Millennial women are moving philanthropy forward with a more social and inclusive stance towards giving, suggests a study by Fidelity Charitable, one of the largest donor-advised funds in the US.

Imagine giving $1,000 or more to an organization you faithfully support, but you stop hearing from them one month after you give. Worse yet, what if you never heard from them at all? This scarce communication provides no incentive for you to give again, yet many organizations are neglecting mid-level donors in this exact way. Stuck in donor purgatory between the communication strategies for small and major donors, mid-level givers like you fall into a communications black hole.

As a nonprofit, your focus should not only be on directing possible donors to your donation page but also providing them with a clear, simple, and exciting donating experience. Your goal as an organization is to have all those who have reached your donation page follow through and complete the action, right?

Last week, GuideStar hosted a webinar called “How to Get Started Raising Major Gifts.” If you missed it, watch the replay here. One question was asked more than any other:

“How can we raise major gifts, if we don’t have a database full of donors?”

“How many donors should I have on my mailing list?”
“Did our students meet their growth targets for this school year?”
“Are the goals for my organization truly long term?”

Fundraising events are an excellent way to bring in generous donations while engaging with your supporters in a fun, energetic environment.

Whether you’re planning a large, formal gala or a community-based school auction, these strategies will assist you in taking your fundraising event from okay to astounding.

Nick Fellers’ first rule of fundraising is “Just Ask!”

It has been said over and over that listening to donors is essential. When people feel heard, they feel connected. And when they feel connected, they give. Here are some of the elements of good listening.

The top complaint of every donor is not knowing that his or her gift made a difference.

You may have some ambitious ideas of how you’ll love on your most generous donors but let’s get real. Does it really happen? Do you actually have business rules to acknowledge and steward your donors?

You do now ...

Do you ever worry you’re not doing enough to attract the donors of the future?

Does thinking about how to market to Millennials (who will make up 36% of the U.S. workforce by next year and nearly half by 2020) fill you with anxiety, because it’s just one more thing to add to your overflowing list?

Fear no more!

Today I’m going to tell you how you can have it all – and with very little extra work.