When is a Meeting Not a Meeting?
- Chris B.
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Meetings with current, past, or potential donors are the heartbeat of major giving, donor retention, and meaningful relationship-building. Actively meeting with supporters moves your fundraising strategy from passive to active.
But we but we don’t always define what a meeting actually is. And like many things in our sector, the definition can get a little fuzzy.
Here’s how I define a true donor meeting:
A donor meeting must be substantive. The format doesn’t matter (in person, online, or over the phone); what matters is substance. Did you walk away knowing something new about the donor? Did you learn more about their philanthropic goals, their connection to your mission, or their motivations?
A meeting should also reveal a next step. That could be a gift conversation, an invitation to an event, a volunteer opportunity, or a meeting with another team member or organizational leader.
Another way to evaluate a meeting is what I call the “door-knock test.” After the meeting, would you knock on your boss’s door and say, “I just had a great donor meeting—let me tell you about it”? If the answer is no, it probably wasn’t a meeting.
And finally, the meeting must be recorded in your CRM. If it’s not in the database, it didn’t happen.
If these sorts of meetings aren't part of your fundraising strategy - don't panic. Start small and book a few meetings (or lunches, or coffees, or hikes) with some of your long-time donors. Ask them how they found your mission. Ask them what keeps them connected to your cause. Listen and then write it all down.
And if you need a hand getting started with donor meetings, or setting meeting goals that can inspire your team, then let me know. Click below to set up a call!
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