Is Donor Recognition Marketing?

Okay, you raised the money, the hard work is done, now put the names on a plaque and move on to the next fund raiser.  Is this how you view donor recognition?  If it is, your missing a great opportunity to make your job easier and to gain more donors without solicitation.  Deep down everyone wants to see their name in lights and a thoughtfully designed donor recognition display will entice people to give, just to see their name on the display.

Recently, someone told me a donor wall we created is referred to as the Holy Spirit.  It was great to hear that the donor display has taken on a new life and people are impassioned by the design.

If your donor recognition looks like a tombstone, you are probably missing the mark.  Give the potential donor something that catches their attention and speaks to your vision and mission.  A true extension of your marketing.

Does Location Matter for Donor Walls?

Once you ask the question the answer may seem obvious – Of course location matters! Celebrating donors and marketing to future donors is what donor walls are all about. In the past donor walls were looked at as memorials and they were built to look like headstones. It didn’t matter where you placed them, because no one ever looked at them.

Donor recognition walls are now a piece of art and through environmental design, they can add to the space. Just like a well placed painting or sculpture a donor wall invites closer inspection and should inspire people to give.