7 Ways That Surveying Donors Empowers Fundraisers

There’s no shortage of things the experts say fundraisers should be doing. However, there may be one tactic that can not only move the needle for your fundraising efforts, but also help increase productivity and prevent staff burnout: surveying donors regularly.

Here are seven ways that fundraisers are empowered when they start surveying donors regularly:

1. Prove to leadership that what you are doing is working.

When you ask donors how they feel about you over time, you’ll gather data showing that your outreach efforts are making an impact beyond increases in revenue.

2. Prove to leadership that you need additional resources.

Getting data directly from current and former donors can prove invaluable. Board members may be more receptive to proposed new hires or a change in strategy when presented with more than just a gut feeling.

3. Predict future changes in donor retention.

Knowing how donor affinity is trending can be a leading indicator of donor retention changes on the horizon.

4. Predict future changes in fundraising revenue.

Donor retention can be a leading indicator of fundraising revenue. Knowing these data points equips you to make a solid revenue forecast.

5. Find gaps or missteps in your donor communications efforts.

Sending donor satisfaction surveys, and lapsed donor surveys specifically, can tell you exactly what donors like and do not like about how you’re communicating to them.

6. Prove to potential funders that you are a worthwhile organization.

Having data that shows your donors are highly satisfied and feel a strong sense of connection to your mission is one element of proving organizational sustainability to potential funders.

7. Create stronger relationships with your donors.

If you want to get serious about increasing donor retention, you need to find out how your donors feel about you. Studies show that donors not only like to receive feedback opportunities, the serious ones expect it.