A Deceptively Simple,Yet Often Elusive Development Strategy

Hey nonprofit leader, what's keeping you awake at night?

Recently, I caught up with Peter Sturgeon, of JFK Memorial Foundation, home of the Ophelia Project. I have known Peter for 20 years. We first met while serving on the same Board of Directors for our children's school. Our conversation over coffee, after sharing updates about our families, veered into the world of work and the nonprofit sector.

As we approach the end of another calendar year, our discussion naturally gravitated towards fundraising. Peter shared a strategy that seems deceptively simple, yet its effectiveness often eludes many nonprofits: "ask, thank, and report."

It's a straightforward approach: ask your donors, express genunine gratitude, and stay connected by reporting back to them on how their contributions have advanced your mission. Simple, right? Yet, in the busy hustle of nonprofit life, especially within smaller teams where the Executive Director wears many hats, this formula often gets overlooked. Thank-you notes might arrive late and the ongoing connection with donors can slip through the cracks, leaving them feeling like a one-way street of giving.

Approaching the end of this year is an excellent opportunity for reflection and setting some "New Year's" resolutions for 2024. As nonprofit leaders, the art of "making the ask" is second nature. But let's take it a step further: commit to not only asking but also diligently thanking your donors. Even more crucially, carve out dedicated time each week to update your donors on the impact of their contributions, showcasing your programs and services.

By adhering to Peter's simple yet powerful forumula, I am confident you will witness not only an uptick in donations but also an improvement in donor relations. Ultimately, this holistic approach promises something invaluable--better sleep for nonprofit leaders, knowing that your efforts are making a real, meaningful difference.

Here's to a more connected, engaged, and restful journey ahead for all of us in the nonprofit sphere. Cheers to a purposeful 2024!