It’s fairly straightforward: now knowing how to locate past donor plaques could jeopardize your charitable organization…we’ve heard horror stories from clients of past donors bringing family and friends to show them their plaque only to find it missing. If you haven’t been with your organization from the beginning there maybe plaques you are unaware of. We have surveyed facilities and found donor plaques in storage rooms, behind file cabinets, you name it!
Losing a donor plaque isn’t just a waste of money, however; it also represents past donors who may have had a very strong connection with your organization at one time. That’s why we have created the Recognition Location Program. Here are the 4 biggest benefits to locating all of your donor plaques that answer the question of why and how to locate past donors.
1. Not knowing who your past donors are weakens your position.
Part of the giving-recognition dynamic is the implication that donors will be recognized forever unless there is a specific understanding stating otherwise. If current donors feel that they’ll be forgotten in ten years their willingness to give may be compromised. (Looking to find new donors? Learn about finding donors for your nonprofit here) You need to be able to confidently demonstrate that your organization continues to respect past donors indefinitely, which makes it crucial that you have a plan in place for how to locate past donors.
2. Past donors are always great prospects.
Even if the donor has passed, you may uncover a family that wishes to continue their loved one’s legacy by contributing to your organization again.
3. Understanding past giving patterns and habits.
This will help you better understand how prospects view the organization.
4. Future prospects could be turned off by neglected plaques.
Can you imagine you are walking a prospect through your facility and you come across a plaque hidden behind a plant or coat rack? Make sure that you are keeping your plaques in a position of reverence, if possible, and also learn how to clean & refurbish a donor plaque to keep your plaque in pristine condition.
