Issue 27: Let Generosity Ring

I’m writing from the ballroom of the Westin in downtown Philadelphia right now, trying to finish this newsletter up before the Giving Institute board meeting begins.?

Let’s get right to it.?

Generosity in Action

In the latest episode of Untapped Philanthropy, we had the pleasure of speaking with Genevieve Smith , a visionary in nonprofit data practices and the founder of GV Advisory. Genevieve's background is as diverse as it is unconventional, spanning from playing in bands to participating in anarchist collectives. She brings a fresh, radical perspective to the social sector, emphasizing mission-aligned data practices.

Genevieve's journey into the nonprofit sector began over a decade ago, driven by a desire to measure change and make a meaningful impact. She quickly realized that creating a data culture aligned with an organization's mission involves more than just collecting metrics. It requires understanding the purpose behind data collection and ensuring practices reflect the values and needs of the community.

A key theme Genevieve discusses is using data as a tool for mutualism rather than extraction. She emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions and involving the community in the data collection process. By doing so, organizations can avoid the pitfalls of extracting data without considering the community's perspective and needs, creating a collaborative environment where data enhances community well-being.

Genevieve also highlights the importance of slowing down and critically examining what data is truly necessary. In a sector often driven by urgency and a need for quick results, taking the time to align data practices with mission and values can lead to more meaningful and sustainable outcomes. She encourages nonprofits to build conflict practices and community agreements to navigate the emotional challenges of changing data practices.

Throughout the conversation, Genevieve provides practical insights into balancing the need for custom metrics with the benefits of standard metrics. She advocates for a flexible approach that honors the uniqueness of each organization while leveraging shared values and research to create a common language for data.

This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders and data enthusiasts looking to create a data culture that aligns with their mission and values. Genevieve Smith's innovative approach offers a roadmap for leveraging data to better serve communities and build trust within the sector. Tune in to learn how to transform your organization's data practices and make a greater impact.

Tips & Tricks

I have another great article from the Neon One team that connects to some of the things I’ll be touching on for my session during next week’s Dream Big (more below!).?

This section outlines three crucial steps to start reactivating lapsed donors: identifying them through your donor database, crafting a thoughtful messaging strategy, and launching a personalized reactivation campaign.?

1. Identify Your Lapsed Donors

The first step of lapsed donor reactivation is pretty simple: find out who they are! Your donor database, which can also be called a Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system, can streamline this process. Neon CRM, for example, allows you to see the real-time results of your retention efforts, including immediate insight into lapsed, retained, and recaptured donors. Neon CRM’s built-in email and workflow automation also streamlines how you find and communicate with donors who have lapsed.

CRM systems allow you to track donor activity and flag individuals who haven’t donated within your defined lapse period. This is a perfect time to employ a donor segmentation strategy. Create targeted lists for lapsed donor re-engagement campaigns and send them personalized communications (more on that in point number three!).

2. Define Your Messaging Strategy

Once you’ve identified your lapsed donors, it’s time to investigate the “why” behind their inactivity and determine how you’ll reconnect with them. Analyzing donor feedback, surveying lapsed donors, and reviewing the past donation data available in your database can shed some light on the factors contributing to donor attrition. These reasons should inform your messaging strategy.

Establish clear parameters for your communication with lapsed donors. What tone will you use? Which angle will you take? For example, you can choose three words to define your approach, such as empathetic, positive, and inviting, to help ensure the message comes off as intended. You may choose to approach lapsed donors as if they’re family members you haven’t heard from in a while and use a “come back into the community” angle.

Perhaps most importantly, messaging for lapsed donor reactivation should denote thankfulness, appreciation, and warmth. It should include detailed, positive updates and highlight achievements that have happened since their last donation. The goal of this messaging is to make lapsed donors feel valued, communicate that they’re missed, and encourage them to re-engage with your mission.

3. Create a Personalized Lapsed Donor Campaign

Finally, develop a personalized campaign specifically targeting lapsed donors. Whether through digital channels, direct mail, or a combination of methods, this campaign should be designed to reactivate lapsed donors in a targeted, thoughtful way.

You can use personalized (and even handwritten) letters, emails, one-on-one meetings, or phone calls to reach lapsed donors, but what you choose to say is most important. First, you’ll want to reference their past support and tie their previous donations to specific outcomes showing their impact. Also, share impact stories, exciting updates, new initiatives, invitations to exclusive events, and future goals—anything you think would pique their interest and inspire them to renew their commitment to the cause.

Data Dive

I’m at the Giving Institute’s Summer Symposium this week, being held in Philadelphia, PA. The theme this year is “Let Generosity Ring” and it’s an event has evolved each year I’ve attended.

I was asked to be the marketing committee chair for the event and that led to some fun side quests, such as learning about how to procure customized golden glove keychains (because of Rocky, if the connection isn’t clear) but what I’ve appreciated the most is the Giving Institute’s deepening dedication to bringing different voices together to think about big problems together.?

While I feel there is still much work to be done on the ways this work gets communicated, I can state very clearly that people understand that something like the Giving USA Report is just one component of the larger vision of changing the way we think about generosity toward one that isn’t solely focused on affluence and truly embraces building a community around a cause.?

If you have any questions you think I can bring up while in these rooms, please let me know!?

Community Spotlight

How many times have you met someone in the past year with whom you started your relationship online? For me, this is happening more and more.

At AFPICON, it was folks like Rickesh Lakhani . And yesterday at Giving Institute, it was Chris Hammond .?

Tag a new IRL bestie in the comments and I'll send two friends a Neon One "let's be besties" hat!

Upcoming Events

How Can Data Turn Dreams Into Reality?

July 22 2024, 2024 | 3:00 PM ET

Dream Big Summit is coming the week of July 22, kicking off with a special episode of Generosity Experience Live with Dana Snyder and Kirah Smith. This is going to be one of the most fun virtual educational learning experiences we’ve put together, so get your spot today!

RSVP

Dream Big Summit

July 23 - 26, 2024 | 3:00 PM ET

Dream Big Summit will feature four days of sessions to help you master the magic of generosity. Transform your team and inspire your community. Register today and get a chance to win prizes and network with fellow nonprofit leaders.

RSVP

Giving Black Conference

August 1, 2024 | 9:30 AM ET

Join us at The Giving Black Conference 2024 as we honor Black Philanthropy Month and Emancipation Day. This inspiring conference brings together diverse change makers and culture shifters. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired! Thrilled to be working with Mide Akerewusi, B.Sc., M.Sc. (Econ), CSR-P, CDEP. on this one.

Register

Brandfluence 2024

August 21, 2024 | 12:00 PM ET

Join us for the first of its kind one-day summit designed exclusively for nonprofits and social impact businesses. Empower your brand to raise more money and drive more meaningful change in your communities. Thrilled to be working with Taylor Shanklin on this one.

Register

Monthly Giving Summit

September 5-6, 2024? 1:00 PM ET

Join Dana Snyder as she puts on THE virtual event experience dedicated to helping nonprofits build subscriptions for good. Thrilled to be working with Dana Snyder for this one.

Register

Final Thoughts

I know it seems like whiplash lately. I’ve been feeling it too. That weight of whether any of this matters.

It matters.?

You matter.

The work matters.

Let’s kick some ass today.