Stay in Touch Without Always Asking
Your newsletter isn't a donor relationship. Neither is your annual report, gala invitation, or year-end appeal.
Those are important ways to communicate with donors—but communication isn't necessarily connection.
So what do you actually do between donor meetings when you're not asking for money?
This week on Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we're talking about how to create meaningful donor touchpoints that deepen relationships without making every interaction feel like another step toward an ask.
Because one of the most powerful things you can communicate to a donor is simple:
“I remember what matters to you.”
Let's Huddle Up!
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The Fund Coach Tip of the Week
Don't just “check in.” Give donors a meaningful reason to hear from you.
Think about five donors or prospective donors you're trying to know better. For each person, ask: What have they told me matters to them?
Then identify one genuine reason to reach out based on what you've learned. Share an impact story connected to their interests. Ask their opinion. Celebrate progress they care about. Invite them to see the mission firsthand. Or simply let them know something made you think of them.
Don't attach an ask to it. The goal is to demonstrate that you listened, you remembered, and the relationship matters.
Featured Resource
5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts
Major gifts don't happen because of one perfect ask. They grow out of the habits nonprofit leaders practice consistently. This free resource highlights five habits that can help you become the kind of Executive Director who builds stronger donor relationships and inspires greater generosity.
Keep Growing as a Major Gift Leader
If this week's idea is helping you think differently about fundraising and your role as an Executive Director, that's exactly why I created The Weekly Huddle.
Each week, I share the latest Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach episode along with practical ideas to help you build stronger donor relationships, lead major gifts with greater confidence, and become the Major Gift Leader your mission needs.
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Until next time, keep building trusting relationships that change the lives of the people you serve.
Mark L. Duncan
The Fund Coach
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