WOW Fundraising Experiences for Donors

WOW Fundraising Experiences for Donors

By Tom Wilson Major Gifts Guru

Everyone likes a pleasant, unexpected surprise.

I was going through the security line at the Portland, Oregon airport a few weeks ago. I fly Alaska Airlines a lot because of my Western United States consulting work. The guy next in line said: "You'll never believe who called me up the other day. I thought it was a gag at first when the fellow said he was the CEO of Alaska Airlines. He convinced me that yes he was the boss. He was calling just to say thanks for my business and to let me know how much he and the rest of the employees appreciated their frequent flyer customers. Wow, that's impressive."

Corporations are working hard these days to keep their customers. What are we in major gifts fundraising doing?

I was with a client the other day. In asking John how things were going he noted that their upcoming golf tournament was going to be off by 20%, hopefully a little less. He then told me this great story. One of their traditional sponsors was having a tough year. They couldn't help this year but hope to again in the future when the economy turns around.

John, felt badly for them and asked another lead sponsor who had two openings for players if he could include people from this other company so they wouldn't feel left out this year. The major sponsor said sure. John called up the former sponsor and offered the tickets. They were really appreciative of John's offer.

Wow. What a nice touch John. Help your donor friends when they're having a tough year. This company and their leaders will never forget. And hopefully like my airline friend they will tell others.

John did this because he's a nice, thoughtful person. What can you do for donors to get that WOW and warm glow.

By the way, if you're ever in Portland, Oregon and what to tell John thanks, he's head of Adventist Medical Center Foundation.

Permanent Link: WOW Fundraising Experiences for Donors

http://majorgiftsguru.com/2009/06/wow-fundraising-experiences-for-donors.html