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It’s hard to believe that it’s been two months already. Two months since COVID-19 reared its ugly head and “Stay at Home” guided our lives, organizations, schools and businesses.

We send our condolences for the lives lost, and pray for those battling the virus and all those struggling with life’s challenges.

Our community institutions have definitely been impacted. Schools have quickly and exceptionally moved to distance learning. Organizations have been called on to dramatically expand their services to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. Yet other organizations have implemented creative ways to deliver their mission to reach their constituents. All done at a distance and with fewer resources.

Thank you so much for doing your part by carrying on, in spite of the challenges and revenue uncertainties.

Even in this darkness, there has been an abundance of good. Generosity has become a driving force, a saving-grace for many of us. Individuals wanting to make a positive difference is commonplace. Volunteerism, donating food to pantries, sewing masks, shopping for the elderly and charitable giving is up. Charitable giving even in these uncertain economic times is going strong. Donors appreciate the outreach, the gratitude, and concern for their well-being they are receiving. And they are giving what they can and, in some instances, giving more. What a blessing.

Some early findings from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance tells us that more than 52% of donors expect to give the same this year as last and more than 30% expect to give more. That means it’s up to us, the philanthropic sector, the nonprofits to make sure our mission remains in the hearts and minds of those who make the mission possible . . . the donors.

Just like you, J. Milito & Associates has spent the last two months adjusting to a new way of life, of doing business. We have been blessed with opportunity. Opportunity to spend more time, talking with customers, and nonprofit leaders across this great country. Through our weekly virtual “Conversations”, “Philanthropy in Times of Coronavirus” Facebook group, e-newsletters, and good old-fashioned conversations, we learned much and shared more to make sure organizations felt supported and appreciated.

And on April 20^th, we got back to doing what we do best – picking up the telephone and raising funds for life-changing missions and ministries. While setting up a remote call center was not without challenges, we took great care to assure that our telephone fundraisers are working in safe environments and customers campaigns are treated with the same high-quality standards and care as the last 22 years.

We are having great conversations with donors. They are grateful for the outreach and concern. Their generosity has not waned. Donors are eager and willing to share what they can to support the causes they love, and help the individuals and families needing access to important programs and services! The generosity has warmed our hearts.

J. Milito & Associates is truly blessed by the trust so many have placed in us. For more than twenty-two years we’ve walked together with many in support of amazing missions and ministries. 

And know, we remain committed to our nonprofit colleagues and friends.  We are here for you, because we believe that the work you do is so so important.

Hopefully the worst is behind us. The future is in front of us. What you do today will have an impact on your philanthropic efforts long after this pandemic is behind us. 

Today, it’s time to adapt your development plan to address the many unknowns that stand in front of you.

Questions such as: How might our organization be impacted through the summer, into the fall and at calendar year end? What resources will be needed and how will goals be met? What about special events and other in-person fundraising? What are the best strategies and times to fundraise over the next six months? Addressing these now, with contingencies, will help you stay focused on what’s important – those served by your mission and ministry.

J. Milito & Associates can help you look at your plan, answer these questions, and assure that your philanthropy efforts and your fundraising activities are successful.

So,

• Keep talking about the mission and telling stories.
• Keep fundraising to keep the mission alive.
• Keep counting your blessings and saying “thank you”.
• And please stay well.

While our team continues to work remotely, our hope is to be back home in our offices after June 1^st.  There is much to do to get ready to make this transition, again. Better, smarter, more grateful.

Again, we’re thrilled that our current campaigns are showing positive results from donors including increased gift amounts, bequests, and an out-pouring of gratitude and support from constituents to their favorite charitable organizations. Telephone outreach can help you get through this.

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions, need resources, or just talk. Please call or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.

Together, we will get through this.

During this season of love and romance we are reminded just how important it is for us to demonstrate our love and appreciation for our donors. And oh so important, to not just show our love during the Valentine’s season, but also throughout the year. Make Valentine’s Day every day for your donors.

The reality is, that if you don’t make your donors feel good about their experience of giving to your organization, they’ll will most certainly move on to another equally deserving but more attentive organization.

In a 2006 study, Jorge Moll and colleagues at the National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities, it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect. Scientists also believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high.”

Your organization is responsible for keeping that “warm glow” alive in your donors.

And remember . . . all of your donors, the $25 donor and the $5,000 donor, deserve your LOVE . . . .

1. Say Thank You and mean it. Thank ALL of your donors often. Say “thank you” like you mean it. Thank them warmly and sincerely, and help them feel good about their decision to give to your organization. Thank them in a handwritten notes and personal phone calls. Remember a gift receipt is NOT a Thank you. If all you send is a receipt, your donor will not feel the appreciation required to make a second gift.
2. Communicate with your donors (not at them). Make sure you tell your donors all about the great things they made possible. Engage them in conversation. Talk person to person. Communicate with them like they are your very best friend since grade school. The great Tom Ahern says, “Your job . . . is to bestow purpose and meaning in exchange for support. That's all you have to do. It's simple.”
3. Shower your donors with tales of their excellence and value. Your donors want to know what your organization is doing that matters. They want to know how your programs are changing lives, are making a difference. They are not so interested in hearing about what a great organization you are. They want to hear about the transformational donor experiences of their peers (other donors).
4. Focus on the donor and the dollars will follow. It is about building relationships. It is about connecting with people who believe so passionately in your mission that they are willing to give of themselves and their resources to help you make a difference in the world. Each donor is a unique partner in your life changing work. Focus on what they want to do with their giving and why it giving to your cause is important to them. Then help them. And remember, please don’t treat your donors like they are ATM machines.
5. Be Accountable . . . Be a Good Steward. Trust is a precious commodity. You have been entrusted to uphold your organization’s mission by the people who support you with their money, time, and trust. You must be transparent. You donors need to know that you did in fact use their gift for the purposes you outlined in your solicitations. Being accountable for the funds you raise will keep your donors contributing to your cause. Lost trust is difficult if not impossible to repair. According to Stephen Covey, “Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”
6. Listen and Ask. Do you know your donors? Not their name, address, last gift, and giving potential. Do you know what inspires, drives, and excites them? Do you know why they give to your organization? Don’t assume you know the answer to these questions. You need to interact regularly with your donors to know who they are and what prompts their decision to give to your organization. There is so much you could learn from your donors. Be open to what they have to say and offer. Be sincere. This will create a special bond that builds trust and relationship.

Do you love your donors? Do they feel the love?

Contact J. Milito & Associates today.  We can help you show your donors the "Love" they deserve.