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"God always finishes what He
starts. He never begins a project only to leave it half-done. He
never walks away from a messy workbench. Unlike us, God never
carries over items on His "To Do" list from one eternity to the
next. He always completes what He begins." ~ Joni Eareckson Tada
Do you routinely start reading a book or
launch a new project only to abandon the task for something that
captures your immediate attention (did you say 'ice-cream cone')?
Sure, we all do at times. How does this idea relate to building
trust with your station's supporters?
When you
launch new programming initiatives or outreach projects and ask for
donor support, do you take as great of care in communicating the
results back to donors as you do in asking for contributions? That's
right, the big "C"--communication-- is vital from the start to the
end of a project. Dan Busby, president of the Evangelical Council
for Financial Accountability (ECFA), underscores this truth as he
writes, "history suggests that during times of uncertainty, leaders
communicate less to constituents with the rationale that waiting for
more definitive answers will better assure people. However, waiting
lowers trust levels among constituents."
In our work with Christian radio stations, we have discovered that
lack of proper follow-up communication represents the number one
indicator determining whether or not a major donor sustains their
relationship with the station long-term. Comprehensive follow-up
must also continue until the project is complete.
Want more
ideas on how to build donor trust through thorough project
communication? Here's help from two respected organizations:
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ECFA- Review
ECFA's "Best Practice"
guidelines for members and consider joining America's premier
Christian accrediting agency.
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Give India- Check out this
outstanding donation platform and note how they provide
web-based information to donors at each stage of a project.
"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me"
~Psalm 138:8
With 25 years of experience in corporate and non-profit leadership
positions and almost a generation of experience in listener
supported Christian radio, Mark Kordic helps radio stations across
the country grow income from major donors and pledges. Mark also
assists several missions organizations in their growth
strategies. Before joining Advocace, Mark was the Director of Media
Advancement for CDR Radio Network, the media division of Cedarville
University in Cedarville, OH. Kordic also previously served as
assistant pastor at Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jamestown, OH.
Contact Mark by e-mail at
mark.kordic@advocace.com
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