Lisa Greer’s The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook is an excellent book that highlights the importance of building authentic relationships with donors, embracing diverse donor engagements, and fostering a culture of philanthropy within organizations. Below are five actionable takeaways from the book, with number five being a particular standout. We highly recommend purchasing the book, found here on Amazon.
1) Avoid the “Gala Trap”
Greer critiques the overemphasis on expensive fundraising galas that often yield minimal returns. She advocates for reallocating resources to personalized donor engagement, which can have a greater impact than one-time events.
2) The Power of Listening
Greer emphasizes the importance of asking donors why they give and what they want to achieve with their philanthropy. For example, rather than pushing predetermined projects, fundraisers should explore donor passions to align their goals with the organization’s needs.
3) Be Transparent About Financials
A specific example Greer shares is the frustration donors feel when they don’t understand where their money is going. She suggests providing clear, detailed updates on the impact of donations and breaking down budgets to ensure transparency.
4) Offer Ways to Engage Beyond Giving
Greer highlights the effectiveness of involving donors in non-monetary ways, such as inviting them to volunteer, serve on advisory boards, or mentor beneficiaries of the organization’s work. This deepens their connection and long-term commitment.
5) Communicate Early and Often
Greer underscores the value of proactive communication, such as sending donors updates on projects before they ask. For instance, one of her examples involves a donor receiving a personal email with progress photos from a project they supported, which reinforced their trust in the organization.
These examples demonstrate how prioritizing transparency, authenticity, and donor-centric approaches can significantly improve fundraising outcomes.
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