Everything you need is already in your database

All you need for fundraising is in your databaseIn the late 1800’s, a motivational speaker gave a speech over 6,000 times.  His name was Russell Conwell and his traveling lecture was titled Acres of Diamonds. He later became the founder and first President of Temple University.
It’s an awesome speech. But it’s kind of long. So I’ll summarize it for you by saying that you have acres of diamonds right beneath your feet.  What I mean is this:
You can find all the money you need to fund your mission very easily.  It’s in your database!  Look in there and you will find:  

  • Yearly and monthly supporters you can upgrade to become mid-level donors
  • Mid-level donors you can upgrade to become major donors
  • Major donors you can ask to introduce you to other major donor prospects (their friends)
  • And, all of the groups above are very capable of making legacy gifts

So how can you upgrade them and motivate them to give more? It’s simple:

  • Thank them
  • Engage them
  • Involve them
  • Provide valuable offers that deliver benefits for them
  • Make them feel good
  • Show them appreciation
  • Ask them for advice
  • Give them good “customer services”

Before you spend tons of money looking for new supporters, shore up your base right beneath your feet already— in your database.
 

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
John Bacon
John Bacon
8 years ago

Great to see Conwell and his Acres of Diamonds mentioned–Temple’s legacy society appropriately carries this name. John Bacon Temple Law ’98

Paul Deakins
Paul Deakins
8 years ago

Great reminder Greg!

Get smarter with the SmartIdeas blog

Subscribe to our blog today and get actionable fundraising ideas delivered straight to your inbox!