The donor development continuum is dead

The donor development continuum is dead.Discovery -> Cultivation -> Solicitation -> StewardshipThis framework was based on the premise that you have control over the relationship. That’s no longer the case.Instead, here's what's happening now:❗ Donors are DISCOVERING you and forming their own opinions through social media and other digital or in-person gathering places.❗ They can see right through your “CULTIVATION” efforts. They come off as insincere and actually undermine trust.❗ SOLICITATION, when disconnected from feeling involved in co-creating the project, yields smaller and token gifts if at all.❗ STEWARDSHIP, if it is being done, again feels insincere. Don’t tell me how much you love me (and my wallet). Show me what we achieved together.What is a fundraising operation to do?Louis and Mike get into some ways that nonprofits can adapt to the changing reality.GET CONNECTEDFollow Louis Diez on LinkedIn Follow Mike Duerksen on LinkedIn Join the Donor Participation Project here—a community of 1,500+ fundraisers who get together every month to co-create solutions that increase donor participation. Get access to the 5 Minute Fundraising Fix—a FREE mini course that will help you craft compelling fundraising messages that move donors to action and increase response. ABOUTLouis Diez is an expert in annual fund development, digital fundraising, and engagement strategies. He's the founder and host of the Donor Participation Project.Mike Duerksen is the founder and CEO of BuildGood, a fundraising agency that helps nonprofits raise more money from individual donors. He also hosts the Build Good Fundraising Podcast.