Pain Point #8: No Second Gift from Your Major Donor!

You know this already – fundraising doesn’t end when the gift comes in.
That’s when the real work begins.

One of the biggest pain points we see is what happens after the gift. Too often, the donor is thanked once -maybe with a receipt or a quick note – and then… silence.

The donor feels overlooked. Forgotten. Taken for granted.
And when that happens, they rarely give again.

Poor post-gift stewardship is one of the surest ways to lose a donor.

Why Stewardship Matters

Donors give because they care. They want to feel their gift made a difference.

If they never hear from you again – or worse, if the next message is just another ask — the relationship stalls out.

Here’s the truth:

• Stewardship builds loyalty. Donors who feel thanked and valued come back.
• Donors invest in people. They stay close when they feel personally appreciated.
• Future revenue depends on it. Without stewardship, you’ll always be chasing new donors instead of keeping the ones you already have.

“Donors give again when they feel seen, thanked, and inspired by their impact.”

What Poor Stewardship Looks Like

We’ve all seen it happen.

• A generic receipt email stands in for a real thank-you.
• Weeks go by with no personal follow-up.
• The next message is just another solicitation.

That’s not stewardship. That’s a transaction. And donors can feel the difference.

How to Do It Better

The good news? You can change the story.

Strong stewardship doesn’t require a big budget or a new staff position. It takes intention, consistency, and a little creativity.

Try these practices:

• Say thank you quickly. A personal note or call within 48 hours makes a big impression.
• Show impact. Share a story that connects their gift to real results.
• Involve your board and leadership. Donors love hearing from people beyond the development office.
• Plan ahead. Create a simple stewardship calendar with regular, non-ask touches.
• Match their preferences. Some donors want a call. Others love a handwritten note. Ask and honor their wishes.

When stewardship becomes part of your culture, donor loyalty soars.

From Transactional to Transformational

A gift is never just a transaction. It’s an act of trust.

And when you thank donors with sincerity and show them their impact, you deepen that trust. That’s what leads to transformational giving.

Bottom line: Poor post-gift stewardship leads to no second gift. Strong stewardship leads to lasting donor partnerships.

Don’t let the gift be the end of the story. Let it be the beginning of a stronger relationship.

When you thank generously, report back, and celebrate impact, your donors will feel it – and they’ll stay with you.

This article is part of our Major Gift Officer Pain Points series. Each week we’re sharing real-world challenges fundraisers face – and practical strategies to help you overcome them.