The Zen of Fundraising
From The Zen of Fundraising: 89 Timeless Ideas to Strengthen and Develop Your Donor Relationships by Ken Burnett
1) Be committed.
You and your staff must really like donors and be committed to providing
them first-class service. If donor relations is a chore, try another career.
2) Have enough resources.
Customer service cannot be done on the cheap. Invest in proper planning
and allocate sufficient resources. If you don't, you can do more harm
than good.
3) Be consistent.
Good service raises expectations. Your donors need to know that they can
depend on a consistently high standard of performance from you.
4) Be quick.
Don't irritate donors with delayed responses. Promptness will pay off.
5) Be personal.
Donors want to be remembered and addressed by name. Take the time to get
to know them so you can become a trusted advisor.
6) Be visible.
Publicize your nonprofit's service personnel. Put their pictures up on
the website and in your brochures. Let donors know that they are there
to help and serve.
7) Be meticulous.
Your records should be well-kept and organized so that you can find information
about a donor quickly and efficiently.
8) Be available.
Make sure that donors can reach you at any time. If you can't provide
24-hour service, make sure donors can leave messages and then follow up
as quickly as possible.
9) Be open and honest.
If you screw up, admit it and fix it. Never cover up. Donors will respect
you and trust you for your honesty.
10) Be cheerful and helpful.
Never let donors think that what you do is a chore. If it is, find another
job. Donor service should be a joy and a revered activity. Remember, together
you and the donor are doing something great.