Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Development Directors

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Development Directors

1. I will focus on donor retention. It is much harder to get a new donor than to keep an existing donor. Donor retention rates for 2017 were 45.5%.

2. I will make sure my caseload and my executive’s and board members’ caseloads are qualified. Names on a list are not prospects. #capacity #affinity #inclination

3. I will prioritize getting out of the office and meeting in person with my donors and prospects.

4. I will keep and use weekly, if not daily, an active call list for checks ins, updates and just hi calls to my donors that is refreshed regularly.

5. I will internally coordinate with my organization’s team so I have up to date information about programs, plans and their conversations with donors and prospects, and the entire staff understands that they are an important part of the development team. This includes making sure ongoing communication channels are in place.

What is your Development Director New Year’s resolution?

Nanette Fridman, MPP, JD, is a catalyst for values-driven organizations and leaders. She is the  President of Fridman Strategies, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, financial resource development, governance and leadership coaching.  Nanette is the author of On Board: What Current and Aspiring Board Members Must Know About Nonprofits & Board Service. She can be reached at fridmanstrategies@gmail.com.