TO:
FROM:
DATE: 9/07/2017
RE: Retaining/ Engaging Donors
Non-profit organizations face many fundraising challenges. They rely on donors, charitable institutions and well-wishers. Non-profit organizations do not generate any income hence they do not attract investors. The fundraising programs for such organizations are faced with the challenge of engaging and retaining donors. It requires a properly structured and convincing proposal to solicit funds from donors. After they have invested in the first term, retaining them is not quite easy. It is recommended that the donors be engaged in the operations of the organization and let them aware that they are part of the team. Including them in the operations of the organization gives them a feeling of inclusion. Lastly, being grateful for their support will ensure that they continue funding the organization.
Soliciting for donor funds is a process that involves many procedures. It requires professionally written and convincing proposals. The proposals have to be particular about the need for funds for specific projects that are proved to be necessary. The organizations need to identify areas of need, write and present the proposals for consideration for donor funding (Williams, 2013). After being funded for the first project, maintain the donors becomes a big challenge for the organizations.
Engaging and retaining donors is a challenge that most non-profit organizations face. Some organizations misuse the funds that were allocated for particular projects. Others divert the funds to other projects that were not mentioned in the proposal. When the donors conduct an evaluation of the resources of the project, they become disappointed and hence withdraw their support. Convincing them to fund another project is not easy since their expectations of the initial projects were not met. Non-profit organization need to come up with ways of engaging and retaining donors.
Recommendations
The inclusion of donors in making decisions and during execution of projects- The donors are part of the project. They should be included, and they should feel like part of the team. They should be involved in making decisions pertaining the project. Keeping contributors interested in the project helps to develop lasting relationships that will propagate future support and donations.
Stick to the purpose of funding- ensure that the funds are only used to carry out projects which they were intended for as stated in the proposal. In the case of any change in the expenditure plan, the donors must be informed of the change. The funds must be utilized appropriately and avoid any misuse that will lead to shortages and hence failure to complete the projects fully. When the donors evaluate the project, and it meets their expectations, they will be willing to invest in a different project. They develop trust that the funds are being utilized well (Pagnoni, 2014).
Being grateful- it feels good being appreciated for the goo work done. Donors must be acknowledged for their efforts however little. It makes them feel they are an integral part of the organization and are hence obligated to help again whenever they are called upon.
Non-profit organizations require donor funding to carry out their projects. Engaging and retaining the donors as proved to be a major challenge. Coming up with solid and convincing projects will attract donors. To retain the donors, it is important to make part of the institution, be accountable for the funds and don’t forget to be thankful for their help.
References
Pagnoni, L. A. (2014). The nonprofit fundraising solution: powerful revenue strategies to take you to the next level. New York: American Management Association.
Williams, K. A. (2013). Leading the fundraising charge: the role of the nonprofit executive. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Pettey, J. G. (2013). Nonprofit fundraising strategy: a guide to ethical decision making and regulation for nonprofit organizations. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.