Listen "Donor Stewardship: Community-Centric Segmentation and Practices"
Episode Synopsis
Send us a textYour top donors don’t just write big cheques; they could be folding newsletters in your conference room every Tuesday or serving on your board for the third consecutive year.In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, we're exploring on what it means to steward supporters through a Community-Centric Fundraising lens. We're sharing ways we’ve shown gratitude to people who show up for your mission with time, talent, advocacy, and yes, dollars too. We challenge the traditional approach of stewarding people based solely on gift amounts and explore who really deserves your high-touch attention (spoiler: it's not just your $1,000+ donors).1. Volunteers Are Major Donors in DisguiseYour regular volunteers are often contributing the equivalent of $15,000-$60,000 in staff time, yet most organizations don't steward them like major donors. That volunteer who designed your website for free? That's a $15,000 gift that deserves the same recognition as a financial contribution of that size.2. Monthly Donors Deserve VIP TreatmentEven a $5 monthly donor should be in your major giving category. These supporters show incredible commitment and loyalty, and research shows they're likely to increase their giving over time. Plus, they're your best candidates for additional campaign gifts and planned giving opportunities.3. Your Staff Are Subsidizing Your MissionEvery nonprofit staff member is essentially making a $20,000-$30,000 gift by accepting below-market wages. During the current hiring and retention crisis, treating staff with the same stewardship approach you'd use for major donors isn't just nice. It's smart business.4. Longevity Matters More Than Single-Year GivingA donor who's given $100 for five consecutive years is more valuable than someone who gave $500 once. Length of relationship and consistency of support are stronger indicators of future giving potential than one-time gift amounts.5. Meaningful Stewardship Is About Connection, Not CostThe most impactful stewardship often costs very little. A quick, personal email sharing a story you just heard can be more meaningful than an expensive branded gift. Authenticity trumps fancy materials every time.Resources and Linkso Connect with our host, Maria Rioo Connect with our cohost, Caitlin McBrideo Support our show. We are fully self-funded!o Watch this episode on YouTubeo Need help with your fundraising?o Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
More episodes of the podcast Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions
Major Gifts for Small Nonprofits
23/09/2025
Audience Building for Nonprofits
16/09/2025
AI in Nonprofits: Re-engaging Your Community
09/09/2025
The Network Myth: A Hiring Red Flag
12/08/2025
5 Trends Redefining Nonprofits by 2035
05/08/2025