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Beyond A Thank You Note: Building A Donor Communication Plan

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Manage episode 503201391 series 3647672
Content provided by Nonprofit Launch Plan and Matt Stockman. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Nonprofit Launch Plan and Matt Stockman or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, host Matt Stockman addresses a common fear among nonprofit leaders: annoying their donors. He explains that most donors actually stop giving because they don't hear from the organization, not because they lose interest. Matt breaks down why donor communication isn't a transactional obligation, but a way to build a relationship based on trust and consistency. He shares a powerful story of a nonprofit leader who only communicated during a campaign and was essentially "ghosting" their donors. He argues that a donor's financial gift is an intimate act, a desire for a relationship with your organization.

Matt provides a practical framework to build a systematic and sincere communication rhythm that will help you grow a donor base that is loyal and engaged for the long term.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • The Donor Communication Rhythm: Matt outlines a four-step framework for staying in touch with donors:

  • Immediate Thank You (within 48 hours): This should be a personal touch—a phone call, a handwritten note, or a video message—that is separate from the automated gift receipt.
  • Impact Follow-up (within a few weeks): Share a specific story or update on how the donor's gift was used to make a difference.
  • Ongoing Rhythm (at least monthly): Integrate donors into a regular communication flow, such as a monthly newsletter or impact story email.
  • Special Touches (throughout the year): Add personal touches on a donor's birthday or the anniversary of their first gift to remind them you see them as an individual.

  • Pro Tips for Donor Communication: Matt offers additional advice for building strong relationships, including:
  • Mix it up: Use a variety of communication methods like email, phone calls, and handwritten notes.
  • Keep it donor-centered: Always make the donor the hero of the story. For example, instead of "Our nonprofit raised $10,000," say, "Because of your generosity, you helped put meals on 50 family tables".
  • Don't overthink it: Sincerity beats polish every time. A heartfelt message today is better than a perfect one a month from now.
  • Batch your work: Matt encourages leaders to dedicate intentional time each week to donor communication to make it a consistent habit that isn't overwhelming.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

  • Fearless Fundraising Mini Course: A free workbook and five short videos to help you get clarity on your fundraising messaging and create a game plan. Available for free on the website, www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com.

  • "From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist": A free PDF with 10 essential steps for moving from a nonprofit idea to a launch plan. Get it by emailing Matt at [email protected] or looking for it on the website.

Book A Free Call with Matt: Contact | Nonprofit Launch Plan

Email Matt: [email protected]

Find Matt on LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

Get My Free Fearless Fundraising Mini Course: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits

  continue reading

20 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 503201391 series 3647672
Content provided by Nonprofit Launch Plan and Matt Stockman. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Nonprofit Launch Plan and Matt Stockman or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, host Matt Stockman addresses a common fear among nonprofit leaders: annoying their donors. He explains that most donors actually stop giving because they don't hear from the organization, not because they lose interest. Matt breaks down why donor communication isn't a transactional obligation, but a way to build a relationship based on trust and consistency. He shares a powerful story of a nonprofit leader who only communicated during a campaign and was essentially "ghosting" their donors. He argues that a donor's financial gift is an intimate act, a desire for a relationship with your organization.

Matt provides a practical framework to build a systematic and sincere communication rhythm that will help you grow a donor base that is loyal and engaged for the long term.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • The Donor Communication Rhythm: Matt outlines a four-step framework for staying in touch with donors:

  • Immediate Thank You (within 48 hours): This should be a personal touch—a phone call, a handwritten note, or a video message—that is separate from the automated gift receipt.
  • Impact Follow-up (within a few weeks): Share a specific story or update on how the donor's gift was used to make a difference.
  • Ongoing Rhythm (at least monthly): Integrate donors into a regular communication flow, such as a monthly newsletter or impact story email.
  • Special Touches (throughout the year): Add personal touches on a donor's birthday or the anniversary of their first gift to remind them you see them as an individual.

  • Pro Tips for Donor Communication: Matt offers additional advice for building strong relationships, including:
  • Mix it up: Use a variety of communication methods like email, phone calls, and handwritten notes.
  • Keep it donor-centered: Always make the donor the hero of the story. For example, instead of "Our nonprofit raised $10,000," say, "Because of your generosity, you helped put meals on 50 family tables".
  • Don't overthink it: Sincerity beats polish every time. A heartfelt message today is better than a perfect one a month from now.
  • Batch your work: Matt encourages leaders to dedicate intentional time each week to donor communication to make it a consistent habit that isn't overwhelming.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

  • Fearless Fundraising Mini Course: A free workbook and five short videos to help you get clarity on your fundraising messaging and create a game plan. Available for free on the website, www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com.

  • "From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist": A free PDF with 10 essential steps for moving from a nonprofit idea to a launch plan. Get it by emailing Matt at [email protected] or looking for it on the website.

Book A Free Call with Matt: Contact | Nonprofit Launch Plan

Email Matt: [email protected]

Find Matt on LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

Get My Free Fearless Fundraising Mini Course: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits

  continue reading

20 episodes

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