“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
~ JFK
“Cultivate” (verb as in enrich situation; give special attention)
“Those who want to do good are not selfish. They are not in a hurry. They know that to impregnate people with good requires a long time. But evil has wings. To build a house takes time. Its destruction takes none.” – Mahatma Gandhi
🟥Definition of cultivation – Strongest matches| bolster, cherish, develop, encourage, enrich, improve, nourish, promote, refine.
🟥Definition of cultivation – Strong matches| advance, ameliorate, better, civilize, court, discipline, elevate, foster, further, nurse, nurture, polish, train (theraus.com).
So how do we apply these definitions to donor cultivation? Perhaps….
❤️Bolster your donors.
❤️Cherish your donors.
💡Develop your donors.
💡Encourage your donors.
❤️Enrich your donor relationships.
❤️Improve your donor relations.
💡Nourish your donor connections.
💡Promote your donor growth.
🔅In the world of fundraising, cultivation is the key to engaging and maintaining the interest of donors, prospective donors, and volunteers with your organization’s people, programs, and plans. 🤝
💡According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP, 2003), there are four essential variables to consider for successful donor cultivation. Let’s dive in! 💼
.
.
Firstly, personalization is paramount. Tailor each contact with a prospect to their specific interests and needs. By showing that you understand and care about their unique motivations, you’ll build a stronger connection. 🎯
.
.
Secondly, timing is everything. Match the pace and style of communication to the preferences of the donor. Some may prefer email, while others appreciate a personal phone call or even face-to-face interaction, especially for more senior prospects. Remember, timing can be a powerful fundraising tool! 📅
“I wondered why somebody didn’t do something. Then I realized, I am somebody.” – Author Unknown
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful cultivation. Understanding how to engage with prospects is crucial. 🗣
.
.
Even if your nonprofit has already received grants, it’s vital to keep these suggestions in mind, especially when cultivating major donors. Firstly, seize the opportunity to make a presentation when the grant is requested. This way, you can provide an update on your organization’s activities, needs, and objectives, keeping the donor informed and engaged. 📊
.
.
.
If several months pass without contact, don’t hesitate to submit updated information. Keeping the donor in the loop is essential for maintaining their interest. ✉
.
Remember to acknowledge the receipt of the grant appropriately. A simple gesture of gratitude goes a long way in building a strong relationship.
.
.
.
.
Lastly, maintain regular communication by sending periodic progress reports. This not only keeps the donor informed but also strengthens the bond between them and your organization. 📈
By following these strategies, you’ll foster a robust relationship with your donors, keeping them engaged and on your radar for future funding opportunities.
Esther Amunga, MNA
I teach, train, and coach small to midsize nonprofits.
Make your life count for something GREAT!
www.estheramunga.com
Where will Esther be?
