You Can’t Fundraise from Your Desk: Why Donor Facetime Matters

If you're involved in fundraising, you probably already know that donor engagement is a critical component of success. However, what you might not realize is just how important it is to spend time with donors face-to-face, whether meeting in-person or virtually. Simply put, you can't successfully fundraise by sitting at a desk five days a week.

Why Donor Engagement is so Important

Let's talk about why donor engagement matters so much. In essence, donors are the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization. Without them, you would not have the funds necessary to carry out your mission and make a positive impact in the world.

However, it’s not enough to simply ask for donations and hope for the best. Donors want to feel connected to the organizations they support. They want to know that their contributions are making a real difference and that they're part of something bigger than themselves. By engaging with donors, you can help to create that sense of connection and foster a deeper level of commitment.

What Does Donor Engagement Look Like
So, what does donor engagement actually involve? It's not just about sending out mass emails or newsletters - though those can be important tools as well. Instead it's about creating a genuine relationship with the people who support your organization.

One effective way to engage with donors is to hold in-person events. This might include things like galas, auctions, or charity raffles. These events provide an opportunity for donors to see your organization in action and to connect with other like-minded individuals who share their values.

Of course, in-person events aren't always possible - which was highlighted by our global pandemic - and that's where virtual events come in. With video conferencing tools like Zoom, you can still connect with donors face-to-face, even if you're not in the same physical location. Virtual events might include things like webinars, online auctions, or live streaming events.

How COVID-19 Impacted Face-to-Face Engagement

The COVID-19 pandemic forced organizations to get creative with their donor engagement strategies. Many in-person events were canceled or postponed, leaving nonprofits scrambling to find alternative ways to connect with donors. Virtual events became a popular option, and many organizations found that they could reach donors who might not have been able to attend in-person events in the past. However, virtual events also presented their own set of challenges. With so many people spending more time on screens, it became more difficult to capture their attention and keep them engaged.

With many donors becoming hesitant to give during a time of economic uncertainty, organizations had to find creative ways to break through the noise and reassure donors that their contributions were still needed and would still make a difference.

Why Facetime Matters

Whether in-person or virtually, there's something powerful about being able to see someone's face and hear their voice. It helps to build trust and establish a sense of rapport. When you meet with donors face-to-face, you have an opportunity to learn more about them and their motivations for supporting your organization. You can also provide updates on the work you're doing and show them the impact of their contributions.

In virtual meetings, you can still have that face-to-face interaction, even if you're not in the same room. Make sure to use conferencing tools that allow for video and presentations, as this can help to establish a more personal connection.

You Can't Fundraise From Your Desk

A common barrier that many frontline fundraisers face when engaging with nonprofit leadership is the idea that personalized approaches to fundraising can successfully be accomplished while sitting behind a desk all day. While it's certainly possible to raise funds through online campaigns and social media, you're missing out on a lot of potential opportunities if you're not engaging with donors in a more personal way.

Think about it: if someone donates to your organization online, they might feel good about the act of giving, but they're unlikely to feel a strong connection to your cause. They might not even remember that they made the donation a week or a month later. On the other hand, if you meet with a donor face-to-face, you have an opportunity to establish a real relationship. That donor is much more likely to remember your organization and to feel invested in its success once engaged one-on-one. They might even become a repeat donor or help to spread the word to their own network.

If you're serious about fundraising and making a positive impact through your organization, donor engagement is essential. This means taking the time to meet with donors, make real connections, and maintain meaningful relationships.