Communicate!

A guest post from Tripp Braden, of Developing Serving Leaders.   You can read the previous installment at How Do You Attract Big Gifts from the Affluent? – Part I.

Ask for Feedback on New Programs

The second opportunity to connect with more affluent givers is to become better at sharing new opportunities as they develop.

Successful entrepreneurs are good at identifying and implementing new opportunities faster than their competitors. If you share an opportunity in the early phases, this wealthy individual can help you crystallize your thinking on this new opportunity.

If you can help them see the possibilities, they are more likely to provide financial support for them. I call this social innovation and I believe it’s the great equalizer in attracting the right people to your cause and organization. Most wealthy entrepreneurs are very good at understanding risk/reward as part of their everyday lives. If you can challenge their thinking, you are well on your way to building an extraordinary partnership with them.

If you want to get somebody more involved in what you’re working on, ask them if you could share an idea with them to get their feedback. Learn how to tell stories about where your organization is considering going and then ask them provocative questions to help them see the opportunity more clearly.

 Ask for the Gift of Networking

The third opportunity to connect with more affluent givers is to learn to see individuals as having many different resources they can bring to your organization.

I’ve found most of my millennial givers are not always able to provide the same level of funding as my baby boomers. What they do bring to the table is high energy and a larger network with others who can help your cause. If you remember that almost every wealthy person sees their network as a large part of their net worth, having the ability to mobilize these people can provide a positive impact on your organization.

On the other hand, we baby boomers are very willing to provide a wider range of gifts to your organization. When dealing with us, challenge us to find the right people in our community who would be interested in your cause–because we are involved. I can remember several times where I was able to identify the right person to provide a significant gift because of a relationship I had with them. You shouldn’t be afraid to have me or my peers make calls of introduction for you.

Today, I believe that most fundraisers are only one person away from the person who can help transform their organization forever. It is critical that you are able to engage your donors in a different way. I believe there are many ways to engage and empower people to help grow your organization.

I hope this gives you several ways to begin cultivating relationships and connecting with your larger donors. Good luck.