Top 10 Ways to Meaningfully Engage Nonprofit Donors

Running a nonprofit often feels like wearing twenty hats at once—and donor engagement is one hat a fundraising leader should never take off. Over the years, I’ve learned that cultivating relationships with donors is less about asking for money and more about building trust, connection, and shared purpose. Here are some of my ideas to genuinely engage with donors.

1. Treat Donors Like Partners, Not Pocketbooks

One of the biggest mindset shifts most fundraisers have to make is to stop viewing donors as people who “give” and start seeing them as collaborators. Invite donors into conversations—not just about dollars, but about impact. According to Penelope Burk’s Donor-Centered Fundraising, donors who feel involved in decision-making give more and stay longer with organizations they trust. Always ask for their opinions and listen with real intent.

2. Say Thank You—Often and Authentically

This one might seem obvious, but it’s so easy to overlook when life gets busy. I once handwrote 73 thank-you notes in a single week (my wrist is still recovering!), but the heartfelt replies we received made every word worth it. Studies have shown that donors who are thanked promptly are 60% more likely to give again. Gratitude isn’t just polite—it’s powerful.

3. Share Stories, Not Statistics

Many of you send out reports packed with pie charts and graphs, on annual reports and marketing collateral. While transparency is important, I’ve found that stories open hearts. When you share a single story about a person whose life was changed by your work, donors lean in. As storytelling expert Andy Goodman says, “Numbers numb, jargon jars, and nobody ever marched on Washington because of a pie chart.”

4. Create Personalized Experiences

No two donors are the same, so try not to treat them as if they are. Track their interests—some love behind-the-scenes tours, others want to meet program recipients, and some prefer email updates with photos. Even sending a birthday card with a little personal note can make a big difference. Personalization shows you care about them, not just their support.

5. Be Transparent, Especially When Things Are Hard

Years ago, one of my clients had a major project stall due to a permit issue. We, including our board members, were terrified to tell top donors. But when I reached out with honesty, they thanked me. One even said, “Thanks for trusting me with the truth.” That moment built more trust than any success story ever could. Transparency fosters loyalty

6. Involve Donors in the Work—Literally

Start inviting donors to volunteer with you—not in a showy way, but authentically. Watching someone who once sat behind a checkbook hand out meals or read with a child creates a shift. They go from outsider to insider. According to the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, donors who also volunteer are more engaged and likely to increase their giving.

7. Use Social Media to Celebrate Them

Donors can be humble, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy being appreciated. Include acknowledgements to them on Instagram and Facebook, telling a short story about why they support you. It’s always with permission and care, but every time I’ve done this over the years, others are inspired—and our featured donors feel deeply seen.

8. Host Thoughtful Events—Big and Small

One of the best donor experiences I created wasn’t a gala—it was a simple wine-and-cheese night at the nonprofit’s office, allowing for a Q&A session with board and staff members. The intimacy allowed donors to ask meaningful questions, meet program leaders, and feel connected. Donor stewardship events, even when informal, are key to retention and relationship building.

9. Keep the Communication Two-Way

Some NPOs send quarterly newsletters and think that is doing enough. When I once did just that, a donor gently told me, “I love hearing from you, but I wish I could respond.” That was eye-opening. Include feedback options, short surveys, and open invitations to talk. Engagement means a real-time conversation, not just broadcasting updates.

10. Celebrate Milestones—Together

Every time you hit a goal, let your donors know they made it happen. Celebrate together. One company I had been contracted by hit their 10th anniversary, so I created a thank-you video featuring staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries sharing love for our supporters. I cried. Donors cried. That kind of emotional connection is why most of you do what you do.

I’ve never seen donor engagement as a strategy—it’s always about relationship. These folks have chosen to believe in your group’s mission. That’s not something to take lightly. Every thank-you, every story, every authentic update is a way of saying: “We’re in this together.” And that’s what truly keeps the heartbeat of a nonprofit strong.