Donor Relations 101

May 30, 2012
Westin Seattle
Seattle, Wash., United States
8 - 11:45 a.m. Eastern

This optional preconference workshop will get you up to speed on the basics of donor relations. Whether you are building from scratch or retrofitting an existing program, the right tools, used correctly, will help you build rewarding relationships with your donors.

Workshop Program  

 8:00-8:30 AM
Introduction and Welcome

8:30-9:15 
Donor Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments are the keystone and foundation of what we do as donor relations professionals. This session will approach the process and strategic view, sharing best practices and plans for you to help build your program. In addition, we will cover how to level your acknowledgements, how to streamline your process while keeping your letters personalized, available resources and more.

9:15-10:00
Reporting and Accountability
Discuss what information a donor wants and needs from our organization and why.  We will also provide you the tools you need to create or retool your donor reports so you and your institution are being accountable to your donors.

10:15-11:00
Donor Relations Alphabet Soup
When you are new to the field of donor relations, it often seems like you are swimming in a sea of alphabet soup. How do you decode all the acronyms? What do they mean and what role do they play in your work? Learn the lingo and discover other helpful hints to get you moving along on your journey to career success.

11:00-11:45
Events 101: Beyond the Checklist
If you are in the donor relations field, chances are you will be responsible for planning an event sometime in your career. Many think event planning is a complex mystery. Let them think that!  It makes you look good when you pull off that perfect donor experience. In reality, events are a formula, a series of details strung together in the proper order to create magic. The key to a great event, what makes it different from those other ho hum get-togethers, is the personality, planning and creativity you bring to the table. Discuss the importance of making sure an event is warranted, and the strategic questions to ask to ensure this is the case. We will provide tips and tools for planning to avoid pitfalls and problems. Whether you plan one or one hundred events a year, this session will help you make each one stand out.

It is held in conjunction with the Annual Conference for Donor Relations Professionals.

This conference is designed for newcomers to the advancement profession and professionals with mid- to senior-level responsibility.