In this era of donor-centrism, we’re all (rightfully) focused on our donors, the experience we give them, the stories we tell them, the transparency we promise them, and our commitment to listen to them and respect their preferences.

All good.

But is it exclusively about delivering for them? Is it inappropriate to expect anything from a donor except a check (cheque to be clear to our international brigades)?

Don’t get me wrong … checks, cheques, credit card gifts, online bank transfers are all quite welcome, thank you. But could there be more? Relationships are supposed to deepen and expand over time, right?

Nonprofit Quarterly just reported ‘5 ways donors can surprise and delight a nonprofit’ … ideas from Phil McCorkle of the Center for Community Innovation in Salem, Oregon.

Phil’s five suggestions for donors:

1. Ask that their donations be used for administrative costs. [Wow … wouldn’t you think you died and went to heaven?!]

2. Ask to receive more frequent requests for support. [Ditto!]

3. Ask to help with fundraising. [There are such needles in the haystack. Seek and ye shall find.]

4. Do something nice for staff other than the executive director or fundraiser. [Aha … a suggestion that appreciation might flow both ways.]

5. Start giving twice a month. [OK, Phil, what are you smoking?]

Seriously, what else might a donor do for their cherished nonprofit?

1. Volunteer, of course.

2. Evangelize — recommend, refer, publicly praise or show/display their support [ Perhaps that’s a variation of Phil’s #3.]

3. Most importantly, tell you their story about your (i.e., their nonprofit — Why do they support you? What are they receiving from their association with your nonprofit?

That might sound like, simply: get testimonials. And sure, testimonials are cool … get and use them.

But I’m talking about something more substantial — listening more deeply to the way they express their aspirations, values, expectations of and thankfulness for your organization.

That’s where the real insights can come from (including simply, language) that will inspire more compelling communications from your side of the relationship … and help you think about how to more effectively reach out to and address new supporters.

Those insights I’d treat as major gifts.

What else might you fairly expect from your donors?

Tom