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Focus on Philanthropy

A blog by the staff of The Curtis Group

“Anonymous” May Not Be the Same for Everyone

Posted August 13, 2010 by Wesley Stanley.

Yesterday Wendy and I attended the AFP North Carolina Philanthropy Conference. Along with conducting her “Making the Successful Ask” presentation, Wendy hosted a round-table discussion during lunch on donor cultivation and stewardship.

One guest at our table recounted a story that illustrates the importance of listening to donors and asking how they’d liked to be recognized. A donor who made a generous gift to her nonprofit had asked to remain anonymous. Because of that request, the staff thought it unnecessary to post a plaque with “Anonymous” on the donor recognition wall. Until, that is, the donor toured the new facility and expressed hurt feelings because he and his gift hadn’t been recognized on the wall as “Anonymous.”

Next week, I’ll share highlights of a fascinating conference workshop I went to called “Giving Across Generations.” Again, the theme is listening to your donors and volunteers.