What you will learn?
Develop and implement donor lifecycle strategies that enhance retention and engagement.
Use data segmentation and CRM tools to personalize donor communication and reporting.
Design ethical, transparent, and impactful stewardship and re-engagement programs.
Integrate donor relationship management principles into overall organizational strategy.
Target Audience
Nonprofit fundraisers and development professionals seeking to deepen donor relationships.
Executive directors and program managers responsible for donor communication.
Database, communications, and operations staff managing CRM and donor data.
Consultants and trainers supporting nonprofit fundraising infrastructure.
About this course
The Donor Relationship Management course provides nonprofit professionals with the strategies, tools, and systems to build meaningful, long-term relationships with donors. Rather than focusing solely on fundraising transactions, this course explores how cultivating trust, engagement, and stewardship transforms one-time contributors into lifelong partners in mission impact.
Through a series of practical lessons, participants will learn to understand their donor base, segment audiences for tailored outreach, and apply data-driven approaches to enhance communication and retention. The curriculum covers every stage of the donor lifecycle—from onboarding and first impressions to stewardship, retention, and re-engagement of lapsed donors. It also delves into the technical aspects of managing donor information, including CRM systems, data integration, analytics, and privacy compliance.
By combining human connection with technology, learners will gain insights into designing donor experiences that reflect authenticity, gratitude, and transparency. The course concludes with a focus on embedding donor relationship management as an organizational culture and a sustainable growth strategy.
Upon completion, participants will be equipped to lead donor engagement initiatives that strengthen trust, maximize giving potential, and ensure lasting organizational resilience.
Requirements
Basic understanding of fundraising principles or nonprofit operations.
Familiarity with data management or CRM systems (recommended but not required).
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