Advance Notice: Online Course– The Science of Supporter Motivation

October 19, 2020      Roger Craver

For several years we’ve been reporting the research and results of pilot projects conducted by the behavioral scientists at DonorVoice.  Charities around the world have seen improved conversion, increased value and improved retention.

Quite frankly, although their results have been more than impressive, for most fundraisers applying the principles behind these successes is not recipe book simple.

To put it another way,  although we try our best to describe and illustrate concepts like  donor “identity”, “personality” and “motivation” as real breakthroughs in improving fundraising performance and supporter experience there’s no substitute for direct hands-on experience. Blog posts,  and even 60 and 90 minute webinars aren’t quite enough.

Consequently, a number of readers have requested a more detailed approach — oriented directly to their own organizations’ circumstances and needs.

DonorVoice has responded to this request by preparing a special Five Week Course designed to specifically help registrants how they can practically apply concepts like identity, personality and motivation to improve fundraising performance in their organizations.

The course has been developed and will be led by Dr. Kiki Koutmeridou, Chief Behavioral Scientist at DonorVoice and Dr. Stefano Di Domenico, DonorVoice’s Director of Supporter Motivation.

Starting Jan 20thand for the next  5 weeks in 60 minute sessions participants will immerse themselves in a 100% case-based curriculum based on successful in-market applications of key behavioral science principles.  Not only will participants learn from proven examples available nowhere else, even more significant they’ll receive hands-on support applying these concepts directly to their own organization.

Even more significant l discover how you could also use supporter identity, personality and motivation to improve fundraising performance and supporter experience.

Everything will be 100% case study-based from successful in market application.

Not only will you learn from proven examples, unavailable anywhere else, you’ll also get hands on support applying these concepts directly to your fundraising area.

 Register now to secure your space.

What makes this course different?

Unlike any other course we know of this course is led by two qualified PhD’s who don’t preach, they practise. Both Kiki and Stefano are behavioural scientists and full-time fundraisers.

Their goal isn’t to lecture about theoretical concepts, but to show you how to use them. You’ll leave this course with:

  • A deep understanding of the theory
  • Hands-on practice incorporating all key motivational factors in your next appeal or other fundraising offering
  • Practical support and advice for further development of your appeal
  • Embedded skills to apply these insights to all your future appeals

 Click here for more information on the course.

What’s involved and what will  I get?

As noted,  sessions will be held once a week and each lasts for 60 minutes. Kiki and Stefano will share an overview of each foundational concept and will then focus on case studies, practical application, and advice. There will also be Q&A at the end of each session for additional support.

This isn’t a theoretical course. Everything you learn will be directly applied to your fundraising.

When you sign up, you’ll be asked to come prepared with an appeal you’re working on. This could be anything, an email, your control/new test package  or the brief for a brand-new appeal. What you’ll learn is as applicable to acquisition as to house file appeals or to a legacy offering.

At the end of each week, you’ll apply what you learned to your working appeal. At the end of the course, you’ll be asked to submit all your work and you will receive an assessment of how well you’ve applied the insights as well as ideas for further improvement.

Who am I learning from?

Kiki is DonorVoice’s resident behavioural scientist. She’s spent years applying her expertise directly with clients all around the world with an unparalleled track record of success. Her role covers campaign strategy, leading research projects and application of behavioral principles to fundraising.

Stefano is DonorVoice’s Director of Supporter of Motivation. He brings cutting-edge insights from the science of human motivation and personality into fundraising. His key areas of focus are personalized persuasion and fostering the most volitional and high-quality forms of motivation and engagement among donors.

Both course leaders are highly qualified  in the subject matter they’re sharing. It shouldn’t be necessary to make this distinction, but one glance at other courses on behavioural science and fundraising shows you don’t need to be remotely qualified to share as though you were an expert.

How much is the investment and how do I sign up?

Investment for the course and hands on follow-up support is $1945. [20% Early bird discount by 15th November].

No question that his is a pretty hefty price.  But remember, you’ll come away from the course with fundraising package you can put to work immediately.  An acquisition piece.  An appeal.  A legacy offering.  Whatever you choose — for print, or digital.  So, when you think about the price of the course take into account what you’d normally pay a copywriter without the added behavior science training and advice.

As you can imagine because Kiki and Stefano will be  offering personalised advice and support, places are strictly limited and available on a first come first served basis.

 Register now to secure your space.

Still have questions?

Great, the folks at DonorVoice would  love to hear from you.

If you’re in the United States or Canada, email Kevin Schulman,  kschulman@thedonorvoice.com

If you’re in the UK or Europe email Charlie Hulme, chulme@thedonorvoice.com

If you’re anywhere else in the world, either will be happy to help you.

 

Roger