How do you re-engage disinterested stakeholders in your nonprofit?

Listening goes a long way. Spend time 1 on 1 with stakeholders to hear them out. Look for patterns to identify issues that need to be addressed. Also look for stories or "lore" that get told that aren't true or helpful. Think of stories to share that are more hopeful that can counter act those negative stories.

It's a false narrative to assume stakeholders are 'disinterested' in their lack of communication. Too often, a fundraiser has a list of expectations in their head of how stakeholder A should respond. Whether these expectations are spoken or not, your audience will sense your hidden agenda. Be curious, that's it! When curiosity is your driver it comes across in your tone, facial expression and body language. Stakeholders become less guarded in their responses....this is called building a relationship.

Tailor your messaging to address specific issues that may have led to disinterest. Leverage diverse communication channels to reach stakeholders where they are most active. Utilize personalized emails, social media, and even virtual events to create touchpoints. Showcase the immediate impact of their involvement, emphasizing how their support can make a tangible difference. Provide success stories or testimonials that highlight the positive outcomes from previous engagement. Implement interactive elements in your communication strategy, such as surveys or Q&A sessions, to fosters a sense of participation. Demonstrating responsiveness and maintain transparency in your communication.

I have built my non profit through the leveraging of relationships. There is power in networking. When I meet some one new I seek to determine how I can help them. For example, I am in attendance at a Chamber of Commerce event, my question is who would you like to have an opportunity to speak with. Instead of telling them all about what I do, what I want etc. This helps me get to know what my new connection considers to be important to them and most times that is where the synergy is uncovered. Now every interaction thereafter will be catered with their needs in mind.

Most nonprofits believe the value they offer their donors (aka - primary customer) is obvious or intrinsic based on the nature of their cause or mission. This is misguided. In reality, most donors don't really want to give you their money. They choose to give you their money because, in doing so, you change how they perceive or feel about themselves. This means that a nonprofit's actual "value prop" transcends the obvious cause and speaks to the donor's actual motivations and desires. Your nonprofits mission or cause is secondary to how you make the donor feel by being connected to you. If you build your nonprofit's brand, messaging, and donor strategy with this in mind, you'll retain more donors.

A conversation around giving is not the same as generosity. Have generosity conversations with donors to uncover motivations, values and beliefs. Often people need to act their way into believing.

"I don't like yes-people!" I hear this weekly from the nonprofit leaders I work with. While most leaders do want honest feedback, I find many lack the skill or awareness to build a bridge over their authority and power so that stakeholders feel safe enough to share their actual opinions. Here is a simple technique to receive honest feedback from those you lead. 1) Share your concerns about the matter at hand. 2) Ask the person if they resonate with the concerns. 3) Ask what they might do differently. 4) Give permission to be honest and candid. 5) Name the awkwardness they might feel. 6) Thank them for their effort and willingness to share. This process can build a bridge to honest feedback while increasing empathy and trust.

Allow disengaged stakeholders to help implement the changes. Find ways for people to be apart of the change they want to see.