In the for-profit world, companies that provide consumer products and services have made customer service a core part of their mission. The result is often lifelong loyalty to the brand. So why aren’t more non-profits trying to do the same thing?

When you make it part of your mission to serve your donors well, your upfront investment is far outweighed by the eventual ROI. This video offers 10 ways you can make a big impact by creating an exceptional experience for your donors.

Read the full transcript below:

Jeff Schreifels 

Hi, Jeff Schreifels here. Today, I want to talk about an essential yet overlooked aspect in fundraising: serving our donors exceptionally.

Many non-profits overlook the profound impact of superb donor service. Imagine the dividends of investing in robust programs for major and planned gifts, mid-level initiatives, and nurturing a culture valuing relationships over money. In the corporate world, customer care is paramount. What would it look like if we served our donors following the same principles adopted by the best consumer brands?

Here are 10 ways you can go above and beyond for your donors: Express gratitude. Genuinely handwritten notes are really powerful. Report back on impact quarterly. Surprise them with personalized gestures. Engage with programs aligned with the donor’s passions. Foster connections among donors, introduce them to other causes they’d resonate with, admit mistakes and show authenticity. Support donors through hardships, offer new opportunities even after recent gifts, and utilize multimedia to showcase their impact.

By exceeding donor expectations, you’ll forge lifelong bonds and loyalty. Let’s strive to be the unexpected delight in our donors’ lives. Thanks for listening.

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If you’d like to learn more about how to better serve your donors, check out our Certification Courses. Choose from our comprehensive trainings in Major Gifts, Mid-Level, or Fundraising Leadership and learn our best practices, tools, and resources to help you build deeper relationships and connect more strategically with your donors.