Fundraising Tip: Don’t Forget Relationships During Your Yearend Fundraising

Fundraising is all about relationships.

It’s already mid-December and for those of us in nonprofit fundraising each day seems to become more important than the day prior.

That’s because we think we’re running out of time.

We’re not.

We give our yearend fundraising efforts all we can, and then we have to let go, knowing that donors can still give in January and beyond.

Through all of the hustle and bustle of yearend giving campaigns, with everything around the holidays as well, it can be easy to get too focused on numbers and dollars coming in and forget about all that really matters: our relationships with our donors.

Please don’t forget personal touches this month. Don’t forget that your donors love your mission, that giving to you and seeing your impact are part of how they view they are making the world a better place. Don’t forget that your donors are not ATM machines.

As we get closer to 2024, and all of your mailings and most of your e-appeals are out, take time to reach out to donors and other supporters individually.

If they typically give in December, now is an appropriate time for an ask, especially if you have spent the year building relationship. If not, a simple check in and another thank you are both perfect.

When we put more focus on relationships and less on money, our relationships grow.

Here’s another post you may find helpful: https://altrui.org/5-year-end-tips-for-the-nonprofit-fundraising-professional/

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Take a risk. Be of service. Support your friends and colleagues. Be kind.