throw a donor appreciation party

Spread the love by inviting donors to a get-together where they can meet staff, board members, clients, and each other!

6. Give a peek inside your operations

Think of this as an exclusive backstage pass to see their dollars at work. It could take the form of an email, a video, or a personal tour. And it can make a lasting impression showing just how you do what you do with their donated dollars.

7. Send a personal note of thanks from a client

Your donors gave to support your mission. Your clients embody that mission. Hearing directly from them can make all the difference.

8. Say “happy anniversary!” to your donors

Marking the anniversary of their first gift is a great way to cultivate an ongoing relationship, remind them of why they donated, and encourage them to donate again.

9. Share specific stories of how your donors’ gifts are achieving your mission

Stats are great. Stories are better. Craft a compelling one to express why your organization matters and why their donation is meaningful.

10. Make the donor the hero

Keep this idea in you mind for all your drafting work. The message will come through and it will resonate.

11. Recruit donors as fundraisers

Leverage the power of peer-to-peer fundraising to engage your supporters as your own best solicitors to their communities.

12. Offer donors ways to engage with your mission that don’t involve money

Show your donors your relationship is about more than just money. Offer ways to support your nonprofit beyond breaking out their credit card.

For more donor retention strategy as well as step-by-step Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack recipes for targeting and tracking donor retention, watch our webinar, Achieve Dynamite Donor Retention with the Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack. A more productive 45 minutes focused on fundraising and the Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack, you will not find.