A good place to start is the annual software review in the October issue of Fund Raising Management. Potential donors don't want to hear you complain about government cutbacks and rising costs of providing your services. They want to know that they can solve a problem with their donation - that they can make a difference. Yet these sources will be vital in the future - if cultivated now. Ignoring donor recognition Thanking and appreciating donors is vital.
People do like to be thanked both privately and publicly.
Similarly, a regular newsletter to keep in touch with donors is useful as a recognition device. Successful fundraising programs must be built on the needs and wishes of the donor, not of the organization. Too often we see organizations say it's too much trouble to do things the way the donor wants. But What You Can Do For Your Donor.