Donor Relationships

People give to People

Fostering rich relationships with your affiliated fund’s donors and potential donors is essential if you want to raise funds to benefit your community or organization. 

The NCF affiliated funds that have the most success in growing their local assets are those who have fund advisory committee leaders who understand the importance of building a relationship with donors. 

Most donors want to know that their money will be spent on things that will make a difference in the community or organization both now and in the future. 

Many donors get satisfaction from seeing the results of their donation in their lifetime.  But, some would rather remain anonymous and some give through their estate. 

Donors often need some ideas of specific local needs or possibilities. You should share your affiliated fund’s vision for the community– focusing on how your mission will achieve the community vision.  It is important to keep donors informed with personal contacts that do not always include an “ask” for money.  Think of these communications as opportunities to thank them and reconnect with their areas of interest. 

Some fund advisory committee members who are the most successful at asking for donations for their affiliated funds tell us that they never ask for money.  Instead, they talk about community needs, possibilities and opportunities for the community and then let donors decide on their own if they want to contribute. 

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