Donor Participation Project

Innovative fundraising strategies vs. Donor-centric approaches Which truly drives results? At DPP, we've seen organizations focus heavily on trendy techniques while overlooking their donors' fundamental needs and motivations. The result? Often, it's declining participation rates and frustrated fundraisers. Perhaps true innovation lies in how we understand and serve our donors, not just in adopting new technologies or tactics. What's your take? Innovation or donor-centricity - or can we have both? P.S. For a fresh perspective on balancing innovation and donor-centric approaches, join us for "Making Fundraising Less Weird" with Joe Kirkenir. Sign up here: https://buff.ly/3YHr5eR

?? The Fundraising Skills Gap: Bridging Art and Science Our survey highlighted a critical skills gap in the fundraising world: ? 21% identify data analysis as the area needing most improvement ? Yet relationship building remains the most valued skill (37% say it's most crucial) This raises some thought-provoking questions: ? How do we balance the art of relationship building with the science of data analysis? ? Are our professional development programs addressing this skills gap effectively? ? What does the "complete" fundraiser of the future look like? Want to dive deeper? DM me for the full "State of the Development Profession 2024 Survey" findings.

Is the pursuit of "innovation" hurting your fundraising efforts? While many chase the latest trends, we at DPP have observed a concerning pattern: basic donor relationships are being neglected. The nationwide decline in donor participation (20 million US households lost between 2000-2016) isn't due to lack of innovation. It's often because we've lost sight of authentic connections. Maybe it's time to innovate in how we relate, not just in our tactics. Thoughts? P.S. If you're interested in cutting through the noise and getting back to effective fundraising basics, don't miss "Making Fundraising Less Weird" with Joe Kirkenir. Register now: https://buff.ly/3YHr5eR

The Secret to Triggering Donor Empathy The key to motivating donors lies in crafting stories that make them the main character. According to fundraising researcher Dr. Russell James, evoking empathy and generosity requires helping donors see THEMSELVES in your cause. James explains that our brains are wired to act when we can visualize a situation and feel an emotional connection. But stories about vague groups of people or complicated issues fail to trigger this reaction. Instead, stories should focus on a single relatable character. Details matter, as they help donors form a clear mental image, but too much complexity kills clarity and emotion. --- ?? The most compelling stories, then, are the ones donors can picture themselves in. This could mean: ? Describing a character similar in age, location, values or life experiences ? Showing how a donor's own journey relates to your mission ? For major gifts, asking open-ended questions to understand what is meaningful to them and framing your work as helping them achieve a personal victory --- Research backs this up: ? One study found people gave nearly twice as much to help one child as to help five ? Another showed donations dropped when a story switched from one girl to eight, but rose again when the eight were presented as siblings—a single, cohesive group The key is to make the many feel like one so people can connect. Images also help, but only if donors can identify with the characters. James cites research where people gave more to help pictured children, but only if the children seemed "like them." Pics of criminals or lizards—not as relatable—backfired. In the end, people act when a story feels like their own. ?? Give donors a role in your story. Make their values and experiences central to your cause. Only then will they truly feel for those you serve. Blend stories of real people with images and details to forge an emotional bond, and you'll unlock empathy, trust and lifelong donors. The secret, in short, is making it about them. How can you reframe your organization's narrative?

Innovative fundraising strategies vs. Donor-centric approaches Which truly drives results? At DPP, we've seen organizations focus heavily on trendy techniques while overlooking their donors' fundamental needs and motivations. The result? Often, it's declining participation rates and frustrated fundraisers. Perhaps true innovation lies in how we understand and serve our donors, not just in adopting new technologies or tactics. What's your take? Innovation or donor-centricity - or can we have both? P.S. For a fresh perspective on balancing innovation and donor-centric approaches, join us for "Making Fundraising Less Weird" with Joe Kirkenir. Sign up here: https://buff.ly/3YHr5eR

Your Brand Is What People Say About You: The Importance of Word-of-Mouth Marketing Nonprofits today operate in a world where traditional marketing methods are LOSING THEIR SWAY. Donors are less receptive to ads and sales pitches, instead turning to their peers and social circles to determine where to direct their dollars. According to marketing expert Mark Schaefer, "Your brand is what people tell each other." For nonprofits, this means word-of-mouth marketing from passionate supporters is the most impactful way to spread your mission. --- ??? To tap into word-of-mouth marketing, focus on connecting with your "super sharers" – those donors and advocates eager to spread the stories of the work you do. Provide them: ? Authentic content that sparks emotion and inspiration ? Easy ways to share with their networks How to do this: - Post visual stories on social media - Include shareable content in your email newsletters - Make personal connections at events Ask your supporters directly to spread the word about a campaign or initiative they care deeply about. --- Don't stop at your donors – consider featuring your supporters themselves on your social media profiles and other marketing materials. Let them share why your cause matters to them in their own words. This demonstrates the real-world impact of your work in a way that feels genuine and compelling. Earned media from local journalists and bloggers, especially those with influence in your region or cause area, is also a source of third-party credibility and interest from new supporters. Build relationships with key media members and pitch them on stories from your organization that would resonate with their audience. While technology has created more competition for people's attention, it has also provided new channels for spreading messages. ?? Invest in resources for: ? Social media ? Email marketing ? Your website Make sharing and connecting as frictionless as possible for your advocates and community. Bring paid advertising into the mix to boost the reach of posts that are already gaining momentum. By realizing your brand lives in the stories people tell about you, nonprofits can leverage the enthusiasm and passion of their community. Focus on creating intimate connections and shareable moments with donors, then put resources behind amplifying that word-of-mouth marketing for the broadest impact. Your supporters want to spread the word about your cause – give them compelling reasons to do so. How can you empower your "super sharers" to become more effective word-of-mouth marketers for your nonprofit?

At DPP, we've had the privilege of working with numerous nonprofits. Here are 3 eye-opening insights about "innovative" fundraising strategies we've gathered: 1. Many "innovations" are simply rebranded traditional methods 2. Genuinely innovative ideas often face resistance from leadership 3. Donors consistently prioritize impact over clever tactics Controversial? Perhaps. But acknowledging these realities could be the key to reversing the decline in donor participation. What's your experience with fundraising innovations? Share below! P.S. Want to explore how to make your fundraising efforts more authentic and less... well, weird? Join us for "Making Fundraising Less Weird" with Joe Kirkenir. Sign up here: https://buff.ly/3YHr5eR

?? The Professional Development Paradox in Fundraising The recent State of the Development profession survey revealed a concerning trend: Only 47% of fundraisers are satisfied with their professional development opportunities. This statistic is alarming given the rapidly evolving nature of our field. I’d love to hear your thoughts: ? What skills do modern fundraisers need most? ? How can organizations better support their fundraising teams' growth? ? What innovative professional development models have you seen in the nonprofit sector? Interested in more insights? DM me for the complete "State of the Development Profession 2024 Survey" report.

The Customer Is the Marketer: Tapping Into Your Supporters to Spread Your Story The days of relying solely on your own marketing and advertising to spread your nonprofit's message are OVER. According to research from McKinsey, two-thirds of customer journeys today involve word-of-mouth influence from friends, family, and online connections. Your supporters want to share authentic stories about the meaningful work you do, so tap into their enthusiasm and let them help market your cause. --- ?? Identify your organization's stories that are authentic, interesting, and relevant (AIR) to your supporters. How has your work impacted real people and changed lives? Share: ? Vivid anecdotes ? Compelling statistics that illustrate your impact But don't just tell these stories yourself—make them easy for others to share and spread. --- Engage your super-sharers, the 10% of supporters who actively spread messages. Give them the AIR stories and content that they can: - Post on their social media - Share with their communities Their voices and networks will amplify your message in an organic, trusted way. Feature your supporters sharing why they give or volunteer with your organization. Their stories and testimonials from the heart will resonate far more than your own marketing materials. Ask them to share on their channels or repost their messages on your social media and website. This shows the human impact of your work. --- ?? Look for opportunities to spread your stories everywhere. Add an emotional story to your: ? Email newsletters ? Social media posts ? Receipts, bags, and other materials that supporters interact with Make it easy for people to share your content with the click of a button. You never know which story will resonate and spread. While technology and automation have their place in marketing, they should never replace the human, emotional connections between your organization and supporters. Tap into the passion and enthusiasm of your donors and volunteers, feature their voices, and make it easy to share your most compelling stories. Their word-of-mouth influence is the most powerful marketing you can have. The customer is the marketer, so give them stories worth sharing. How can you empower your supporters to become more effective storytellers for your nonprofit's mission?

Is the pursuit of "innovation" hurting your fundraising efforts? While many chase the latest trends, we at DPP have observed a concerning pattern: basic donor relationships are being neglected. The nationwide decline in donor participation (20 million US households lost between 2000-2016) isn't due to lack of innovation. It's often because we've lost sight of authentic connections. Maybe it's time to innovate in how we relate, not just in our tactics. Thoughts? P.S. If you're interested in cutting through the noise and getting back to effective fundraising basics, don't miss "Making Fundraising Less Weird" with Joe Kirkenir. Register now: https://buff.ly/3YHr5eR