New Research from Cygnus and Penelope Burk

I have just seen two pieces written by Penelope Burk on her blog that reveal what she is learning in her newest study of 22,000 donors across the U.S. about their attitudes towards giving to charity and their thoughts about giving in a bad economy.

If you don't already subscribe to her blog, you might want to consider that possibility. This new survey has some incredible results in it, and most of them are counter-intuitive to the way most fundraisers, executives and nonprofit board members think about fundraising. Here are jus two examples:

1. Look at this quote: "But even before we start analyzing the results, I already know one thing — the days of fundraisers as the gatekeepers of philanthropy are over. Donors are in charge now, and they are making independent and provocative decisions about who they will support and how much they will give based on whether or not charities address their growing concerns; and at the top of their list is over-solicitation." Burk has a lot more to say about over-solicitation and whose fault it is and how it can be corrected. She is principally talking about direct mail.

Here's the URL: http://www.cygresearch.com/burksblog/?p=195

2. Here are some quotes from the donor surveys that demonstrate donor attitudes. Burk says, " Americans’ determination to give in spite of hardship, or their deep regret if they have to cut back on their philanthropy. Many included a phrase like, “Please let not-for-profits know that….” " There are quite a few quotes at this URL, many will make you stop and think seriously that donors are truly marvelous!

Here's the URL: http://www.cygresearch.com/burksblog/?p=198

I saw these two entries and thought immediately of the tremendous implications this ongoing research has for fundraising practices and procedures. It's a constant learning experience, and fundraisers need to stay continually vigilant and flexible to meet the demands of donors.

Best regards to each and all,