Thoughts from the Group

Explore the DRG blog for fresh ideas on all things donor experience, leadership, team building, donor relations, and change management.

Four Tips to Building Successful Donor Engagement Programs Your Major Gifts Team Will Love

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

3 Donor Behaviors to Recognize Right Now – and How!

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

Is It Time to Sunset Your Recognition Societies?

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...

4 Brilliant Remedies Your Struggling Event Needs Right Now

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...

5 Ideas For Keeping Your Donors Engaged Throughout the Summer

Summer is around the corner, and this is the time of year most of us, including your donors, will carve out time to unplug and/or travel....

12 Proven For-Profit Practices Every Nonprofit Should Embrace

Innovation is one of our core values at DRG. We love shaking things up and surprising and delighting donors with the unexpected. When...

7 Steps to Transform First-Time Donors Into Loyal Supporters

By Holly Kizer You get one chance to convert a first-time donor into a lifetime supporter. Think of it like a first date, you want to put...

8 Alternatives to Honor Rolls Your Donors Will LOVE

By Colton Withers Why do so many nonprofit organizations still cling to donor honor rolls as a way to recognize donors for their giving?...

8 Ways to Surprise & Delight the Donor Who Has Everything

By Holly Kizer Sailing the world, designer handbags, vacation homes—how can we show our major gift donors our appreciation when they...

14 Brilliant Ideas for Your Next Donor Event

One of the most significant shifts we experienced during the pandemic was in the event space. We were forced to step away from "the way...

The One Donor Relations Strategy You Need to Implement Right Now

There is a shift happening in donor relations, and we're here for it! In fact, we've been championing this approach for a few years now....

Step One: Special Events Change Management

Events can be incredibly rewarding and fruitful for our organization—if done well. And by “well,” we mean executed with strategy and...