Member (Donor) Centered Organization

I attended a online seminar with hosted by Simone Joyaux on the Basic Principles of Fund Development a couple of weeks ago. 

It was pretty good and chocked full of advice.  One of the topics was talking about a donor-centered organization. It is how the organization with the right attitude is focused on the donor or prospective donor; When you have that focus - you are not trying to sell someone on your passion and mission.  How we communitcate with our members is to tell them what their contribution/membership accomplished.

Sit back and think about the last time when you felt appreciated.  How did you feel?  Now look at your communications with your members.  How many times was the word "you" used vs. "I or we"?  Did the group thank them and how many times?  Simone pointed out that turning the statement around to "... because of you.... we yada yada..."  and "... your gift did this and that...". These statements have been said by most fund raisers. I welcomed again. It is good to be reminded about what it takes to keep your members

Each of our Friends groups need to look at our members and the way we communicate how their donation has made a difference.  We need to remember that giving is an emotional act. 

Over the next week or so, I'll be putting up additional thoughts from the seminar.  If you would like more information, visit Simone's site under the resources tab. It is full of great information, articles, a download library, links, and quotes.