You had a successful Giving Tuesday campaign and met fundraising goals through your holiday events…

What’s next?

As the year-end giving season comes to a close, sustaining donor motivation throughout the year can be challenging. We’ve gathered a list of ways that can help you keep the donor momentum going year-round!

1. Understand why donors give to your organization.A key aspect in attracting donors to your organization is understanding why they choose to give with you. What is the driving force that connects them to your mission? Donors want to feel like they are a part of the work you’re doing. They want to know what their donations are being used for and who they’re helping. They need to know they can trust you and that their dollars are making a measurable impact. Share inspiring stories about your work and annual reports to remind donors that their generosity goes beyond a one-time donation.
2. Show up online.How do donors find you? You’ll want to be top-of-mind when they think about who they want to support. Utilize social media platforms, email marketing, and your website to express gratitude, share updates or opportunities, and maintain a consistent connection with donors. Setting up systems and platforms to amplify your work will keep donors engaged year-round. Make sure you choose user-friendly platforms and functions to create a seamless online giving experience for your donors- the easier it is to support you online, the more likely they are to continue showing support.
3. Give donors something to look forward to.Keeping donors excited about your organization’s future initiatives keeps them engaged and invites them to be active participants in change. Host an event, partner with a business or organization, or participate in a local event. Provide donors with notices through mail, email, and social media for any upcoming events. This proactive approach gives donors a reason to stay engaged and anticipate the positive impact of their ongoing support.
4. Get personal.There are many ways to honor donors for their generosity. People like to know that they are valued, and want to feel like they are having a conversation with you. Personalized communication is a cornerstone in improving donor retention. You can personalize messages when expressing gratitude, recognizing individual milestones, and celebrating your organization’s achievements. You can also request individualized donation amounts based on previous donor behaviors. By incorporating a human touch in your communications, your nonprofit can further solidify the emotional connection between your work and their generosity.
5. Show them other ways to partner with you.Diversify donor engagement beyond monetary contributions. Encourage donors to contribute in various ways, including volunteering time, skills, or resources. Some donors may not be able to commit to financial contributions, but they may be able to participate in events or share your mission with others. Providing donors with versatile engagement options that align with their interests and capacities give you opportunities to reach a wider base and get your name in front of new supporters.

Think of your end-of-year giving campaigns as launchpads for the new year, rather than the finale for the current year. By understanding donor motivations, maintaining a memorable online presence, offering exciting prospects, fostering personal connections, and showcasing alternative support avenues, you can cultivate a giving spirit that goes beyond your year-end initiatives.

Do you want to keep your donors motivated? Our team can help you develop strategies to keep the momentum going! Contact us today if you are looking for a trusted team to partner with.