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Scheduling 5 Donor Stewardship Calls Per Week in the New Year

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As a nonprofit professional, you know that building strong relationships with donors is key to sustaining your organisation’s mission. But in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day operations, donor stewardship can sometimes take a backseat. That’s why committing to a specific goal—like scheduling at least five donor stewardship calls per week—can make all the difference.

In the new year, let’s focus on deepening those donor connections, one phone call at a time. Here’s why this simple practice can yield transformative results for your nonprofit.

1. Strengthens Relationships with Donors

Donors want to feel valued beyond their financial contributions. Regular stewardship calls offer a chance to:

  • Express Gratitude: A personal “thank you” goes a long way in making donors feel appreciated.
  • Build Trust: Engaging directly reassures donors that their support is impactful and that your organisation values transparency.

These conversations help donors see themselves as integral partners in your mission.

2. Creates Opportunities for Personalised Engagement

Stewardship calls allow you to tailor your outreach to each donor:

  • Ask about their motivations for giving.
  • Share updates on specific programs they’ve supported.
  • Invite them to upcoming events or opportunities that align with their interests.

Personalised engagement fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens donor loyalty.

3. Keeps Your Nonprofit Top of Mind

Regular contact ensures your organisation remains a priority for donors:

  • Remind them of your mission and the impact of their contributions.
  • Share updates on milestones and success stories, reinforcing their role in achieving those outcomes.

When donors feel connected to your cause, they’re more likely to continue their support and advocate for your organisation within their networks.

4. Increases Donor Retention Rates

One of the biggest challenges for nonprofits is donor retention. Research shows that donors who feel appreciated and informed are more likely to give again. Scheduling consistent stewardship calls can:

  • Reduce donor churn by maintaining regular, meaningful interactions.
  • Encourage repeat donations, increasing the lifetime value of each donor.

5. Provides Valuable Insights

Donor stewardship calls aren’t just about gratitude—they’re also an opportunity to learn. Use these calls to:

  • Gather feedback on your campaigns or initiatives.
  • Understand donor priorities and preferences.
  • Identify potential ambassadors or major gift prospects.

These insights can inform your fundraising strategies and strengthen your overall donor engagement efforts.

6. Sets a Manageable, Impactful Goal

Scheduling five donor calls per week is a realistic, achievable goal. It allows you to:

  • Dedicate focused time to stewardship without overwhelming your schedule.
  • Consistently reach out to over 250 donors throughout the year.

Breaking donor stewardship into manageable steps ensures that it becomes a routine, not an afterthought.

7. Builds a Culture of Gratitude

Making stewardship calls part of your weekly routine demonstrates your nonprofit’s commitment to gratitude. This culture of appreciation permeates your organisation, inspiring your team to prioritise relationships over transactions.

Tips for Effective Donor Stewardship Calls

To make the most of your weekly calls, follow these best practices:

  1. Prepare in Advance: Know the donor’s history, giving preferences, and past interactions with your organisation.
  2. Keep It Genuine: Be authentic in your gratitude and show sincere interest in their thoughts and experiences.
  3. Be Respectful of Their Time: Keep the call brief (5–10 minutes) unless the donor wants to continue the conversation.
  4. Follow-up: Send a thank-you email or note summarising key points from your call and any next steps.

Conclusion

Scheduling at least five donor stewardship calls per week in the new year is a simple yet powerful practice. It strengthens relationships, improves retention, and fosters a culture of gratitude, all while providing valuable insights into your donors’ needs and motivations.

By committing to this routine, you can transform your nonprofit’s donor engagement strategy and set the stage for a year of sustainable growth and meaningful impact. So grab your calendar, block out time each week, and start making those calls—you’ll be amazed at the results.