Kansas Arts Commission - Arts Organizations

Best Practices for Donor Cultivation

Collected ideas from the Kansas Arts Commission’s Fundraising Basics Workshops (November 30 and December 3, 2007)

Telling Your Story

Tell your story in books, websites, print items that showcase how the donations are used.
Find a champion for your cause. Make sure the person is a good communicator.
Get your city involved in promoting your programs.

Donor Identification

Have board members host an exclusive event for their guests. Then add those names to organization’s list for cultivation.
Send an invitation to a special event, even to first time and small donors.
Invite key donors to submit a list of friends who could contribute. Invite key donors to bring friends to events.
Invite other communities/groups to “own” a project.

Donor Cultivation and Solicitation

Research before you go to any donor.
Make special, personal, ongoing visits to build relationships with donors.
Be creative when soliciting and thanking donors.
Be specific when making your ask and upfront about what the money will do.
Solicit matching corporate gifts.
Give a special gift.
When soliciting pledged gifts, maintain ongoing relationships with donors by inviting them to participate in events.
Involve donors in decisions.
Speak to donors about annuities and planned gifts.
Create trust and comfort with your donors by ensuring their gift went where they expected it to go.
Connect with the donor’s interests in creating a legacy.
Do the unexpected; be creative.
Identify the right person to make “the ask” for different levels of donations (make sure you match peers with peers).
Remember that donor cultivation can lead an unexpected gift.
Cultivate those interested in community quality of life.
Begin your campaign with stewardship.

Special Events

Donor Recognition