When Can We Meet Again?
As more individuals are vaccinated for the coronavirus and mask and social distancing guidelines are relaxed, is it OK to meet in person with donors again? All of that depends on you, the donor and your organization’s policies.
Some individuals may be comfortable meeting in person again, while others may still be more cautious. In the event a donor is comfortable meeting in person, consider an outdoor location that will allow you to sit at a distance — such as a restaurant with outdoor seating or at a park, rather than a cozy coffee shop or office. You may also elect to bring the donor on-site to your organization. In doing so, consider hosting them for a private tour after business hours or when service traffic is minimal. Be prepared to wear masks and follow social distancing standards while meeting indoors.
There may be some individuals who are not comfortable meeting in person yet, but that doesn’t mean they are not interested in learning about updates within your organization. In such cases, offer to meet with donors virtually via Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc. Although not as intimate as an in-person interaction, meeting by video allows you to see one another and to share your organization’s needs on screen with visual aids, such as a case for support, video or graphics.
As with meeting in person, a virtual conversation with a donor should include:
- A greeting or opening. Ask the donor(s) how they have been doing since you last connected.
- Transition to share updates about your organization. Use the share screen ability on the virtual conferencing platform to share materials with the donor
- If it feels appropriate, ask the donor if they may be willing to help support your organization’s current needs with a financial gift or volunteer opportunity.
- Close the conversation with your gratitude for their time and any support they may have shared during the conversation.
- Follow up with answers to any questions the donor may have had during your conversation, and schedule another meeting to connect or send additional material as requested. As part of the follow-up, send a donor a thank-you note to highlight the points of your conversation and confirm their support.
There will not be a magic date when people will be attending in-person meetings again, but we can continue to share our organizations’ needs by meeting donors where they are and at their comfort level.
Melissa Pence, CFRE
Melissa provides fundraising counsel for AMPERAGE’s nonprofit clients, leading feasibility studies and providing solutions that drive successful fundraising campaign results.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), she uses her experience and extensive skill set to continually advance her fundraising practices and develop campaign-specific strategies, materials and training to help clients reach their campaign goals and advance their mission.
Melissa has vast experience working in the nonprofit sector, having served in development and leadership roles with Sisters of Mercy and the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, she has served as a volunteer and board member with local nonprofits, such as the Catherine McAuley Center. Faith-based organizations and causes are of particular interest to Melissa.
Melissa moves the needle by always looking for new opportunities and ways to improve professionally. She is currently president of the Eastern Iowa Planned Giving Council and a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Eastern Iowa Chapter.
Melissa holds a Master of Strategic Leadership degree from Mount Mercy University.
This busy professional, wife and mother enjoys sports and live music in her free time. A fan of Cubs baseball and Iowa Hawkeye football, Melissa and family enjoy football tailgating, where she’s known for her breakfast burritos. She enjoys the local band scene but says a Foo Fighters concert is her all-time favorite.