Thoughts from the Group

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,...

Let’s rip the Band-Aid off, shall we? We need to talk about something that makes most nonprofit leaders squirm in their ergonomic chairs:...

If you asked me why I love Donor Relations work, I could give you so many reasons. I love finding ways to express gratitude. I love...

In large, matrixed nonprofit organizations, donor experiences can vary greatly from unit to unit. Without shared standards, one donor may...

One thing  more evident now than ever before is that our donors want to feel appreciated. While a thank-you letter or email are, and...

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...

Can I just say what everyone is thinking right now? These are weird times.  Federal budget cuts mean grants are being withheld from our...

Let’s talk about a behavior that is slowly but surely sabotaging nonprofit professionals everywhere—and not in some grand dramatic...

Donors want to feel seen and known. Too often, we focus our donor communications on what we want them to do—give again, upgrade, attend....

Let’s cut right to the chase. If you’re still thanking donors and asking them for another gift in the same breath, you are not stewarding...

If you've been following DRG for any length of time, you've likely heard us share facts, percentages, and trends based on our own...

Let’s be honest. Most meetings in nonprofit land are the equivalent of rewatching a movie you didn’t like the first time. You show up,...

Let’s talk about the unspoken elephant in the room… or rather, in the ledger. Unspent donor funds. It’s the kind of phrase that makes...

As some of you may know, I took the leap  and started a new role at a new institution nearly six months ago—time flies by so fast! While...

At DRG, we know that leadership can feel a little lonely sometimes. That’s why we created the Distinguished Leaders Program —to bring...

In today's turbulent higher education landscape and competitive philanthropic environment, donor retention remains the cornerstone of...

Imagine this: a donor calls you, confused by a recent pledge reminder. As they describe what’s in front of them, you feel a pit in your...

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

Let’s be clear: donor relations is not  a side gig. It’s not just about sending thank-you notes or printing pretty reports. Donor...