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The Donor’s Check List For Continuing Support. Donors Have Choices. GuideStar places the number of non-profits at 1.8 million – that’s up 115% since 1996. According to the USPS (03/09) 199.4 billion pieces of mail were delivered in FY 07 – over half was direct mail.
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Donors Have Choices • GuideStar places the number of non-profits at 1.8 million – that’s up 115% since 1996. • According to the USPS (03/09) 199.4 billion pieces of mail were delivered in FY 07 – over half was direct mail. • It’s the economy, stupid!
Is It Spiritual? April 13, 2009
Is It Spiritual? • Church attendance growth rates jumped 50% during periods of recessions – “Praying for Recession” 2008 Texas State University. (NY Times 12/14/08) • 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) • 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) • 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? • Being Spiritual Must Be Honest • Remember the “Seven sons of Sceva”? Acts 19 • Being Spiritual Should Not Be Manipulative • Don’t Threaten People with Eternal Damnation or the False Hope of a Blessing • Being Spiritual Need Not Be Evangelistic • What is the purpose of Direct Mail? Education? Evangelism or Fundraising?
Is It Personal? • Cancer Survivors Generally support Cancer Causes! • So What About the Mission? • Issues include poverty, homelessness, addictions, mental illness, low self-esteem, alcoholism, etc. • Using Personality to make it Personal • Tell a Story • Use Strong Photos • Write Like You Talk • Be “First-Person” in Writing
Is It Necessary? • Donor Confidence is on the rise…according to Campbell Rinker Research. (DonorSpeak e-Letter 05/09) • The same study reported a sharp increase of arts donors who said they will give less in 2009 compared to 2008. • The Decreasing Discretionary Income = gross income – taxes & essentials – or about 15% of household income. (Bureau of Labor) 4. Create Urgency!
Is It Trustworthy? For U.S. charities, a crisis of trust Scandals, accountability problems combine to undermine public support…msnbc.com
Is It Trustworthy? • Be Open & Honest. • Have an Employee Manual & Conflict of Interest Policy. • Conduct Annual Audits and Make Them Available. • Put Your Mission Financials Online. • What Percent of Funds Go To Program? • Be a “Certified” AGRM Member Mission. • Invite Donors on Tours. • Have a Strong Volunteer Program. • What About the Watchdogs – EFCA, AFP, GuideStar, Charity Navigators, Wall Watchers, Be Wise (BBB), etc?
Is It Trustworthy? • Prospect Trust / The 1st Gift Hurdle • Public Image, Reputation, Financials, Associations… • Donor Trust / Continued Giving • Acknowledge, Recognize, Thank, How Was Money Used, Why Continued Gifts Are Needed, Tone, Other Ways to Help • Donor Confidence Index • Has not wavered during the economic challenge (Campbell Rinker Research)
Is It Valuable? • (WIIFM) What’s In It For Me? • Donors Still Want Something for Their Money • Premiums and Trinkets • The Bargain Hunters • Thanksgiving Dinner for $$$ • Doing the Most Good • Double The Benefits • Matching/Challenge Gift Opportunities