Thoughts from the Group

Recognition societies are a hotly debated topic in fundraising circles, including among those of us at DRG. Our recent Pulse of Donor Relations highlighted this debate: for the first time in years, we saw an uptick in practitioners who believe recognition societies are effective. Even so, the question remains: to society? Or not to society? Data from the 2025 Pulse of Donor Relations Report I have seen recognition societies work beautifully. The organizations who get it right

For nearly four decades, I’ve worked on donor events. When I started, conferences and professional development didn’t teach us how to design meaningful experiences—they taught us how to plan great parties. The formula was predictable: a large gathering, a long program, multiple speakers, and a clear fundraising goal. And for a long time, it worked. But over the past decade—accelerated by how people now engage with information and shifting expectations—that model hasn’t simply

What do our top donors want from our organizations? Have you ever sat around wondering that? Have you ever asked one of these donors this exact question? Because I have, and what began as a way to learn more about our donors has become a lifelong pursuit of the best way to build strong, lasting relationships. I don’t want just donors to our organization; I want partners. I want them to be as invested in our organization as we are. And honestly, when I started, I wasn’t sure

There’s one donor engagement story I’ll never forget. It happened during my time working with a small performing arts nonprofit. I was the chair of the “worker bee board” and I don’t think I’ve ever worked more for less pay ($0, with an expected contribution). I truly enjoyed the work, but SHWEWW! I was also happy to complete my terms! The organization had never been officially branded as a gay men’s chorus, but it has always served a primarily LGBTQ+ audience. For many, it’s

Think back to the last time someone thanked you in a way that made you smile, maybe it was a heartfelt note, an unexpected gesture, or...

When we take a closer look at thriving advancement shops, one thing stands out: they all view donor relations as a long-term,...

It’s been nearly two decades, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Just out of college, I was a brand-new teacher with Teach For...

In donor relations, we often talk about gratitude, stewardship, and impact, but the most transformative moments happen when we translate...

Many of us have that one donor story—a family or individual we've met who made an impact on us and the way we approach our work. We're...

Bespoke engagement plans for top donors are one of the hottest topics in fundraising, and for good reason––the “one-size-fits-all”...

Okay, yes, we know. Naming infrastructure and gift acceptance policies sound about as exciting as watching paint dry. But here’s the...

Of The 4 PIllars of Donor Relations , perhaps the fastest changing pillar is that of recognition. Even saying the word “recognition”...

You’ve heard it before, and we’ll say it again: experiencing the impact of generosity is at the heart of the donor experience—and a key...

Have formal donor recognition societies already had their day in the sun? Should we be eliminating or investing in them? That is the big...

Have you ever gotten so deep into a subject that you can’t recall what brought you there in the first place? The concept of...

A donor just made a gift to support your organization, so what comes next? You may be asking yourself, “Now what happens? Should I ask...

Everything we do in donor relations adds value to our fundraising operation. Full stop. As a major gift fundraiser turned donor relations...

One of our favorite aspects of the recently redesigned DRG website is the Free Resources section, featuring a revamped and expanded...

By Jan McGuire (It’s so hard to say goodbye) Recognition societies have been long-time staples in our work in donor relations. But are...

By Matthew Helmer It’s (almost) here – the light at the end of the tunnel for nonprofit event planners. For some, it’s the end of a long...