{"id":29739,"date":"2023-03-21T11:05:32","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T15:05:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.donorperfect.com\/nonprofit-technology-blog\/?p=29739"},"modified":"2024-07-09T17:26:59","modified_gmt":"2024-07-09T21:26:59","slug":"how-to-reach-lapsed-donors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.donorperfect.com\/nonprofit-technology-blog\/fundraising-software\/how-to-reach-lapsed-donors\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Reach Lapsed Donors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Establishing a community of loyal donors can offer nonprofits security and stability, allowing for longer-term budgeting and strategic planning. What motivates some donors to stick around, and why do others stop supporting your mission after a gift or two<\/a>? By connecting with lapsed donors \u2013 or donors who haven\u2019t given in a while \u2013 you can learn more about what inspires your supporters and boost your donor retention<\/a> at the same time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Another reason to connect with your lapsed donors: it\u2019s likely they don\u2019t realize they stopped giving and may give again if prompted. According to a recent study by Philanthropy Daily,<\/a> 49% of lapsed donors who hadn\u2019t made a gift in at least two years believe themselves to be current donors.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Pull the right data<\/h2>\n

First, you\u2019ll want to set your own criteria for what constitutes a \u201clapsed donor.\u201d For some organizations, one full year without giving is enough to consider a donor as lapsed. For others, or for donors who like to give a larger gift every few years, donors may not be considered lapsed until at least five years have passed without a gift.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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DonorPerfect users:<\/strong> You can quickly pull a list of lapsed donors by applying a selection filter with the date of supporters\u2019 last gift to the Donor Names, Addresses, and Phone Numbers report. Learn how!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

There\u2019s a sweet spot for contacting lapsed donors, and you\u2019ll want to figure yours out before committing to an outreach plan. Do you see donors on your list who gave once fifteen years ago in memory of a loved one, and haven\u2019t been engaged at all since? Before you go out of your way to call them, try connecting with them through a newsletter or other mass communication first. On the other hand, donors who haven\u2019t given in a year or two, but otherwise open your emails or attend your events are perfect candidates for personalized outreach.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Try separating your lapsed donors list into four categories to help prioritize your outreach:\u00a0<\/p>\n