Your organization is going through changes. How can you adjust your donor stewardship approach accordingly?

1 Communicate Clearly

In times of change, clear communication with your donors is more important than ever. You must be transparent about what the changes entail and how they will impact the organization's goals and operations. Provide regular updates and be open to answering questions. This level of honesty fosters trust and shows donors that their contributions are still valued and necessary for the success of your mission. Remember, donors are part of your community, and they appreciate being kept in the loop.

2 Personalize Outreach

Personalizing your outreach can go a long way in maintaining strong relationships with your donors. Take the time to understand how the changes within your organization align with their values and interests. Adjust your messaging to reflect this understanding, ensuring that each donor feels their unique contribution is recognized and appreciated. A personalized approach demonstrates that you value their support not just as a source of funding but as a partnership that is respected and cherished.

3 Reassure Donors

During times of change, it's natural for donors to wonder about the stability and future of your organization. It's your role to reassure them of your commitment to the cause and the strategic vision moving forward. Emphasize the positive aspects of the changes and how they will ultimately benefit the mission they care about. Your confidence and clarity can provide the reassurance that donors need to continue their support.

4 Revise Policies

When your organization undergoes changes, it may be necessary to revise your donor stewardship policies to align with new priorities or structures. Review your current policies and procedures to ensure they are still effective and make adjustments where needed. This might include updating donor recognition programs, communication strategies, or gift acceptance policies. Ensuring that your policies are up-to-date will help streamline your stewardship efforts and maintain donor trust.

5 Engage Proactively

Proactive engagement is key to retaining donor support during transitional periods. Don't wait for donors to reach out with concerns; instead, take the initiative to engage them in dialogue. Host virtual meetings, roundtable discussions, or Q&A sessions to address their questions and solicit feedback. By proactively engaging with your donors, you demonstrate a commitment to transparency and collaboration.

6 Evaluate Impact

Finally, evaluate the impact of the changes on your donor stewardship efforts. Collect feedback from donors to understand their perspective and assess whether your adjusted approach is effective. This continuous evaluation allows you to fine-tune your strategies and ensure that your stewardship practices remain relevant and impactful. By being responsive to feedback, you show donors that their opinions are valued and integral to the organization's evolution.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?