Capital Campaign Fatigue – Real or Imaginary
“Enough. Enough already!” said the capital campaign donor when the performing arts center came back for the third campaign in less than five years.
August 17, 2012
“Enough. Enough already!” said the capital campaign donor when the performing arts center came back for the third campaign in less than five years.
Stewardship is the “careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care,” according to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. For purposes of this article, I am referring to the responsible “care” of the people who make planned gifts, rather than the gifts themselves. Planned giving donors, perhaps even more than donors of other types of gifts, expect and deserve nonmonetary benefits such as honoring the intent of the gift, paying attention to the gift process, communicating with the donor after the gift is complete, and sustaining the relationship for the long-term benefit of both the donor and the organization. Sometimes this process is referred to as donor services.
Planned giving often involves a reciprocal exchange relationship in which donors have certain expectations of the organizations they support. Planned gift donors have made investments in the long-term viability and growth of organizations that they value. They have entrusted their philanthropic aspirations into the care and custody of specific charitable organizations.
When donor recognition is considered, development professionals often think in terms of published donor lists, walls of honor in lobbies, and plaques for the donors’ offices. Yet the most appreciated ways to honor donors are often simple and personal benefits, customized to the donor’s needs and interests.
Have you ever felt that a prospective donor was so different from you that you had no idea how to make a connection? Have you walked up to the front door of a donor’s home scared that the two of you have nothing in common? I certainly have.
1) Before any talk of fundraising or planned giving, be sure your board members are excited and enthusiastic about the organization and its programs. Lead
The primary goals of marketing efforts are to inform people about the gift annuity program and to generate inquiries from motivated prospects. Do not attempt to explain details — that is for face-to-face meetings. Your organization’s mission and charitable work are the foundation of its marketing efforts. Gift annuity donors are motivated by both the desire to make a major gift to your institution and the opportunity to receive an attractive fixed income that they cannot outlive. Market your charitable gift annuity program to people who already support your organization as volunteers and donors. They value your mission and work, and they may be able to meet personal financial goals through the charitable gift annuity program.
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