The Latest in Donor Focus

Well, here we are, it’s close to the middle of February already! Hopefully by now you have a sense of how calendar year 2018 ended and how you did versus your budget (if you’re on a calendar fiscal year). Many decades ago, when I was a Vice President of Development, it was one of my favorite times of the fundraising year. It was like receiving my report card for the previous twelve months, in good times that is . . . in the not-so-good times, it was an opportunity to lick my wounds, reset, evaluate, and make the most of the new year.

Those of us who have the blessing of being able to work in organizations who are making a positive difference in the world, are already heavily engaged in making this the best year ever. As fundraisers, we celebrate the generosity of those who have continued to stand with us, and the new supporters who’ve just trusted us with a first-time gift. In this issue of Donor Focus you’ll find more helpful ways to care for those who stand with you in supporting your mission.

The venerable Wiley Stinnett answers the age-old question, “How do I respond to a donor who says we mail them too much?” David Wollen, Vice President, Client Services, offers you Three Monthly Donor Pitfalls . . . and how to avoid them. Amy Sewell, Vice President of Digital Solutions, is back addressing the positive aspects of utilizing Facebook for your donor acquisition. Risking stealing her thunder, how does an ROI of $3.30 with an average gift of $126.85 sound?

You’ll also see some of the conferences where members of our team will be, in case you’d like to talk about a nagging issue, share a successful strategy, or decide that it’s time to see how we can serve you better.

Two other opportunities await you in this issue:

1. We are hosting another FREE webinar; keep reading for more details . . .
2. A FREE copy of my new book, hot off the press in March

BUT THERE’S MORE . . . 2019 is a special year for us here at Douglas Shaw & Associates. On October 24 we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary. Stay tuned for further information and opportunities!

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 ESV

Our team is happy to help advise you on what strategy may work best for your organization, but you’ll never know unless you try.