The Donor’s Check List For Continuing Support

Donors Have Choices 1.GuideStar places the number of non-profits at 1.8 million – that’s up 115% since According to the USPS (03/09) billion pieces of mail were delivered in FY 07 – over half was direct mail. 3.It’s the economy, stupid!

Is It Spiritual? April 13, 2009

Is It Spiritual? 1.Church attendance growth rates jumped 50% during periods of recessions – “Praying for Recession” 2008 Texas State University. (NY Times 12/14/08) 2.Nearly two in three pastors (62%) report more people from outside their church asking for help, and nearly a third (31%) see more such requests from church members, according to LifeWay Research. (USA Today 3/29/09) 3.Eighty-two percent (82%) believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God who came to Earth and died for our sins. (Rasmussen Reports 3/08) 4.GivingUSA reports 2007 giving with nearly 35% of all donations (3x the largest) to religion. And 75% of all giving comes from individuals. (NPTimes 7/1/08)

Is It Spiritual? 1.Being Spiritual Must Be Honest Remember the “Seven sons of Sceva”? Acts 19 2.Being Spiritual Should Not Be Manipulative Don’t Threaten People with Eternal Damnation or the False Hope of a Blessing 3.Being Spiritual Need Not Be Evangelistic What is the purpose of Direct Mail? Education? Evangelism or Fundraising?

Is It Personal? 1.Cancer Survivors Generally support Cancer Causes! 2.So What About the Mission? Issues include poverty, homelessness, addictions, mental illness, low self-esteem, alcoholism, etc. 3.Using Personality to make it Personal Tell a Story Use Strong Photos Write Like You Talk Be “First-Person” in Writing

Is It Necessary? 1.Donor Confidence is on the rise…according to Campbell Rinker Research. (DonorSpeak e-Letter 05/09) 2.The same study reported a sharp increase of arts donors who said they will give less in 2009 compared to The Decreasing Discretionary Income = gross income – taxes & essentials – or about 15% of household income. (Bureau of Labor) 4. C r e a t e U r g e n c y !

Is It Trustworthy? Is It Trustworthy? For U.S. charities, a crisis of trust Scandals, accountability problems combine to undermine public support…msnbc.com

Is It Trustworthy? Is It Trustworthy? 1.Be Open & Honest. 2.Have an Employee Manual & Conflict of Interest Policy. 3.Conduct Annual Audits and Make Them Available. 4.Put Your Mission Financials Online. What Percent of Funds Go To Program? 5.Be a “Certified” AGRM Member Mission. 6.Invite Donors on Tours. 7.Have a Strong Volunteer Program. 8.What About the Watchdogs – EFCA, AFP, GuideStar, Charity Navigators, Wall Watchers, Be Wise (BBB), etc?

Is It Trustworthy? Is It Trustworthy? 1.Prospect Trust / The 1 st Gift Hurdle Public Image, Reputation, Financials, Associations… 2.Donor Trust / Continued Giving Acknowledge, Recognize, Thank, How Was Money Used, Why Continued Gifts Are Needed, Tone, Other Ways to Help 3.Donor Confidence Index Has not wavered during the economic challenge (Campbell Rinker Research)

Is It Valuable? 1.(WIIFM) What’s In It For Me? Donors Still Want Something for Their Money Premiums and Trinkets 2.The Bargain Hunters Thanksgiving Dinner for $$$ 3.Doing the Most Good 4.Double The Benefits Matching/Challenge Gift Opportunities