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Donor relations
is the key to
fundraising success.

The Donor Relations Group (DRG), led by industry trailblazer Lynne Wester, is here to help you cultivate extraordinary relationships with your donors. It's time to unlock your organization's full potential by focusing on the donor experience.

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Do your donors love their experience?

8 out of 10 people who donate to a nonprofit for the first time never give again because they aren’t properly appreciated or informed. If a donor gave to your organization today, what would their experience be like?

We'll help you provide an extraordinary donor experience.

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Gather new ideas

Explore our free resources to enhance your current donor relations program and discover innovative practices that work.

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Learn from DRG

Want to learn DRG's industry-leading donor relations methods? Join us for in-person conferences, online webinars, and leadership training to help you level up.

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Hire our team

Does your organization need to bring in the experts? Our experience is deep, our team is talented, and our client services are customizable to meet your unique needs.

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Let’s shake up fundraising together.

"We've always done it that way," no longer sets the standard. Every generous person deserves to be celebrated, no matter the size of their gift.

 

It's time to embrace new methods and perspectives around fundraising. Together, we can reimagine the donor experience and inspire future giving.

Meet the
Donor Relations Group:

Lynne Wester and the DRG team don't shy away from complex situations, bold ideas, and innovative solutions.

We’re trained to guide big change inclusively, by inviting every member of your team to harness their unique strengths and grow as leaders.

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Upcoming DRG Events

  • Taking Flight: Setting the Stage for Collaboration and Creating Internal Buy-In
    Taking Flight: Setting the Stage for Collaboration and Creating Internal Buy-In
    Tue, Dec 12
    Webinar | $60
    Dec 12, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Dec 12, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Join us as we celebrate the end of 2023 and explore how to set the stage for successful collaboration, create internal buy-in, and take all you have learned to develop impactful and powerful donor experiences. "All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust." – Peter Pan
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  • Setting the Stage: 10 Acknowledgement Fundamentals for 2024
    Setting the Stage: 10 Acknowledgement Fundamentals for 2024
    Tue, Jan 09
    Webinar | $60
    Jan 09, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Jan 09, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    We're sharing our top 10 acknowledgment fundamentals! In this webinar, you'll learn critical infrastructure needs, signatory best practices, how to establish tiering and thresholds, when to use digital vs. print, how to infuse storytelling that will resonate with your donors, and more!
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  • Survive to Thrive: Building Strong Workplace Partnerships in Donor Relations
    Survive to Thrive: Building Strong Workplace Partnerships in Donor Relations
    Tue, Jan 23
    Webinar | $60
    Jan 23, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Jan 23, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Our expert speakers will guide you through strategies and tactics to foster vital connections. We will teach you how to transform mere collaboration into a strategic alliance that breaks down silos, increases efficiency, and maximizes the impact of your donor relations efforts.
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  • How to Think Like a Marketer: Building a Brand Voice
    How to Think Like a Marketer: Building a Brand Voice
    Thu, Feb 08
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 08, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 08, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Conquer organizational silos by developing a centralized brand hub. Learn how to create an internal resource library to help you establish a cohesive brand voice—especially helpful if you do any ghostwriting. We'll give you a checklist and template so you can get started right away!
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  • Implementing Broad-Based Acknowledgments for Key Annual Giving Segments
    Implementing Broad-Based Acknowledgments for Key Annual Giving Segments
    Tue, Feb 13
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 13, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 13, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Learn how to craft thoughtful acknowledgments that resonate with your donors while embracing efficiency through technology— utilizing video instead of written content, creative and innovative mail merges, and digital acknowledgments that still contain a personal touch.
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  • How to Think Like an Efficiency Ninja: Tools to Do More With Less
    How to Think Like an Efficiency Ninja: Tools to Do More With Less
    Thu, Feb 15
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 15, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 15, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    In this webinar, we will explore essential tools for achieving stellar results with limited resources. Leverage AI platforms and plugins to discover a virtual team of assistants, interns, brainstorm partners, editors, and subject experts at your fingertips!
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  • Mastering Acknowledgment Audits in Decentralized Environments: Influencing Change Together
    Mastering Acknowledgment Audits in Decentralized Environments: Influencing Change Together
    Tue, Feb 20
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 20, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 20, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Join us to learn how to conduct an acknowledgment audit, share outcomes, and influence change at your organization. We'll share insights from real-life acknowledgment audit success stories in decentralized environments, highlighting the power of collaboration and adaptation.
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  • How to Think Like a Writer: Storytelling Frameworks
    How to Think Like a Writer: Storytelling Frameworks
    Thu, Feb 22
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 22, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 22, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Learn how to use narrative structures like the “Hero’s Journey” to craft donor-centric stories and calls-to-action that guide readers to the next step in the donor journey. We’ll give you tips on formatting, incorporating imagery, and using meaningful words and phrases to improve your writing.
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  • How to Think Like a Persuasive Pro: Frequently Missed Opportunities to Convince
    How to Think Like a Persuasive Pro: Frequently Missed Opportunities to Convince
    Thu, Feb 29
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 29, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Feb 29, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
    Webinar | $60
    Academics call it “consumer psychology” or “behavior science.” At DRG, we call it "working smarter." Join us as we translate for-profit concepts into actionable insights for nonprofit professionals. In this session, we’ll share a list of quick wins that collectively make a significant impact.
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  • The Quiet Supporters: Engaging and Recognizing Monthly Donors
    The Quiet Supporters: Engaging and Recognizing Monthly Donors
    Tue, Mar 12
    Webinar | $60
    Mar 12, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Mar 12, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Join us as we explore the art of stewarding and recognizing monthly donors. We'll share best practices for creating and promoting your monthly donor program, from choosing the right communication channels to setting donation levels and much more to nurture and grow these crucial relationships.
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  • Beyond the Thank You: Infusing Gratitude and Ethical Storytelling in Non-Acknowledgment Communications
    Beyond the Thank You: Infusing Gratitude and Ethical Storytelling in Non-Acknowledgment Communications
    Tue, Mar 26
    Webinar | $60
    Mar 26, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Mar 26, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    To truly engage and inspire your supporters, you must infuse gratitude and impact into every communication. Join us to learn how to elevate your donor relations through meaningful expressions of thanks in nontraditional acknowledgment pieces, such as tax receipts, pledge reminders, and more.
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  • Understanding Fund Compliance Programs: Empowering Donor Relations Staff
    Understanding Fund Compliance Programs: Empowering Donor Relations Staff
    Tue, Apr 09
    Webinar | $60
    Apr 09, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Apr 09, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    It's time to demystify the concept of fund compliance! Join us to learn the key activities donor relations staff should prioritize within fund compliance programs. Using a real-world case study, we'll highlight partnerships, key data outcomes, and sample reports you need to be successful.
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  • Transforming Recognition Societies: Industry Best Practices for Revamping and Maximizing Impact
    Transforming Recognition Societies: Industry Best Practices for Revamping and Maximizing Impact
    Tue, Apr 23
    Webinar | $60
    Apr 23, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Apr 23, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Are you ready to breathe new life into your recognition society? Join us to learn how to revamp your recognition society to align with industry best practices. We'll discuss transitioning to an engagement-based model and strategies to measure impact and affinity that drive meaningful engagement.
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  • 8 Key Components of Crafting Powerful Donor Reports: A Comprehensive Guide
    8 Key Components of Crafting Powerful Donor Reports: A Comprehensive Guide
    Tue, May 14
    Webinar | $60
    May 14, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    May 14, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Did you know there are eight key components every impactful donor report should have? In this webinar, we'll share all of them, as well as proven data collection methods, customizable templates, and strategies for tailoring your reports to your audience while ensuring scalability.
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  • Development Officers & Donor Relations: Sustainable Gift Agreement Partnerships
    Development Officers & Donor Relations: Sustainable Gift Agreement Partnerships
    Tue, May 21
    Webinar | $60
    May 21, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    May 21, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Learn how to create consistency in donor gift agreements, implement standardized language, and best practices for stewardship and recognition promises or donor deliverables. Discover sample restriction language, tiering methods, and tips on how to align fundraising goals and donor deliverables.
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  • Mastering Digital Impact Storytelling: Engage, Inspire, and Amplify Your Cause
    Mastering Digital Impact Storytelling: Engage, Inspire, and Amplify Your Cause
    Tue, Jun 11
    Webinar | $60
    Jun 11, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Jun 11, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    This webinar will teach you how to create compelling stories that drive meaningful change. You'll learn how to track and evaluate the success of your digital storytelling efforts, use analytics to refine your strategy and maximize your reach, and implement the "CORE" approach when creating content.
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  • Developing Your Strategic Plan: A Complete Guide
    Developing Your Strategic Plan: A Complete Guide
    Tue, Jun 25
    Webinar | $60
    Jun 25, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Jun 25, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    This transformative webinar will take your program to the next level! You'll learn how to create a successful donor relations plan, develop annual and multi-year business strategies, implement evaluation tools to measure ROI for programs and initiatives, and effectively assess your current programs.
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  • Streamline Your Workflows: Top 10 Process and Policy Efficiency Hacks for a More Stress-Free Life
    Streamline Your Workflows: Top 10 Process and Policy Efficiency Hacks for a More Stress-Free Life
    Tue, Jul 09
    Webinar | $60
    Jul 09, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    Jul 09, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
    Webinar | $60
    It's time to reclaim your productivity and make your work life easier. This webinar will transform how you work, making your life more streamlined and stress-free. Join us as we share our curated Top 10 list of the best and most effective policy and process hacks!
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Thoughts from
The Group

Here’s what’s swirling around in our heads right now! Explore the DRG blog for fresh ideas on all things donor experience, donor relations, nonprofit leadership, team building, and change management.

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