This checklist was created and shared at the Dynamite Data = Money mini training on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 in Minneapolis. Watch for the live webinar of this session to be offered in January 2010.
I suggest you use this list to allow your donor data to tell you next steps of who to contact and where to focus your time.
DATA CHECKLIST
___Who has been giving? For how long?
___Know your LYBUNT donors (Last Year But Unfortunately Not This
Year) & SYBUNTs (Some Years But Unfortunately Not This Year).
___What do we define as a major gift?
___What’s our retention rate?
___What’s our acquisition rate?
___Why did they start giving?
___With which current donors should you focus your time?
___How many personal (phone or in-person meeting) contacts do you
have annually?
___Who are you meeting with? Calling?
___Are you tracking the board activity of calls & meetings with donors
or prospects?
During this time of year when donors are making thoughtful choices about where to give, it is important to give them a reason to stay connected to you. Keep your messages short, timely, and make sure your communication lets your donors why YOUR organization should remain a priority in their giving.
Watch for those who have fallen off in their giving and reach out to them with a special message inviting them to return. And most of all, make sure your contacts with donors are personal: phone or in person. Personal contacts make a difference!
Comment by Blase Ciabaton — October 20, 2009
Wow, great post Lori-I think every nonprofit should take a look at this insightful list! I think that “how many contacts do you have annually” is neglected or overlooked by many nonprofits. Donors lives are cyclical, and the reality is that they may be in a better position financially to provide support during certain times of the year than others. Mal Warwick suggests asking a minimum of 6 times per year. Frequency is critical as well for keeping donors dialed in even when they are not in a spot where they can help financially. You also mention segmenting (which donors to focus on) and this can help those trying to stretch a lean budget.
trackback by associationjam.org — October 30, 2009
Effectively Using YOUR Data …
Lori Jacobwith’s checklist helps your donor data to tell you the next steps: who to contact and where to focus your time….