How to Build Trusted Donor Relationships Like a Pro

Donor Retention
Written By Jake Lyons, CFRE, CNP

Key Takeaways:

  • Defining Trust in Philanthropy:

    • Trust involves making something valuable (time, talent, treasure) vulnerable to another's actions, highlighting the importance of donor confidence in nonprofit organizations.

  • Key Elements of Donor Trust:

    1. Transparency: Share financial, operational, and impact data to provide donors with clear insights.

    2. Reliability: Avoid overpromising and consistently deliver on commitments.

    3. Accountability: Establish reciprocal accountability to build mutual respect.

  • Actionable Strategies:

    • Leverage technology for consistent updates, two-way communication, and third-party evaluations.

    • Follow the BRAVING framework:

      • Boundaries: Respect and maintain clear boundaries.

      • Reliability: Be dependable and consistent.

      • Accountability: Accept responsibility for actions.

      • Vault: Maintain confidentiality.

      • Integrity: Uphold ethical standards.

      • Non-Judgment: Foster open, non-critical dialogue.

      • Generosity: Assume the best intentions in others.

Jake Lyons, CFRE, CNP

Jake is a full-time philanthropy professional, educator, and speaker. Jake manages fundraising campaigns, fund development assessments, audits, and feasibility studies. He also creates all subject matter and curriculum for the CFRE accredited conference series, the PRIDE Development Institute.

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