16 • How to Get Your Nonprofit 'Fundraising Fit': Mastering the Art of Donor Relations with Roy Jones, CFRE
February 21, 2024
WITH CO-HOSTS: HEREDES RIBEIRO & COLLIN HOKE
Collin and H sit down with Roy Jones to talk about the transformative power of Fit Fundraising and strategic donor engagement for nonprofit success

Episode Summary.

Learn the secrets of transformative fundraising with Roy Jones, a fundraising maestro with a treasuretrove of experience spanning over thirty years. This episode brims with essential strategies andheartwarming wisdom, as Roy guides us through the nuances of donor relations—highlighting the artof seeing donations as investments and the importance of grasping the donor's journey. Hisinvaluable insights are drawn from an impressive career, including impactful roles at LibertyUniversity and Mercy Ships, and he now shares his expertise through his new venture, Fit Fundraising.

Throughout our discussion, we zero in on the pivotal art of nurturing relationships with donors. Wedissect the profiles of different donor types, from those giving with all their heart to those whosmartly invest in the causes they cherish. I peel back the layers on the challenges of solicitingdonations across state lines, while sharing anecdotes from my own fundraising escapades withschools and shelters that exemplify the profound impact of understanding what truly motivatesdonors. This episode is a masterclass in preventing donor attrition and encouraging their ascent upthe 'donor ladder' by aligning with their deepest passions.

As we wrap our conversation with Roy, we share a page from detective Columbo's book, employingthe "one more thing" approach to keep donors engaged and invested. The exchange is packed withstrategies on cultivating donor connections and navigating the dance of communication infundraising, from the power of a well-placed phone call to the delight of a handwritten note. Tune infor a potent mix of personal stories, clever tactics, and the kind of practical advice that can only comefrom years of experience in the field, all designed to help your nonprofit forge lasting bonds and drivesuccessful fundraising campaigns.

Chapters.

10:20 - Donor Relationship Building and Fundraising
18:34 -
Leveraging Direct Mail and Digital Strategies
27:32 -
Growth Trajectory of Donations
35:30 -
Strategic Communication and Segmentation
53:28 -
Cultivating Major Donors
57:38 -
The Role of Staffing in Fundraising Success

Resources and Info.

If you’d like to recommend or be a guest on the show, email us at podcast@verscreative.com

About Roy Jones.

Roy Jones, President of Fit Fundraising, stands out with over 35 years of success in fundraising and marketing, authoring the award-winning book "Rainmaking – The Fundraiser’s Guide To Landing Big Gifts." He's celebrated for exceptional relationship management and has significantly influenced top charities through advisory roles and board memberships, including World Help and The National D-Day Memorial Foundation. Jones led a transformative phase at Mercy Ships International, propelling it into the Chronicle of Philanthropy Top 400 by expanding its donor base and spearheading a $200 million capital campaign for a new surgery ship. His expertise also extends to digital media and integrated marketing plans, having advised Russ Reid and driven major giving programs at Liberty University. Jones holds a B.S. in Political Science and a master's in business leadership, certified by CFRE International.

Roy’s agency Fit Fundraising serves many of America’s leading charities and not-for-profit organizations to include: City Gate Network of Homeless Shelters, Hope for Justice, World Help, Burundi Hope, National D-Day Memorial Foundation, International Christian Embassy for Jerusalem, Nightbirde Cancer Foundation and other notable nonprofit organizations.

Other Resources.

Fitfundraising.com
Roy’s Book - Rainmaking: The Fundraisers Guide to Landing Big Gifts
Work with Fit Fundraising

Sponsors and Links.

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