We've all probably seen it in our own churches. A contributor gives generously time and time again, until one day... you start seeing those donations less and less, or not at all.

So what do you do as a church or nonprofit that relies so much on the donations of others?

Let me show you how your donation software can help you encourage donors for years to come and reduce the chance of donor fatigue and boost your donor retention.

1. Streamlined Donation Process

One of the biggest barriers to your fundraising efforts is a complicated donation process. The easier it is for donors (especially new donors) to give, the more likely they are to do so consistently. Here are a few ways to streamline the donation process:

• Multiple Giving Options: Provide various giving methods such as online donations, ACH, text-to-give, cash offerings, or checks. Offering multiple options caters to different preferences and makes it more convenient for donors to give.
• Recurring Donations: Allow donors to set up recurring contributions. This option simplifies the giving process for those who wish to participate in online fundraising or support your church on a more regular basis
• Customizable Donation Pages: Offer customizable donation pages that allow donors to give quickly and easily, whether online or through event registrations.
• Mobile Friendliness: This is the way to maximize your fundraising. With the majority of people using smartphones, mobile friendliness is a must. This ensures that donors are not limited by location and can give easily from anywhere.

2. Keep Good Donor Records

Keeping good records goes beyond tracking donations; it's about building meaningful relationships with your supporters. For donors (especially major donors), it's important to keep details such as:

• Preferred Contact Method: Whether they prefer phone calls, emails, or text messages
• Personal Interests: Their hobbies and interests
• Family Information: Significant family members and relationships
• Event Preferences: The types of church / fundraising events they enjoy most

Keeping good, detailed donor data allows you to communicate with them better and strengthen the relationship between them and your church.

3. Personalized Communication

Sending thank you messages, making thank you calls, and acknowledging milestones can significantly strengthen your relationship with donors. Most donation software offers great features that automate the process of sending personalized thank-you messages and follow-ups. For example:

• Automated Thank You Messages: Customize and schedule messages to thank donors promptly after their contribution, so they know their support is appreciated 
• Personalized Acknowledgements: Use the donor information you’ve collected to tailor your messages, making them more meaningful and relevant 
• Follow-Up Calls: Schedule reminders to make personal thank you calls, providing a personal touch that automated messages alone cannot achieve

Donor stewardship is crucial-- donors need to know how valuable they are and how much you appreciate them.

4. Share How They Are Making a Difference

When donors see how their donations are making a difference, they are more likely to continue giving to your church. A good donation software can offer features that help you engage and communicate further with your donors. Some examples might include:

• Giving Reports: Provide clear, detailed reports (donation forms, giving statements, tax receipts, etc) on how donations are being used, this way donors can see the tangible impact 
• Impact Newsletters: Send out digital newsletters with testimonies, photos, and announcements so that donors can stay up to date 

Giving reports and impact newsletters are just two examples of ways you can share how your donors are making a difference. Some software may even offer a donor portal, where donors can log in and view their giving history, giving reports, and see the impact they're making.

5. Investigate Donor Fatigue

Instead of letting a donor slip away without a word, reach out to them personally. Maybe the situation isn't as simple as they're no longer giving. Maybe a situation has occurred in their life like they've been let off their job. This is an opportunity to encourage them and if feasible offer support.

We can't be so reliant on donations, we forget that the donor needs someone to rely on themselves. Don't assume donor fatigue is always the donor's choice.

Reaching out to donors showing signs of donor fatigue shows them that not only are their contributions valued, but that they matter.

Choosing the Right Donation Software for Churches

As church leaders, we all know that some things are inevitable.

If your church is experiencing signs of donor fatigue, don't wait. Start by taking steps today-- reach out to your donors and show them how their contributions are making a difference.

If you don't have donation software, consider investing in one that has good donor management and fundraising features. If you equip your church with the right donation software, your donor relationships are sure to thrive!

Matt Church Engagement