sponsored by
What Do I Say to a Donor or Funder?
Email
Print
Let's say you're at a reception, a conference, or a holiday party and across the room you see someone who has made a donation or a grant to the organization on whose board you serve. What do you say?
First, thank the donor: "Glad to meet you. I want to thank you for all the support you've given our organization. It means a lot to us."
Second, introduce yourself: "I'm a board member. I got involved because I think this cause is so important."
Third, ask why he or she gives: "I'd like to ask you a question . . . what is it about our organization that made you decide to a contribution/grant to us?"
Fourth, ask for advice: "If there were one thing you wish we'd change about our organization, what would it be?"
Got it? TIA-1: Thank, Introduce, Ask why, and 1 thing.
Comments
Got it! Engaging your donor/funder in meaningful conversation is a great way to represent your organization in a very professional and caring way. This conversation guideline is also very effective in many business situations with clients (chosing your services or products) and partners (forming an alliance with you). One thing to always remember - - if you're going to ask for someone's advice, be upfront about what you intend to do with their feedback. No one appreciates blank promises. (Lorraine Rinker, Board Chair, Child Advocates of Placer County)
In our community we have 9 nonprofits asking for corporate sponsorships. I am on the board of the Art Center and we are about to transition into a new location and will be starting a huge capital campaign, any suggestions?
Post new comment
Everyone, including anonymous visitors, is encouraged to post comments to Blue Avocado articles. If you have a (free) user account with Blue Avocado, you can also receive notice when others make comments to the same article -- allowing you to rejoin the discussion. If you don't already have a user account, create one free at http://blueavocado.org/user/register, then log in using your Account Name.