Welcome back to another edition of Ask A Responsive Fundraiser! This week, we have our very own Erik Tomalis back, answering your questions about donor relationships, volunteer programs, and diversifying nonprofit boards. He offers actionable advice and clear steps to work through your biggest challenges.
Be sure to check out past editions of Ask a Responsive Fundraiser and leave us a comment on LinkedIn so we can answer your questions!
Let’s dive in and see how you can transform these common hurdles into opportunities for growth!
Dear Responsive Fundraiser: How can we create more meaningful relationships with our donors? We would like to get to the point where people give through recurring gifts, but we aren’t sure how to scale it.
Erik Tomalis: Building real, meaningful relationships with donors is what turns one-time givers into loyal, recurring supporters. And if you’re trying to scale that? It all comes down to creating an experience that feels personal and intentional at every touchpoint.
The good news is this doesn’t mean doubling your workload—leveraging the right tools and tech can help you automate those personal touches while still keeping things genuine. By focusing on personalization, intentional engagement, and a seamless experience, you can scale without losing that special connection with your donors.
Be sure to use personalization at every touch point. Your donors want to feel seen and heard so you need to show them that you understand them. Consider a donor’s giving history, interests, and preferred communication methods when you reach out to them. Donors are more likely to give more or become recurring donors if they feel genuinely connected to your nonprofit.
Many donors are willing to become recurring givers but may need a nudge or clear understanding of the benefits. Recurring giving provides convenience for the donor and sustainability for your organization. Ensure that your messaging around recurring gifts highlights this dual benefit.
Meaningful relationships aren’t built through donations alone. Invite donors to engage with your organization in other ways, such as volunteering, attending events, or becoming advocates for your cause. The more engaged they are, the more likely they are to remain long-term supporters.
By focusing on personalized communication, strategic donor journeys, and automation, you can scale your recurring giving program while maintaining meaningful, long-term relationships with your donors.
Dear Responsive Fundraiser: Our volunteer program is inconsistent, and we don’t always have enough volunteers to meet our needs. How can we develop a better volunteer program and empower our volunteers in the community?
EK: Building a strong volunteer program isn’t just about filling shifts—it’s about creating a meaningful experience that keeps people coming back. It all starts with clear communication. Volunteers need to know exactly what’s expected of them and how their role fits into the bigger picture. When you give them that sense of purpose, you’re not just meeting your immediate needs—you’re building long-term advocates for your cause.
Engagement is another huge piece of the puzzle. Keep your volunteers in the loop with updates on the impact they’re helping to create, and give them opportunities to share feedback or ideas. People want to feel valued, not just like another name on a schedule. When they feel like their contributions are making a difference, they’re more likely to stay invested.
And finally, offer opportunities for growth and connection. Whether it’s offering leadership roles, training sessions, or even just creating space for volunteers to connect with each other, giving them a sense of ownership and community is key to building consistency. When volunteers feel empowered and appreciated, they’ll stick around—and they’ll be your biggest champions in the community.
A successful volunteer program is built on clear communication, strong engagement, and meaningful opportunities for volunteers to connect with your mission.
Dear Responsive Fundraiser: As our nonprofit grows, we’re finding that we need to diversify our board a bit more. Where should we look for new board members, and how can we recruit them?
EK: Having a diverse and dynamic board is a total game-changer for a growing nonprofit. When you have people with different perspectives, skills, and backgrounds, you’re not just bringing new ideas to the table but also opening doors to new networks and strengthening your organization’s presence in the community. Plus, a diverse board can make sure your decisions are more inclusive and forward-thinking.
But finding and recruiting the right people isn’t something you can leave to chance—it requires being intentional and strategic. Start by looking at the gaps on your current board. Does it reflect the community you serve? Do you need more diversity in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, or professional expertise? Consider if you need more legal or financial expertise, for example. Once you know what you’re missing, you can actively seek out individuals who bring those qualities to the table.
Start looking beyond your usual circles. Partner with local community leaders, professional organizations, and even your current donors and volunteers to identify potential board members. Think about the type of nonprofit you are and consider people in similar areas. For example, for a healthcare nonprofit, look for experienced doctors, nurses, or hospital administrators.
But don’t be afraid to think outside the box—consider people from different industries who might offer unique insights or connections.
Once you’ve identified prospects, the key is to clearly communicate how their expertise and passion align with your mission and how they can make a real impact by joining your board. Personal outreach and a compelling invitation can go a long way in bringing on board members who are diverse and deeply invested in your cause.
