What are you hiding from your donors?

When I was an ED, I hid a lot. Both from donors and sometimes the board.

I had the mistaken assumption that if there were problems, donors would stop giving and the board would question my competence.

Maybe in the old days, but in 2016 it’s quite the opposite.

We want our board and donors to be more engaged. We want larger gifts and we want them to care more.

The best way to achieve this is to bring them into the fold. The good, bad and the ugly are all fair game. Within reason, of course.

A customized opportunity

Present someone with a specific problem whether it be an issue with one of your programs, a messed up database, or a horrible strategic planning process. Chances are they’ll be delighted to help.

Why? It feels good. The message is that you think they’re smart and they can help. You’re not asking everyone. You’re asking them.

If they give their hard earned money and have an emotional connection to the mission, they’re invested in your success. Warts and all.

There’s a beginning, middle and an end. You’re not inviting them on to the board, although that may come later if it works out. Most people shy away from a big commitment, but they will step in for a short term gig.

Think of it as a test

Now, I test the waters. A short-term, high-level opportunity is the best. If it’s the right thing, I can use my brain, stretch my skills, and make a difference.

Then I can see:

• How well did we work together?
• Does the organization follow through?
• Did I have fun?
• Was I appreciated?

Sometimes it doesn’t work. I can imagine many circumstances where it’s not a good fit. One party didn’t pass the test.

That’s a good thing. Spending the time to get to know your donors takes time and effort. If you’re too busy, that’s a symptom of another problem.

How to engage donors to solve for a problem

Give some thought to a problem you are having. Not any problem. One that if improved would make a big, fat difference.

Another side note: It could be that you’re solving for the wrong problem That’s the best when someone with a fresh pair of eyes can help you think it through.

Now think of someone that may be a good fit. It may not be obvious, but I promise, they’re out there. You’re just no used to thinking about your donors this way.

A few ideas from simple to complex

• Your office or lobby or… is totally disorganized. It’s an embarrassment when donors or clients show up and it impacts the efficiency of the staff. No one has the time to deal with it. Someone would LOVE to help with that. 
• The board has been stalling on developing policies and procedures or a new board member packet. Sounds painful to me, but there are most definitely folks that would find it interesting. They get to learn more about your organization, and the act of creating something new that is important can be quite satisfying.
• You’re struggling with internal communications. Maybe using google drive more efficiently with the board or staff, and providing training if there’s resistance would be incredibly useful. There are people well versed in organizational systems, communications and behavior out there. Go find them.

I could go on and on, and I know you could too. Go out and find the people that have been invisible because you haven’t taken the time to look. 

What problem are you hiding or embarrassed about?

Tricia Dell is a fundraising coach, facilitator, and strategist for nonprofit organizations. Learn more at triciadell.com and follow her on twitter @triciadell.

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