How to build a strong foundation for your fundraising

Looking for some ways to build the foundation of your fundraising? Here are some great tips from Hands-on Fundraising, at 5 ways to improve your donor communication:

1. Create a story bank. You probably hear accounts now and then about things your organization has done to help people or make the world better. Then when it’s time to raise funds, you can’t remember the details of that great story you heard! Make it a habit to collect stories (including photos and videos when possible) so you have them when you need them.
   
2. Keep your data shiny clean. Don’t let your donor data get messy and out of date. Make keeping it clean a priority. And run an NCOA (National Change of Address) once a year or more.
   
3. Create segments and personas. Have a clear picture of who you donors are by creating personas that capture their demographic and psychographic characteristics. If you have donor segments that are distinct from one another, have personas for each group. This really helps you communicate more relevantly.
   
4. Collect a swipe file. Collect as much as you can. The good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s the best fundraising education available.
   
5. Build a donor experience map. Understand what your donors experience. You might be surprised how chaotic and random it is. Build for a relationship!