What are some strategies for identifying potential donors among alumni and peers?

1 Use your existing contacts

One of the easiest ways to start identifying potential donors among your alumni and peers is to use your existing contacts. You can scan your email list, social media connections, phone contacts, and personal network for people who might be interested in your cause or project. You can also ask your current supporters, donors, or partners to introduce you to their alumni and peer contacts who might be willing to contribute. You can use tools like LinkedIn, Facebook, or alumni directories to find and connect with people who have a common affiliation with you.

3 Research your prospects

Before you approach your alumni and peer prospects, you need to do some research on them. You need to learn more about their personal and professional background, their interests and passions, their values and goals, their challenges and opportunities, and their motivations and objections. You can use sources like their social media profiles, their websites or blogs, their online portfolios or publications, their media appearances or interviews, and their testimonials or reviews. You can also use tools like Google Alerts, Mention, or Talkwalker to monitor their online activity and mentions. By researching your prospects, you can build rapport and trust with them, and find out how to best appeal to them.

4 Engage your prospects

After you have researched your prospects, you need to engage them in a meaningful and relevant way. You need to communicate with them regularly and consistently, using the channels and methods that they prefer. You can use tools like email, phone, text, video, or social media to reach out to them. You can also use tools like newsletters, blogs, podcasts, webinars, or events to share your updates, stories, impact, and opportunities with them. You can also use tools like surveys, polls, quizzes, or feedback forms to solicit their opinions, insights, or suggestions. By engaging your prospects, you can create interest and awareness, and build loyalty and commitment.

5 Ask for donations

The final step in identifying potential donors among your alumni and peers is to ask for donations. You need to be clear and specific about what you are asking for, why you are asking for it, and how they can donate. You need to be confident and respectful, and show gratitude and appreciation. You need to be prepared for objections and rejections, and handle them with empathy and professionalism. You need to follow up and confirm their donations, and provide them with receipts and acknowledgments. You can use tools like online platforms, mobile apps, or payment systems to facilitate and process their donations. By asking for donations, you can convert your prospects into donors, and achieve your fundraising goals.

6 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?