Kim Klein, a noted consultant and founder of the Grassroots Fundraising Journal,
suggests that we should expand our view of "donor" to include:
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* Someone who gives time.
* A person who shares ideas about how your organization can succeed.
* Those who say nice things about the work you do.
* People who open doors for you.
* Someone who expresses gratitude for the services you provide.
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Klein's simple thesis is that the paths of donations are many and murky. You
never know just how a donation made its way to you.
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These days, many donors are going through tough times. They might, for financial
reasons, drop out as a donor or delay donations, but then recover and start
again. Small donors that you don't pay much attention to might spread the word
of your good deeds to groups they interact with, resulting in new donors. A
volunteer may fall in love with your cause and introduce it to her colleagues at
work, who then become involved.
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Develop a broad definition of "donor" as someone who connects as well as gives.
Look for people who have a lot of relationships, who offer to help in all sorts
of ways, and who iare grateful for your services. Then get in contact with them
and stay in contact. Say thank you frequently for whatever "gifts" they provide,
and nurture those relationships.
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