The most successful philanthropic organizations focus on donor relationships not just on gifts. The goal is to take every first-time donor and turn them into a regular contributor. The key to this metamorphosis is great communication.

The basics are always appropriate as outlined in this blog entry from Fundraising trend spotter, Fundraising trend spotter: Four simple steps to get a second gift from a new direct mail donor.

However, the most successful organizations take communication to the next level by providing the donor with benefits such as transparency, accurate and timely information, the ability to be self- sufficient and engaging the donor in his/her areas of interest and actively promoting giving opportunities through ongoing dialogue.

While some donors still have a propensity to meet face-to-face, a growing segment of donors is expressing a strong desire for the convenience of communication using web-based technology. “We definitely see a trend moving toward interactive technology across all generations and especially with donors in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s,” says Stephen Maislin, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Community Foundation. “For these younger philanthropists in our family of donors, interactive technology is a very comfortable dynamic…” [Read the full article… ]

This attitude represents the mainstay of new donors and what they expect. Today’s donors demand the ability to get information when and how they want it.

For more information on engaging donors through the effect Internet-based technology see our resource library.