217. Robots Make Bad Fundraisers: Maintaining the Heart in the Digital Age - Steven Shattuck
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Overview
Meet Steven. He's one of our favorite content creators and nonprofit thought leaders, and we're chatting about how to make tech work for nonprofits - without being overwhelming. He's walking us through how to humanize through tech and why personal outreach will always win. Join us and Bloomerang's Chief Engagement Officer to chat Robots Make Bad Fundraisers: Maintaining the Heart in the Digital Age Robots🤖
💡Learn:
-How to start humanizing our tech processes
-Biggest strategies for retaining donors this year
-2022 nonprofit tech trends
-How to #worksmarter: algorithms and automations
Today’s Guest
Steven Shattuck, Chief Engagement Officer, Bloomerang
“If stewardship is the goal of this technological renaissance, that’s where people are going to be the most successful. Rather than viewing it as just a time saver, it should be a route to better stewardship.”
Episode Transcript
Download Full Episode Transcript Here
Episode highlights
Steven’s story and journey to where he is today (2:30)
Trends Steven is paying attention to (5:50)
Data hygiene (8:30)
Robots Make Bad Fundraisers: Maintaining the Heart in the Digital Age (11:00)
Where to start today (16:00)
Look at your current supporters. What experience are they getting?
Humanize your automated systems
Mix in a multi-channel approach
Show curiosity about your donors
Focus on retention
Current stats around retention in our sector (25:00)
A powerful moment of philanthropy in Steven’s life (34:00)
Steven’s One Good Thing: Don’t allow yourself to be discouraged by all the things you’re not doing. (37:00)
powerful quotes
“"It’s a great time for nonprofit professionals because all of these awesome tools and different types of functionalities are available at a scale that is accessible.” -Steven
“It’s a really good time for the sector because now we can finally catch up with the for-profit sector that always seems a step ahead with access to these awesome technologies.” -Steven
“Healthy data is going to lead to so much more success in our organizations.” -Becky
“Consumers are savvy and they’re going to notice these things. For nonprofits to be successful using technology, data hygiene is absolutely critical.” -Steven
“If stewardship is the goal of this technological renaissance, that’s where people are going to be the most successful. Rather than viewing it as just a time saver, it should be a route to better stewardship.” -Steven
“It’s never been more important to make that personal connection. People feel isolated, and nonprofits have an advantage to hone in on those new or existing relationships. For the people on the receiving end, that may be the only personal connection they receive if they are truly isolated.” -Steven
“If we rely on technology too much to do the work for us, we will lose what is magical about fundraising. People give to people, not logos.” -Steven
“Technology should aid personal outreach, not replace it. My concern is we are focused on replacing the work we are doing rather than enhancing it.” -Steven
“Look at the current supporters. What kind of experience are they getting?” -Steven
“The experience of buying something on Amazon should not be mirrored in the experience of donating, and a lot of times that happens.” -Steven
“Could we humanize our automated systems? Change them from a receipt to something that actually does say thank you. Beyond that, you can still send a thank you letter, call a donor to say thank you and more.” -Steven
“Most first time donors are probably giving digitally because that is the lowest barrier of entry. Because so much is automated, we may not be getting to know them.” -Steven
“If you look at giving over the last 16-18 months, it was people giving less than $250 in terms of their gifts that had the biggest increases.” -Steven
“It wasn't the mega donors swooping in and dropping billions of dollars and kind of rescuing the sector.” -Steven
“What are we automating? And why? Have we thought through that strategically?” -Steven
“As nonprofits, we have an advantage. You can stand out through personal outreach. We’re all overworked and struggling, but can we push other tasks to the side with technology’s help to free us up.” -Steven
“Research shows that households and individuals have a pet cause. Find that out. There is a reason they are giving to you, and that information is so valuable.” -Steven
“The most rewarding thing is when I see organizations find out this information and it opens the door to amazing relationships. That is when the major gifts, capital campaign contributions, and endowments happen.” -Steven
Connect with steven and bloomerang
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