Summer Fundraising Series Session 4: Classifying Your Gifts & Stewardship—Saying Thank You and Tracking Retention

Description

Why the Donor Cycle Matters

A healthy donor cycle ensures that:

• Donors feel valued and invested
• The organization builds sustainable and recurring revenue
• Relationships between donors and your organization deepen over time
• Board members, program staff and fundraisers/leadership together strategically and intentionally

It is not a linear process—it’s a continuous cycle that strengthens the entire fundraising strategy and impacts the organization’s operations strategy as well.

For this series we will use the donor cycle as a launchpad for discussion of the structure and tools that should be in place at any non-profit as a basis of a successful fundraising program across donor channels (individuals, corporations, foundations, and events).

Session Overview - Training Session 4 focuses on classifying different types of gifts and understanding the tools donors use to give, as well as effective stewardship practices to thank and retain supporters. Participants will learn how to recognize gift types, leverage giving vehicles, and build meaningful connections through timely communication, personalized updates, and donor recognition. The session emphasizes strategies to strengthen donor loyalty and track retention over time.

1. Classifying Your Gifts - Types of Gifts

• Matching Gifts
• General Gifts
• Planned or Legacy Gifts
• Non-Cash Gifts
• In-Kind Donations

2. Tools for Giving

3. Stewardship – Thanking and Keeping Donors Connected

Learning Outcomes - By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Classify the main types of charitable gifts.
• Recognize key giving tools such as DAFs, trusts, and IRA gifts.
• Use effective stewardship practices to thank and retain donors.
• Communicate impact clearly and meaningfully.
• Strengthen donor engagement through personalized updates and recognition groups.

**This is part of a series of trainings. Please sign up your organization for ALL FOUR SESSIONS to receive a certificate of recognition!**

Dates:

June 12 - Training Session 1: Identify and Qualify – Finding Your Best Potential Supporters

June 26 - Training Session 2: Cultivating – Building the Relationship

July 10 - Training Session 3: Time for Solicitation – “Making the Ask”

July 24 - Training Session 4: Classifying Your Gifts & Stewardship - Saying Thank You and Tracking Retention

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:

Sharon Kitroser - As Managing Partner of Team Kat & Mouse, Sharon Kitroser brings a rich background in communications, marketing, and nonprofit development to her role. With over two decades of experience, she has worked across diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, and social services, honing her skills in strategic storytelling, corporate fundraising, and building partnerships. Sharon’s dedication to training and mentoring her teams has resulted in significant success for those who have collaborated with her. Her expertise spans crafting compelling campaigns, fostering meaningful relationships, and guiding organizations to achieve their fundraising goals. With a collaborative approach and a passion for making a difference, Sharon is committed to delivering innovative support and training and a real sense of partnership for clients of Team Kat & Mouse.

Amy Mauser - A founding partner of Team Kat & Mouse with nearly two decades of experience building and leading fundraising teams. She has worked with donors and organizations across the arts, healthcare, education, and community impact sectors. Her fundraising superpower is individual giving—helping donors envision their impact while guiding organizations to identify and engage those most likely to champion their mission. Amy has a keen eye for uncovering missed opportunities in spreadsheets and CRM data, and she can also help design a CRM structure that works for you.