Connecting with Donors during COVID-19

During this time of social distancing and staying at home, it is very important as Non-Profits that we stay in contact with our donors. Taking the time to share stories about what is happening with your organization will help them to feel connected.

~Contact your donors

Continue to email your donors about what is happening inside your organization. Social media posting and good news stories or ways you are coping with this pandemic will allow them to have insight about what is happening with the non-profit that they are invested in.

You have all of your donor contact information, make a point to pick up the phone and call them. Let them know you are thinking of them and making sure that they are doing ok. See if there is anything you can do for them during this time. Imagine the relationship building you are doing by taking just 5 minutes to pick up the phone and connect with donors this way.

~Share your success stories or your fears

Have you been able to make a difference in the life of those you served? Share with your donors through emails or letters or phone calls exactly what you have been able to do. Sharing this type of success and making a point to tell them that it was because of their support in the past that you have been able to do these things.

You have fears about your organization and those your serve, but your faithful donors have been there for you every step of the the way. Share your fears, hopes and aspirations. This will help deepen the relationships that you have with these supporters, as they may be feeling the same things but too afraid to express them. It is ok to be fearful of what may come, but still have a positive outlook on the future.

~Create clever ways for your clients to still support you

Invite your donors to help you with a initiative that you are working on. Don’t be afraid to ask for support that your organization may need, it is important for them to understand that you still have funding needs and asking them to help is not wrong. It may actually be the outlet that they were looking to place their support in during this time.

Ensure that any assistance you receive from donors during this time get the same attention that they would get during normal operation. Write the thank you note within 48 hours or receiving the gift. Make it even greater, have more than one person in your organization write a note. Remember, you should always find a way to thank a donor seven times for a gift. Making this a priority practice during these times will only help you when we do get back to some sense of normalcy.

Continue to foster your relationships with all of your constituents. Relationship building is ongoing and should never stop. It is how you take the time to do this that your donors will remember. Reach out to a supporter today.