Are We Stewards of the Declaration of Independence?
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.
The Power of Gratitude in Building Long-Term Donor Relationships
The Power of Gratitude in Building Long-Term Donor Relationships They say gratitude is an attitude. And it’s true—a consistent practice of expressing heartfelt thanks can make us not only happier but healthier as well. But gratitude is also the right thing to do, especially in the world of fundraising. From an early age, many of us were taught the importance of sending a prompt thank-you note. For some, it’s practically a cultural norm, almost a social responsibility. So, how does this tie into the “8 Steps to Effective Donor Engagement”? Engaging supporters in a genuine partnership requires more than a simple transaction. True engagement is about involvement, a two-way street where both the organization and donor benefit. In this approach, gratitude isn’t just a courtesy—it’s Step #2 in a series of intentional interactions that build strong, lasting relationships. Step #2: Genuine, Two-Way Gratitude So, how can we go beyond a typical thank-you and make the process genuinely engaging? The best tool I’ve ever found for expressing thanks in a meaningful way is simply picking up the phone. Calling a new donor, letting them know you’re genuinely grateful, and even asking about their motivation for giving can be transformative. It not only shows your appreciation but can open the door to a deeper relationship. Imagine a call like this: “Hello Mrs. Jones, I just wanted to personally thank you for your generous contribution to the Save the Baby Whales campaign. Your gift is making a real difference, and we couldn’t be more grateful.” The surprise and warmth of a call like this can be profound. And when you ask a donor about their motivations, you often uncover stories that remind you why they are a perfect match for your mission. Mrs. Jones might share a story about a whale-watching trip, or her grandson’s love for marine biology, or even a family legacy tied to conservation. These personal details transform the relationship from transactional to relational. Why It Works Expressing gratitude through these genuine interactions not only shows appreciation but also allows donors to feel seen and valued. When supporters share why they give, they become more deeply invested in your work, often leading to a stronger commitment and greater future giving. In his book Retention Fundraising, Roger Craver discusses how the initial expression of gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for cultivating long-term support. When you go beyond a basic thank-you and invite donors into a conversation, you’re giving them a reason to stay connected and stay involved. More Ways to Deepen Gratitude For some organizations, the gratitude call is just the beginning. Consider adding these elements to further engage your supporters: Surveys and Feedback: Offer a short survey to learn more about their preferences, like how often they want updates. Event Invitations: Invite them to visit your office or join an onsite tour of your work. Seeing the impact of their support in person can be deeply meaningful. Exclusive Updates: Ask for their email so they can receive special program updates. Giving Clubs: Let them know about giving circles or clubs they might want to join for even deeper engagement. The Lasting Impact of Gratitude The more engaged your supporters become, the stronger their partnership with you will be. And when gratitude becomes a part of that relationship, it’s not just about saying “thank you”—it’s about creating a bond that supercharges lifetime giving. Next up, we’ll dive into Step #3: Smart Stewardship, and explore how to take this gratitude to the next level by ensuring that donors feel confident in how their support is managed. In the meantime, how has gratitude played a role in your donor relationships? What has worked best for you? Let’s keep the conversation going, and as always, onward and upward!
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.
