Donor Relations and Stewardship Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of proactive stewardship?

Answer: Calling a major donor to share a program success story before making a new ask

Proactive stewardship involves reaching out to donors with meaningful updates and recognition before any solicitation, building trust and loyalty.

What role does a 'case for support' play in donor stewardship?

Answer: It serves as the foundational document articulating why donors should invest in your mission

The case for support communicates the organization's mission, need, and impact, providing the emotional and rational foundation for all donor cultivation and solicitation.

How should a fundraiser respond when a donor requests changes to a gift agreement after it has been signed?

Answer: Work with legal counsel and the donor to formally amend the agreement if changes are allowable

Gift agreement amendments should be handled formally with legal guidance and explicit donor consent to protect both the donor's intent and the organization's integrity.

What is the significance of the '80/20 rule' in fundraising stewardship?

Answer: 80% of an organization's revenue typically comes from 20% of its donors

The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) in fundraising reflects that a small percentage of donors often provides the majority of revenue, guiding where to concentrate stewardship resources.

When planning a donor cultivation event, the primary goal should be:

Answer: Building relationships and deepening donor engagement with the mission

Cultivation events are designed to deepen relationships and connect donors emotionally to the mission, laying groundwork for future solicitations rather than immediate asks.

Which of the following donor segments should typically receive the highest level of personal stewardship attention?

Answer: Major gift donors and planned giving prospects

Major gift donors and planned giving prospects represent the highest revenue potential and require the most personalized, relationship-intensive stewardship investment.