Keeping donors engaged beyond the first gift

116: Keeping donors engaged beyond the first gift

Nonprofits are always looking to grow their donor base, but real success comes from keeping supporters engaged long after their first gift. Whether it’s a well-timed message, a personalized appeal, or a strategic re-engagement plan, reactivating lapsed donors starts with making them feel seen, valued, and inspired to give again.

This week, we’re sharing resources to help you reconnect with lapsed supporters, adapt your outreach to meet the expectations of younger generations, build financial resilience amid uncertainty, and so much more.

P.S. It’s that time again! Will you participate in “The State of Nonprofit Marketing: 2025 Edition”? Share your insights on which marketing strategies have worked for your nonprofit and what you have planned for the year ahead. As a thank-you, you'll get an early copy of the report and a chance to win one of 10 $250 Amazon gift cards.

The take-home template A well-crafted letter can help you win back your past supporters, but it’s easier said than done. You want to be personal, show appreciation, remind them of their impact, and encourage ongoing support—all without being too pushy. This customizable template pulls it all together and does the hard work for you.

Snackable snippets

Turning holiday donors into lifelong supporters 📖

Your donor list likely got a nice holiday boost, proving that the season of generosity lives up to its name. But the real goal? Keeping that support going year-round, especially when retaining donors is up to 5x cheaper than acquiring new ones.

Our latest article offers practical tips for turning holiday donors into dedicated, long-term supporters.

The ABC’s of winning a lapsed donor back 📖

All too often, lapsed donors aren’t given the special treatment they deserve. They’re sent the same messages as active supporters or, worse, receive nothing at all.

Winning them back demands a targeted strategy, and this article walks you through the essential steps for launching a personalized lapsed donor program.

The funding freeze 📖

While the federal funding freeze might be temporarily blocked, nonprofits that rely on this revenue stream need to be prepared for continued uncertainty.

This article from Debbi Stanley, CFRE, outlines key steps your organization can take to build financial resilience, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for the long term.

Community is the multiplier 🎧

A thriving community is one of your greatest assets for deepening supporter loyalty. Communities don’t just help grow numbers—they foster identity, trust, and satisfaction, the very things people crave to feel connected and valued.

In this episode of the We Are For Good Podcast, Jon and Becky sit down with Floyd Jones, a speaker, coach, and community-building pro. Floyd shares how community-led growth can amplify your nonprofit’s impact, with strategies to turn followers into loyal supporters this year.