This week, I speak with my favorite fundraiser about donor attrition – that is, the rate at which donors stop giving – and how to keep donors connected and giving to you. My guest is Jerold Panas, the CEO of Jerold Panas, Linzy and Partners, one of the world’s most esteemed firms in the field of financial resource development. In February, Jerry received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Fundraising Success magazine in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the development profession. He is the author of many books on fundraising, including the top-sellers Asking, and Mega Gifts.
In the early stage of building an organization, attention focuses on building a donor base, starting with lists of families and friends. As that base grows, you must also pay attention to is how you’re encouraging donors to give again and again. In this interview, Jerry gives very specific coaching about what to say on thank you phone calls, the kind of newsletter you should produce each month, what questions to ask donors so you build a relationship with them, and more.
You can’t get better and more practical advice than from this interview with Jerry Panas. Be ready to take notes. I hope you enjoy the show.