Donor Behavior & Stewardship

My Dad never wanted to talk about creating a will. “Don’t worry,” he’d say, “It’s not like I’m going to die tomorrow.” Then he’d change the subject—usually to the tomatoes he was growing—because he found talking about planning his estate too uncomfortable. Guess what? My Dad died without ever making that estate plan.

Even the most socially adept among us need a little help to get the conversation started. That’s why we’ve developed these 15 donor conversation starters along with the “why” behind each one. Use them the next time you meet with a donor or prospect. They’ll help break the ice, establish trust, and get you started on the path to building a meaningful, mutually beneficial relationship. 

Donor stories are among the most effective ways to reach and engage with your audience. That’s why it’s important to have a system in place to pursue, record and share donor stories. Use the tips in this article to help you effectively utilize donor stories for fundraising at your non-profit.

Skip the mugs, paperweights, and branded junk that end up in a drawer—or the trash. Donors don’t want another generic “thank you.” They want to feel seen. A thoughtful gift that reflects their values or sparks nostalgia can create lasting emotional connections—and even open the door to future giving. One museum sent vintage postcards tied to their mission, and donors actually asked for more. It’s not about spending more—it’s about caring more. Thoughtful appreciation beats forgettable freebies every single time.

How do you thank your alumni donors? We give them gifts. Every year. These can range from the mundane (a printed calendar) to the ridiculous (a bobble-head doll), to the more expensive-and-mundane (an engraved glass mug or paperweight.) Here’s how to end the agita and understand how to best steward and recognize your alumni givers.