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ProSpeak: Engaging Young Donors

June 9, 2009 By Derrick Feldmann
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Also don’t assume that, once you’ve made your connections, you can stop there. You must — as you would with any donor — continue to develop the relationship. Cultivate and visit with young donors to show how you admire their passion and how they can affect the work of the organization. Give them opportunities to rub shoulders with more veteran donors and community leaders. Listen to their ideas and make them feel connected to the mission. Offer them private meet-and-greets with board members before board activities; and invite them to work with staff to shape a strategic plan, etc.  

In short, engage that young donor’s enthusiasm, passion to improve the community and desire to connect her personal network with the work you do, and you might be surprised by the result. You likely will develop a relationship that pays long-term returns.

Is it worth the effort? Absolutely. After all, these young donors aren’t young forever.  

Derrick Feldmann is CEO of Achieve, an Indianapolis-based consulting firm for nonprofits.


 
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COMMENTS

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Most Recent Comments:
David P Himes - Posted on June 09, 2009
Generally, this is good advise, but it's also misleading to suggest that there are very many young DONORS out there. There are a lot of young VOLUNTEERS. But most folks under 50 do not give -- more than pocket change.

None the less, becoming and staying engaged with people is the foundation of every successful non-profit marketing effort.

And, as Derrick suggests, in the VERY long term, it will pay off.
Click here to view archived comments...
Archived Comments:
David P Himes - Posted on June 09, 2009
Generally, this is good advise, but it's also misleading to suggest that there are very many young DONORS out there. There are a lot of young VOLUNTEERS. But most folks under 50 do not give -- more than pocket change.

None the less, becoming and staying engaged with people is the foundation of every successful non-profit marketing effort.

And, as Derrick suggests, in the VERY long term, it will pay off.