Donor Stewardship

When raising funds for United Hatzalah of Israel, an organization of over 6500 trained medics of all faiths who respond in three minutes or less, I had the good fortune of working with donors who sponsored a variety of response vehicles and equipment for the medics. For some donors they saw their commitment as a one-time gift, particularly when they gave $10,000 or more. My challenge – how to keep these donors engaged so they would know the impact of their sponsorship as well as to educate of on-going needs and to encourage future support.

While my donors were thrilled to know their generosity had helped those with medical emergencies, they got excited when I shared that their vehicle/medic had helped deliver a baby while mom was at home, on a bus en route to the hospital or, in several cases, at a gas station roadside! One donor, with a history of major giving that spanned decades, lined up all their stork certificates in a very prominent location in their office. They shared their joy of helping moms and babies with all who visited, and, as a result, helped me develop a bevy of new prospects.