“Demonstrating impact is key. People want to see the real-world difference their support makes, whether it’s through student scholarships, research advancements, or community initiatives.”
Boaz Walker
Senior Philanthopy Manager, University College London
Donor relationships are the backbone of successful university and nonprofit fundraising. But how do you move beyond one-time gifts and cultivate long-term donor engagement?
In our latest Forumm Academy webinar, Boaz Walker (UCL) and Anarosa Muscatelli (Kuran Company) shared expert insights into identifying key donors, making meaningful connections, and ensuring sustained philanthropy. Whether you’re new to donor stewardship or looking to refine your strategy, this session provided practical, actionable tips to strengthen donor relationships and enhance fundraising success.
✅ Start with Relationships, Not Transactions – Building genuine connections with donors leads to long-term engagement and greater giving potential.
💡 Internal Networks Matter – Cultivating relationships with academics and leadership can help identify and engage potential donors.
🎯 Understand Donor Motivations – Learn what drives each donor, whether it’s passion for research, student support, or personal experiences.
📬 Personalised Outreach Works – A tailored, well-researched first contact increases response rates and sets the tone for future engagement.
🎭 Match Interests with Institutional Goals – Successful fundraising happens when donor passions align with university priorities.
📊 Demonstrate Impact Clearly – Whether through stories, testimonials, or measurable results, showing the effect of a donor’s gift is essential.
🤝 Sustained Stewardship is Key – Thoughtful follow-ups, authentic interactions, and long-term engagement ensure lasting donor relationships.
“The best donor relationships are those that feel natural, not transactional. When someone feels valued, they are more likely to stay engaged and continue supporting your institution.”
Annarosa Muscatelli
Senior Consultant, Cairney & Company
Building strong, meaningful donor relationships is not just about securing financial support, it’s about fostering a community of engaged individuals who believe in your institution’s mission. By taking a thoughtful, personalised approach to donor engagement, leveraging internal networks, and demonstrating real impact, institutions can create lasting partnerships that go beyond a single gift. With the right strategies in place, donor relationships can evolve into meaningful collaborations that drive long-term success and positive change.
If you’re looking to streamline your fundraising strategy, improve donor engagement, or leverage technology for better outreach, Forumm can help. Just leave your details below:
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