Three Tips to Most Effectively Communicate Your Mission to Donors

Do find your organization struggling to:

If you or your organization are struggling with any of the above, then taking a hard look at your organization’s philosophy of donor cultivation may be key to finding success in cultivating new partners. Does your organization have a philosophy of donors being “partners” – helping you steward and cultivate the vision? Or, does your organization have the philosophy that it needs help, and potential donors are a transaction you need to learn how to access?

Move toward a mindset that potential donors are “partners” that you are inviting to invest into a Kingdom impact. This shift in mindset will cause you to communicate differently.

How To Shift Your Thinking

The pinnacle point of the problem is an issue in thinking. We need to re-train our mind to approach fans and friends of our ministry in a new light. These three tips will help you find success in communicating with donors and avoiding the uncomfortable lean into the table in which both parties know the question about to be asked.

First

Start with telling a story, and make it personal. Why does that story matter to you? Share a story that they would want to re-tell at the dinner table.

Second

Clearly describe results. What are the outcomes your ministry is experiencing today? Share the vision of what’s possible for the lives you touch. Most donors trust that you have effective and successful programs, so share results of your programs, and give the taste of fruit they can help produce.

Third

Wait. If you are connecting with the heart of the person you are speaking with they will ask you “How can I be involved?”. It doesn’t require much training to believe in something. If you were able to adequately share your heart and passion and the why your ministry/organization is at work, if it aligns with their interests they will want to join you. And if not, that is okay. You want people to partner with you and believe in your cause. Be patient and allow them to ask you.

Now, go call some of your donors and some friends and see if they can grab coffee. Listen to their heart and then share yours.

Be blessed.