1 Know your donors

The first step to manage donor fatigue is to know your donors well. What are their interests, preferences, motivations, and values? How do they like to communicate and receive information? How often do they want to hear from you and what kind of content do they appreciate? Use your donor database, surveys, feedback, and segmentation tools to collect and analyze data about your donors. This will help you tailor your messages, offers, and stewardship to their needs and expectations.

2 Respect your donors

The second step to manage donor fatigue is to respect your donors as partners and supporters, not as ATMs or targets. Treat them with gratitude, transparency, and accountability. Acknowledge their contributions, report on the impact of their gifts, and show them how they make a difference. Respect their privacy, preferences, and choices. Ask for their consent, permission, and feedback. Don't spam them with too many or irrelevant requests, and don't pressure them to give more than they can or want to.

3 Diversify your fundraising

The third step to manage donor fatigue is to diversify your fundraising strategies and channels. Don't rely on the same methods or sources of income all the time. Explore new ways to reach out to potential and existing donors, such as online campaigns, events, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate partnerships, or legacy giving. Use different formats and mediums to convey your stories, such as videos, podcasts, blogs, or newsletters. Test and measure the effectiveness of your fundraising activities and optimize them accordingly.

4 Educate your donors

The fourth step to manage donor fatigue is to educate your donors about the importance and urgency of your cause and the value and sustainability of your work. Don't assume that your donors know everything about your mission, vision, goals, and achievements. Provide them with relevant and compelling information, facts, and stories that demonstrate the need and the impact of your organization. Explain how you use their donations wisely and efficiently, and how you plan for the future. Inspire them to join you in your journey and to share your message with others.

5 Engage your donors

The fifth step to manage donor fatigue is to engage your donors in meaningful and rewarding ways. Don't just ask for money, but also for their time, skills, opinions, and referrals. Invite them to participate in your events, programs, campaigns, or advocacy. Offer them opportunities to learn, network, volunteer, or mentor. Recognize and reward their loyalty, commitment, and generosity. Create a sense of community and belonging among your donors and show them that they are part of something bigger and better.

6 Renew your donors

The sixth step to manage donor fatigue is to renew your donors' interest and enthusiasm for your cause and organization. Don't take them for granted or neglect them after they make a donation. Follow up with them regularly and personally, and keep them updated on your progress and challenges. Surprise and delight them with unexpected gestures, such as thank-you cards, gifts, or invitations. Ask them for their feedback and suggestions, and act on them. Reconnect with them on their birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones. Remind them why they chose to support you and how much you appreciate them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?