This column is intended for two audiences, the donors who invest in the quality of life we have in The County and the professional fundraisers and volunteers who facilitate the impact of philanthropy.

I am sure I am not the only one who can’t believe how fast January is flying by! As we move closer to the month of February, I find myself reflecting on my start to the New Year. For me, some resolutions haven’t turned into good habits yet, like going to bed earlier. But, one has! I am waking up every morning feeling grateful. I am fortunate though, not only is it easy for me to find things in my personal life to be grateful for, it’s literally written into my job description.

It takes time to build and nurture relationships with our donors and it is all built on trust. To be a good fundraiser is to care for, build and, STEWARD, the relationships we have with our donors; respecting fully, the donor’s preferences and interests. This means, we need to take the time to get to know what is important to each one of our donors and strive to make each donor’s experience as meaningful as possible.

Stewardship involves actions like expressions of gratitude, communicating on how the gift will be used, reporting on the impact and difference their gift is making and providing the opportunity for the donor to give again.

As a result, the donor feels wonderful and appreciated for their giving. And, the more I get to know my donors and the stronger my relationships become, the more gratifying and meaningful my job is. It’s a win-win!

A strong stewardship program should be guided by the Donor Bill of Rights. The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. The Bill helps to hold charitable organizations to the highest standards and has been endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Prince Edward

County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

According to the Network for Good https://www.networkforgood.com/resource/7-reasons-why-donors-give/ , people are motivated to give because 1. They believe in the mission 2. They trust the organization 3. They see the impact of their giving 4. They are personally connected to the cause 5. They want to be a part of something 6. The organization caught their attention and it is easy to make a gift, and 7. Tax benefits (notice this one is the last on the list).

Do you know the #1 reason why donor’s stop giving? Poor stewardship! They don’t know how their gift is being used and if it had an impact. This takes a lot of work and effort but if done right, your organization could have a very special relationship with your donors, one that has the potential to last a lifetime.

I hope this isn’t the case, but if you are a donor and you aren’t feeling the love, reach out to your beloved charity and let them know how they can better steward your relationship. You are an important member of your very own stewardship team!

If you are a charity or volunteer in our community who is looking for creative ways to nurture and cultivate your donors, feel free to reach out to our Foundation. We’d love to brainstorm with you. After all, every charitable organization in our community is contributing to the fabric of our lives and each one is important.

For information about our hospital, to access the Donor Bill of Rights, or to make a donation call 613 476 1008 ext. 4502, or visit the Foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca.