![Pensive woman in office holding phone. [Donor Decreases Giving - What Do You Say?]](https://veritusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/AdobeStock_616431299-1-scaled.jpeg "Donor Decreases Giving – What Do You Say?")
It’s a punch in the gut. It makes your heart stop. You start to feel anxious. You know the feeling. It’s the one you get when you discover that your good donor is decreasing their giving. And you immediately begin to look for the reason.
It’s funny how this all works. The first thought is usually: “What have I/we done to cause this?” And there may be something there. But rather than start there, here’s what we suggest you should do:
1. Gather all the information
You need to have context. Print out the giving history of the donor. Find out what has been sent to them over the last 24 months. See if you can discern what they responded to, if it isn’t obvious. Read all the notes you or someone else has kept. Talk to others inside your organization to find out if anyone else knows the donor and has information. In this step you’re getting context. All of it. Do this step quickly. Don’t let weeks go by from when you found out the donor was decreasing her giving and when you contact her. Speed is important on this step.
2. Book a meeting with the donor
Either a safe distance meeting that the donor feels comfortable with, or a video conference, if the donor is able to do it. You want to be able to see the donor and have them see you. If it only works for them on the phone, that’s fine.
3. Start the meeting with gratitude and feedback
It’s important that the donor know you’re thankful for what they’ve done. Tell them that. And be specific. Something like: “Over the last two years you’ve given $56,000. And your giving has made a tremendous difference.” Then get into specifics of what a difference the donor’s giving has made. Something like: “Let me tell you what you’ve done…” Then go through it all, making sure you tell stories of transformation, restoration, healing, etc. The stories need to evoke emotion.
4. Ask the question
Here’s where you are kind and confidently curious. You say: “NAME, I do have one question and would sure appreciate your input and feedback. I notice that your giving has decreased – or, you’ve decided to decrease your giving – and I wanted to know the reason for that decrease/decision. Is it something personal, like a change in priorities, or a financial hardship – or is there something else that’s caused you to decrease your giving? And please know that I’m not upset or feeling defensive about this. I’d just like to know if there’s something we can do.” Then be quiet and calm so you can receive the response.
As the donor is responding, stay calm (no matter what) and be positive and kind in your heart so that your body language and your attitude is one of graciousness and care. Remember, this good relationship you have with this donor is NOT about the money. You need to project this truth in your words and vibe. As the donor responds, be curious and ask more questions so you can fully understand what they’re saying.
5. Deal with the answer
If the answer is a personal reason, empathize with the donor and tell them that you understand their decision. Also, wonder out loud with the donor about what the future holds in your relationship. It may sound like this: “I understand, NAME, and I’m sorry you’re going through [the situation]. So that I can be sensitive to your needs right now, I want to make sure, does it still work for us to touch base again in a few months?” [Pause to listen and take note of response]. And this is where you leave it, when a personal situation is involved.
If the answer is that you or the organization has done something wrong, express remorse and sadness that you’ve offended the donor. Also, find out what the offense is, then make a commitment to straighten it out. You might also ask the donor what they think the remedy is. Don’t try to solve the problem in this meeting or make statements about what you think should happen. Take some time to consult with others in the organization about what you should do; then get back to the donor with the remedy.
A decrease in giving is hard to hear about. It’s usually not handled properly because the MGO fears the conflict and therefore doesn’t take the right action. Follow our suggestions here and it will go much better for you.
And remember this: a change in behavior in the donor is a chance for you to (a) truly care and serve the donor, and (b) to correct any issues that may have led to the decrease in giving. That is all good information to have. Remember to look at it that way next time you’re in that situation.
Richard
This post originally appeared on the Passionate Giving Blog on February 1, 2021.
I think the most important elements of a meeting of this type is how the discussion is framed:
* always be gracious
* always thank the donor for their support
*articulate the positive impact their support has had on program priorities and if the gift has been targeted at a specific program area report on the impact
*depending on the relationship w/donor ask them if everything is ok with them
If the donor has been cultivated properly then they will be most likely ask upfront the purpose of the meeting imho.
Excellent information. The only add that I may consider would be to say back to them what the reason is for their change in giving is driven by, especially if it is something that has created an offence, or a problem that needs resolution. That way, you will give them what they need for a remedy and it promotes relationship.
For example: _______, thank you for sharing this with me. I want to address this offence/problem/etc.. Let me clarify what you shared so that I am clear what actions to take to move forward together. Tell them what they just told you. Wait for their confirmation or corrections. If they respond with changes, clarify the change. Wait for their confirmation. Be sure to thank them for their openness and trust to share this with you.