Is your next big donor already in your database?
When we begin work with a new organization we first ask - Could your next big donor already be in your database?
I’ve seen it time and time again: a quick way to grow an organization is by looking inward and exploring the potential of the supporters you already have.
Often, your next major donor is someone who already believes in your mission but hasn’t had the opportunity to give at a higher level yet.
This kind of research is no easy task. It’s time-consuming, detailed, and requires a lot of focus.
However, I can attest to the fact that digging deep into your donor database can reveal hidden gems, people who are passionate and ready to invest more in your cause, if you only engage them.
This is why organizations find it more efficient to offload the research task to us.
There is a bit of secret sauce for researching developed over a decade of being in this industry but generally we’re looking at things like:
Wealth indicators: What does their net worth look like? Their real estate portfolio? What is their company’s size, revenue, business metrics?
Political giving: Are they giving to like minded candidates? Are they on host committees for campaign events and galas? Are they giving to Super PACs?
Other philanthropic activities: Do they have a private foundation? Are they on the board of an organization? Do they have a history of giving to other causes?
By dedicating the necessary time and effort to research, we’re able to identify the low dollar donors with capacity and affinity. From there we assist our clients in approaching them with the right messaging. Not only is this method much more effective, but also we typically find that the results are astounding.
In almost no time, groups are able to steward a significant number of donors from $100 contributions to $10,000+ gifts.
The lesson here? Research is a game-changer. By understanding your donors better and engaging them in the right way, you can build lasting relationships that will drive your mission forward for years to come.
Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your supporters?
Sincerely,
Allison Kemp
Senior Research Associate