When it comes to your donors, think long-term -Philanthropy Daily

Struggles with donor retention are endemic in the charitable sector. The average nonprofit loses upwards of half its donors every year—a fact that keeps fundraising programs in constant crisis mode. For-profit companies that could survive the corporate equivalent, losing half their customers every year, are very few and far between. The exceptions are businesses that don’t rely heavily on repeat business . . . but no company can rely long-term on one-time customers. Look at Apple as an example: Apple buyers are loyal to the brand, purchasing their products across decades. The result? Apple has grown to be one of the largest and most successful companies in history.

Steve Jobs knew what he was doing, and nonprofit fundraisers should take heed. A one-time donation is all well and good, but we should be approaching our donors with an eye toward the long term. Thinking only about their current donation is myopic—we should think about the donor experience as a journey spanning decades of engagement. With that perspective, we will begin to create communications and experiences that will not just delight the donor in the present but will also convert them to impassioned fans and long-term advocates.

The significance of improving donor retention is not lost on most organizations. That awareness doesn’t necessarily translate to having the fortitude and willingness to think about the long term, though. Why? Because it’s easier (and yes, important!) just to focus on short-term return on investment. The present is concrete, observable, and urgent; the more distant future is hazy and easy to ignore.

At the risk of stating the obvious, donor retention is the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization—and again, nonprofits are pretty terrible at it. While acquiring new donors is essential, retaining existing ones is even more critical. Here’s why:

• Stability: A steady base of loyal donors provides financial stability. Relying solely on one-time donors can lead to erratic, unpredictable income, making it challenging to budget and plan for long-term projects and initiatives.
• Cost-Efficiency: It’s generally more cost-effective to retain donors than to acquire new ones. The resources required for attracting new donors, including marketing and outreach, can eat up a ton of cash. In contrast, nurturing relationships with existing donors can be much more affordable.
• Advocacy: Long-term donors often become advocates of your cause—”raving fans,” if you will. They are more likely to spread the word about your organization, encourage others to get involved, and actively participate in your campaigns and events.

Don’t lose hope—there are some nifty ways to improve your donor retention. There is a lot to be learned by observing other nonprofits and even for-profits. First and foremost, we need to aim high: that’s right, shoot for 100% retention. Shrugging and waving goodbye to six out of ten donors every year is complete self-sabotage. Instead, we need to hold ourselves, our staff, and our partners to a higher standard—after all, 40% is a failing grade. To cultivate long-term commitment from donors, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Personalization: Treat each donor as an individual, acknowledging their specific contributions and interests. Personalized thank-you notes, updates, and invitations can make donors feel valued and connected to your organization.
• Regular Communication: Keep donors informed about your organization’s progress, impact, and upcoming projects. Regular newsletters, email updates, and social media posts keep them in the loop and spur engagement.
• Transparency: Be transparent about how donations are used. Provide detailed reports on how donors’ contributions have made a difference in your mission. Donors appreciate seeing the exact impact they’re having.
• Donor Recognition: Recognize and celebrate donors in ways such as donor appreciation events, donor walls, or inclusion in your annual report. Publicly acknowledging their support can foster a sense of pride and commitment.
• Feedback Loop: Encourage donors to provide feedback and suggestions. Act on their input when possible, demonstrating that you value their opinions and are committed to improving your organization.

The benefits of improving donor retention run deep. It’s not just about the funds raised, it’s also about generational advocacy and building a meaningful, long-lasting brand. Think again about Apple. The positive brand image they’ve cultivated has created a wide competitive moat that protects them from competition and instills a sense of loyalty and advocacy in customers.

Investing in donor retention can yield several significant benefits:

• Sustainable Funding: A loyal donor base provides a steady stream of funding, reducing the uncertainty born of relying on sporadic, one-off donations.
• Increased Giving: Over time, donors who feel a strong connection to your cause may increase their giving. They are more likely to upgrade their regular donations and to consider planned giving options.
• Wider Reach: Satisfied, recurring donors are more likely to refer friends, family, and colleagues to your organization. This word-of-mouth marketing can expand your reach within the community.
• Stronger Advocacy: Donors who have a deep connection with your mission are your best advocates. They can help champion your cause in the community and even engage in grassroots fundraising efforts on your behalf.

In conclusion, donor retention should be a cornerstone of a nonprofit organization’s fundraising strategy. By nurturing and deepening your relationships with existing donors, you can ensure financial stability, cut back on acquisition spending, and build a network of committed advocates who will help your organization thrive in the long run. Remember, donors are not just financial supporters; they are partners in your mission.