How To Cultivate Individual Donors

BY S. KIRK WALSH, FOUNDER OF THE AUSTIN BAT CAVE

This takes time and energy. If possible, it should be a collaboration between the Executive Director (ED) and the Board that involves coffees and/or lunches with potential donors. I don’t quite know the formula to retaining steady donors. Overall, I think a professional letter or note should always follow a gift. Communication with donors needs to be consistent and soon after a gift. It’s always important to find out what the donor is interested in helping with. One of my friends who is an ED of a museum here in Austin recommends seeing how the individuals wants to help, and then presenting them with a situation that they can solve (by writing a check or by helping out with an event, etc.). If someone feels like their dollars and time are being well used, it’s more likely that they will give again.