#16 - How to Get Your Nonprofit 'Fundraising Fit': Mastering the Art of Donor Relations with Roy Jones, CFRE

The Nonprofit Renaissance

Learn the secrets of transformative fundraising with Roy Jones, a fundraising maestro with a treasure trove of experience spanning over thirty years. This episode brims with essential strategies and heartwarming wisdom, as Roy guides us through the nuances of donor relations—highlighting the art of seeing donations as investments and the importance of grasping the donor's journey. His invaluable insights are drawn from an impressive career, including impactful roles at Liberty University and Mercy Ships, and he now shares his expertise through his new venture, Fit Fundraising.
Throughout our discussion, we zero in on the pivotal art of nurturing relationships with donors. We dissect the profiles of different donor types, from those giving with all their heart to those who smartly invest in the causes they cherish. I peel back the layers on the challenges of soliciting donations across state lines, while sharing anecdotes from my own fundraising escapades with schools and shelters that exemplify the profound impact of understanding what truly motivates donors. This episode is a masterclass in preventing donor attrition and encouraging their ascent up the 'donor ladder' by aligning with their deepest passions.
As we wrap our conversation with Roy, we share a page from detective Columbo's book, employing the "one more thing" approach to keep donors engaged and invested. The exchange is packed with strategies on cultivating donor connections and navigating the dance of communication in fundraising, from the power of a well-placed phone call to the delight of a handwritten note. Tune in for a potent mix of personal stories, clever tactics, and the kind of practical advice that can only come from years of experience in the field, all designed to help your nonprofit forge lasting bonds and drive successful fundraising campaigns.
Show notes

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Chapters

1. Donor Relationship Building and Fundraising (00:10:20)

2. Leveraging Direct Mail and Digital Strategies (00:18:11)

3. Growth Trajectory of Donations (00:27:09)

4. Strategic Communication and Segmentation (00:35:07)

5. Cultivating Major Donors (00:53:05)

6. The Role of Staffing in Fundraising Success (00:57:15)