Donor Participation Project’s Post

Cultivating Deep Community Engagement: 4 Key Factors For nonprofits seeking to boost donor retention and participation, cultivating a deep sense of community is key. According to research from the Donor Participation Project, successful nonprofits that have grown donor participation over time share four factors in common: Participatory They facilitate two-way conversations and make supporters feel like their voices matter. For example, they host interactive virtual or in-person events where donors can engage with staff and each other. They also solicit feedback and input from donors on a regular basis. Purposeful They bring people together around a shared purpose, not just for social reasons. The community has a reason for coming together, like advocating for a cause or participating in a volunteer program. Donors feel connected to the mission. Recurring They provide repeat opportunities for donors to engage over time. One-off events are not enough. Things like monthly giving programs, alumni groups, and annual events that people look forward to every year help build familiarity and loyalty. Leadership development They identify supporters who want to get more involved and help develop them into leaders and ambassadors. Things like volunteering, joining a committee, or becoming a board member allow donors to strengthen their ties to the organization and spread the word to others. Nonprofits that check all four of these boxes are most likely to see donor participation and retention rates rise over time. While it requires an investment of time and resources, cultivating a deep sense of community and purpose among supporters can pay off through sustainable funding and lasting impact. The key is making donor engagement and participation a top priority, and being willing to experiment with new strategies to find what resonates most with your mission and supporters. With attention and care, nonprofits can build a base of lifelong supporters connected to their cause.

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