What are the most effective ways to steward donors for library services?

1 Thank your donors promptly and personally

One of the first and most important steps in stewarding donors is to thank them for their support. This should be done as soon as possible after receiving their donation, preferably within 48 hours. A timely and personalized thank-you message can make a big difference in how donors feel about your library and their contribution. You can use various channels to thank your donors, such as email, phone, letter, or video, depending on the size and type of their gift and their preferences. Make sure to acknowledge the specific amount and purpose of their donation, express your appreciation sincerely, and highlight the impact of their support on your library services and users.

2 Report on your outcomes and impact

Another key way to steward donors is to keep them informed about how their donation is being used and what results it is achieving. Donors want to know that their money is making a difference and that you are accountable for your performance. You can report on your outcomes and impact through regular updates, newsletters, annual reports, or impact stories. Use data, stories, and images to show the tangible and intangible benefits of your library services for your community, such as literacy, education, inclusion, or creativity. Also, be transparent about your challenges, opportunities, and plans for the future, and show how donors can help you overcome or achieve them.

3 Invite your donors to engage with your library community

A third way to steward donors is to invite them to engage with your library community, both online and offline. Donors are more likely to stay loyal and committed if they feel connected to your library and its users, staff, and volunteers. You can invite your donors to join your online platforms, such as social media, website, or blog, where you can share news, stories, and resources, and encourage feedback and interaction. You can also invite your donors to visit your library, attend your events, or participate in your programs, where they can see your work in action, meet your beneficiaries and stakeholders, and experience your library culture and values.

4 Recognize your donors publicly and privately

A fourth way to steward donors is to recognize them publicly and privately for their generosity and partnership. Donors appreciate being acknowledged and appreciated for their role in supporting your library services. You can recognize your donors publicly by featuring them on your website, newsletter, annual report, or donor wall, or by mentioning them in your speeches, presentations, or media interviews. You can also recognize your donors privately by sending them cards, certificates, or gifts on special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, or by inviting them to exclusive events, such as receptions, tours, or workshops.

5 Solicit your donors' feedback and input

A fifth way to steward donors is to solicit their feedback and input on your library services and your donor relations. Donors want to feel valued and respected as partners and stakeholders in your library's mission and vision. You can solicit your donors' feedback and input by conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups, or by inviting them to join your advisory board, committee, or task force. By asking your donors for their opinions, suggestions, or concerns, you can show them that you care about their perspectives and experiences, and that you are willing to learn from them and improve your library services and your donor relations.

6 Cultivate your donors' trust and loyalty

A sixth and final way to steward donors is to cultivate their trust and loyalty over time. Donors are more likely to continue or increase their support if they trust your library and its leadership, and if they feel loyal to your library and its cause. You can cultivate your donors' trust and loyalty by being consistent, reliable, and honest in your communication and actions, by delivering on your promises and expectations, and by demonstrating your integrity and professionalism. You can also cultivate your donors' trust and loyalty by sharing your passion and enthusiasm for your library services, by showing your gratitude and appreciation for their support, and by inspiring them with your vision and goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?