The Influential Nonprofit Episode 48: Lynne Wester: How To Keep The Donors You Worked So Hard To Aquire
Lynne Wester strongly believes that donor relations is the key to unlocking fundraising success and that organizations must be as dedicated to the donor experience, or DX, as they are to the ask itself. Sometimes referred to as the Olivia Pope of fundraising, Lynne helps organizations when they need it the most – when crisis or opportunity arrive.
Lynne and her teammates at the Donor Relations Guru Group partner with nonprofits large and small on a variety of initiatives from developing sound strategy and vision to utilizing technology and creating meaningful donor engagement - all designed to positively affect the fundraising bottom line. Her guidance has led her clients to be recognized on the national stage for fundraising innovation, creative communication, and groundbreaking donor relations work.
The DRG website in a unique industry tool filled with resources, samples and thought leadership on donor relations and fundraising. Lynne is regularly featured in publications such as the Washington Post, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and CASE Currents and has authored three books of her own on a myriad of industry topics.
Lynne received her B.A. from the University of South Carolina, holds a Masters in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy from BayPath University, and proudly sports a DUCKtorate from the Disney Institute.
Getting hung up on money is what’s causing a lot of nonprofits to not be optimized.
Prioritize donors more than donations. Also, keeping donors is more important than getting new donors. Focus on charitable people, stop spending time and effort converting uncharitable people.
Personalize and point out what makes your donor special in your “thank you” messages.
As an organization, set yourself up as a giver, not a taker. You want to give content, give appreciation, give opportunities - don’t put a “donate now” button in every email that you send.
“The number one thing that I think challenges nonprofits is their desire for more money and basing their success on how much money they raise, not on how many donors they keep.”
“If we look at the top 10 or 20 motivations as to why a donor makes a gift, an organization’s goal is not in those top 10 or 20. ”
“I never thank the donor for their gift, I thank the donor for who they are.”
Reach out to Lynn Wester at:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonorGuru
Website: https://www.donorrelationsguru.com/
Blog: http://donorguru.blogspot.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewester/