Stewardship in Action: Beyond Just Maintaining
Are We Stewards of the Declaration of Independence? Should you and I be thinking of ourselves as stewards of the Declaration of Independence and all it represents? And if so, what does that really mean? Reflecting on the ideals in the Declaration of Independence, we see a radical experiment in self-government, human dignity, and freedom. Stewardship, in this sense, means actively protecting and nurturing these values, ensuring they resonate for generations to come. But what exactly is stewardship? And how does it connect to the core principles of donor engagement? Stewardship in Action: Beyond Just Maintaining Stewardship is about more than maintenance—it’s about honoring and advancing an asset entrusted to us. In our work, this means being good stewards of our donors’ gifts, responsibly using their contributions to create the impact they envisioned. It’s a deep responsibility and a crucial part of our role. Consider the powerful impact stewardship can have: When Mr. and Mrs. Smith contribute $250 to a college scholarship fund, did it reach a deserving student? Did it make a difference in that student’s journey? When Alex donates $50 to a local campaign, what results came from that support? Did it help bring more visibility to an issue, or win a vote that Alex cares about? When Evelyn generously donates $1 million to construct a new sanctuary for her community, is she seeing progress? How is the construction advancing, and what kind of impact is it projected to have on the families that will gather there? Each of these stories illustrates how stewardship is more than just tracking donations. It’s about showing supporters the genuine impact of their contributions, inviting them to see their role in the story. Engaging Donors Through Stewardship Stewardship, as it applies to donor engagement, can take many forms: Communicate Progress: Regular updates let donors know their gifts are having an impact. Too often, donors feel disconnected after giving, left wondering if their support really made a difference. Proactively sharing progress closes that gap. Create a Dialogue: Beyond progress reports, consider the impact of a simple phone call. Let supporters ask questions, share their own stories, or offer ideas. It personalizes their connection to the mission and lets them see that their voice matters. Invite True Involvement: For those especially engaged, an invitation to see the work firsthand—whether it’s a construction site, a classroom, or a food pantry—can transform their understanding of the impact they’re making. Further, asking key supporters to serve in volunteer or advisory roles gives them a meaningful place in the organization’s journey. In many ways, this echoes the stewardship of the Declaration of Independence itself. Just as each generation has a duty to uphold and advance these freedoms, so do we have a responsibility to engage and honor our donors’ intentions. The Transformative Power of True Engagement It’s no wonder that the most engaged supporters often become the most generous. As their connection to the cause deepens, so does their commitment. Engagement isn’t just a box to check off—it has the power to transform the scope and effectiveness of our work. The ideals in the Declaration of Independence remind us of what’s possible when people come together to pursue a vision. Our work, too, is built on shared vision, partnership, and the willingness to engage people in something bigger than themselves. What Does Stewardship Look Like in Our Work? Being good stewards means more than taking care of donations. It means celebrating and nurturing the ideals behind each gift, making sure every supporter understands that their contribution is essential. Stewardship in fundraising isn’t just a task; it’s an opportunity to create a meaningful connection, one that could last a lifetime. Are you ready to be a steward, not just of gifts, but of the values and vision your supporters hold dear? Because in doing so, we honor both our mission and the trust our supporters place in us.
Five Ways to Build Gratitude into Donor Engagement
A phone call is one way to make gratitude a consistent part of your donor engagement strategy—and a good start. But there are many others. Here are five suggestions. Offer Opportunities for Feedback: Include a short survey in your thank-you message, asking for their input on how often they’d like to receive updates or what aspects of your work resonate with them. This simple gesture shows you value their perspective and want them to be part of your organization’s story. Share Program Updates and Stories: Reach out periodically to let donors know the impact of their support. Whether it’s through email, newsletters, or direct mail, keeping them in the loop reinforces their connection to the cause. Invite Donors to Visit: For local supporters, offer an invitation to visit your facilities or observe your programs in action. Seeing the impact firsthand strengthens their bond to the cause and gives them a sense of ownership over the progress being made. Introduce Giving Clubs or Special Groups: For donors interested in deeper involvement, giving clubs can be a great way to recognize their commitment. These groups create a sense of belonging and provide opportunities for supporters to meet others who share their values. Personalize Your Thank-You Messages: Go beyond standard thank-you letters. Tailor your messages to reflect each donor’s unique contribution or connection to the cause. Recognizing their individual motivations makes your gratitude feel sincere and heartfelt. The Impact of Genuine Gratitude on Donor Retention Expressing genuine appreciation has more than just a feel-good effect—it can dramatically increase donor retention. When donors feel acknowledged and valued, they are far more likely to give again, building a cycle of generosity that grows over time. Studies show that even a small gesture, like a thank-you call, can lead to increased giving and long-term commitment. Roger Craver, in his book Retention Fundraising, underscores the importance of gratitude as a fundamental tool for nurturing donor loyalty. He shares that the initial thank-you is one of the most leveraged ways to strengthen donor relationships. When organizations prioritize authentic gratitude, they create a culture where donors feel respected and valued, encouraging ongoing support. Is Your Organization Making Gratitude a Habit? Ultimately, gratitude is more than a step in a process; it’s a mindset. It’s about making appreciation part of the organization’s culture and creating a donor experience that feels personal and meaningful. When we engage donors with genuine thanks, we foster a deeper connection that benefits everyone involved—supporters become part of the mission, and organizations gain loyal advocates. Try integrating these practices into your donor engagement strategy and see how it transforms your relationships. Genuine appreciation not only enriches your organization but also has the power to turn donors into lifelong partners, building a legacy of support for the future. In short, gratitude is a cornerstone of effective donor engagement and one of the most powerful ways to build lasting partnerships. By prioritizing sincere appreciation, you can create a community of supporters who feel connected to your mission and excited to continue making a difference.
The Power of True Donor Engagement: A Story of Transformative Partnership
The Power of True Donor Engagement: A Story of Transformative Partnership We’ve all worked with supporters like John—a successful businessperson, an entrepreneur, someone who poured his heart and soul into building something remarkable. For John, it was the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, a fixture in Arizona’s travel and tourism industry and a venue renowned for hospitality and excellence. Over the years, John had transformed the resort into an award-winning destination that hosted teams for the Fiesta Bowl and became a favorite for travelers across the state. When Tim Phillips and I met John, he was in his prime, reflecting fondly on the decades of hard work that had brought him success. Tim, newly appointed as president of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), and I were on the road looking for support to get AFP off the ground. Yet, despite numerous asks, we had seen very little success. By the time we met John, our spirits were low, and he could tell. “Tell me what it is you guys are trying to accomplish,” John asked, genuinely curious. Tim launched into his vision for AFP, particularly highlighting a campaign to end earmarks and curb excessive government spending. John, a man familiar with the burden of excessive regulations, was immediately intrigued. He saw himself in our mission and could relate to the problem. After a thoughtful pause, he leaned in and said, “I admire you guys. You remind me of myself when I was just getting started. I’ll give you $25,000 to help launch.” That first “yes” changed everything. Without John’s early support, we might not have had the momentum needed to build AFP into the nationwide grassroots powerhouse it is today. John didn’t just give his support once. We stayed in close contact with him—updating him on AFP’s progress, seeking his advice, and holding leadership events at his resort. John often shared his insights with AFP’s team, and he was a constant source of encouragement. Why True Engagement Matters John’s support illustrates a foundational truth about donor relationships: real engagement transforms the relationship. When we view donors as active partners rather than transaction points, we open the door to a deeper, lasting impact. This approach can make all the difference between a one-time donation and a lifetime of partnership. Engagement is the first step of what I call the “Eight Steps of Effective Donor Engagement,” a framework that can transform your approach to fundraising. Real engagement is a two-way street—it’s meaningful participation and involvement. When we treat our donors as partners in our mission, we create a win-win relationship that benefits everyone involved. How Do You Start Engaging Donors? The Initial Ask: Think of the initial solicitation as an opportunity for engagement, not just a transaction. It’s about inviting your supporter into a partnership. Whether in a one-on-one meeting, direct mail, or other communications, approach the ask as an invitation to join a shared mission. Follow-Up and Continued Engagement: Don’t let the relationship end with a “yes” or “no.” Stay in touch, provide updates, and seek advice. Just as Tim and I kept John in the loop, staying connected fosters trust and builds the relationship over time. Involve Donors in the Work: Whenever possible, involve your supporters in meaningful ways. John didn’t just attend our events—he spoke to other supporters, shared his thoughts on our campaigns, and became an integral part of our work. Showcase the Impact: Demonstrate how a donor’s support is making a difference. For John, hearing about AFP’s progress was essential. Seeing tangible results reinforced his commitment and sense of purpose. The Ripple Effect of Engagement Today, AFP has grown into a nationwide organization with thousands of volunteers and dozens of offices, achieving impactful results across the U.S. But it all started with the simple act of engaging a donor in a meaningful way. John wasn’t just a supporter; he became a true partner, someone who saw his values reflected in AFP’s mission and wanted to help us succeed. This story isn’t just about AFP or John—it’s about the potential that lies in every supporter relationship. You likely know people like John, individuals who want to make a difference and are ready for deeper involvement if given the chance. Are you in a position to invite them in? True engagement goes beyond the initial gift. It’s about building something together, about achieving shared goals. With each supporter you engage deeply, you have the potential to transform both your organization and their lives. Are you ready to make engagement your priority? Your supporters could be waiting for that invitation to step into a bigger role. And when they do, you’ll see the impact—one transformative partnership at a time.
