I donate.
Not because fundraising is my business but, rather, because it’s part of “who I am”. It’s part of my religion. And, it’s part of my upbringing. It’s something I just do.
Not a lot. I’m not a major donor. The biggest check I wrote this year was $1,000. Mostly I like to give small amounts (by my measure) to lots of organizations.
 
Thanks to my habit, practice, tradition, routine or whatever else you want to call it… I get to see how lots of organizations treat their donors (including me). And, sadly, I think that treatment is pretty poor— leading to “donor remorse”.
 
Donor remorse is really very similar to buyer’s remorse. It’s a feeling of regret after having made a purchase (or, in the case of fundraising, a donation).
Why do I feel donor remorse?

1. Because the “thank you” I got was disingenuous, mass-generated, and downright cold
2. Because the organization never told me what they did with my money and if they did, it included facts and figures absent any emotion or a simple, powerful story
3. Because the organization didn’t offer me an opportunity to engage with their mission in a meaningful way
4. And most of all, because they asked me for more money several times after my gift without doing 1 thru 3 above

 
How can you fix donor remorse? With “3-to-1 Fundraising!” If you missed the post about that, check it out here.
 

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