The need for strong donor connection is evident—it creates sustainability, increases size of gifts, creates donor loyalty, and establishes long-term credibility. Without deep donor connections, most nonprofits fail over time because lack of support.

Here are the 4 steps to take to increase donor connection to mission:

  1. Start a membership donor group like an Adopt-A-Subject Program (AASP).
    • For schools, it is usually call “Adopt-A-Student Program.”
      • A donor group that connects donors to mission though its students, teachers, departments, etc.
      • This is done through the letters, cards, emails, Zooms, etc.—through the beneficiaries.
  2. Develop giving levels
    • The AASP usually has the following giving levels:
      • $1K to $10K
      • $10K to $20K
      • $20K +
  3. Create a Case for Support—see example  above!
    • The AASP description (Case for Support) has the following:
      • Personalize Title Page
      • Organization Mission
      • Organization Services/Problems being solved
      • AASP Description
      • AASP Giving Levels
  4. Start soliciting!
  • Pro Tip: Remember to reup donors next year for those you are unable to get to commit for more than one year!

Can you think of any other ways to increase donor connections? Leave a comment below.