Greetings from your VP of GIG!
I'm just back from an incredibly energizing few days at the Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference. I always come away from Bridge with a notebook full of ideas and a renewed sense of purpose, and this year was no exception.
Our team was particularly drawn to sessions focused on understanding donor behavior and building long-term relationships. Here's a quick recap of some of our favorites:
From Insights to Action: This session explored the fascinating field of behavioral science and how it can be applied to fundraising strategies. We learned how to identify key donor motivations and design campaigns that truly resonate.
Sustained Giving Masterclass: We all know recurring gifts are the holy grail of fundraising. This masterclass provided tactical advice on creating and growing a successful monthly giving program.
Three Proven Practices for Gaining and Keeping Loyal Donors: Retention is as important as acquisition. This session offered concrete strategies for fostering donor loyalty and deepening engagement over time.
The keynote speakers were absolutely phenomenal this year:
Josh Linkner: This New York Times bestselling author and innovation expert got us thinking about how to cultivate a "creator" mindset within our organization. His energy was contagious!
Jackie Joyner-Kersee: This six-time Olympic medalist and founder of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation shared her incredibly inspiring journey and the lessons she's learned about giving back.
One of the most valuable aspects of Bridge is the opportunity to connect with colleagues and peers from across the nonprofit sector. This year, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with some of our valued clients and making new connections with potential partners. It's always inspiring to hear about the amazing work others are doing and to share ideas and best practices.
All of the knowledge, insights, and connections we gained at Bridge will directly benefit our clients. We're more equipped than ever to help them achieve their fundraising goals, cultivate lasting relationships with their donors, and make a real difference in the world.
Bridge always delivers a wealth of knowledge, but what sets it apart is the focus on practical application. Here are a few of the key takeaways we're bringing back to GIG:
Double Down on Donor Data: Understanding our donors' motivations and preferences is more important than ever. We're going to be digging deeper into our data to identify trends and opportunities for personalization.
Invest in Storytelling: People give to causes that move them. We're committed to telling our story in a way that's authentic, compelling, and resonates with our donors on an emotional level.
Embrace Innovation: The fundraising landscape is constantly evolving. We need to stay curious, experiment with new approaches, and never stop learning.
A huge thank you to the Bridge team for putting together another outstanding conference. We're already looking forward to next year!
Comments