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Lapsed Donors: 5 Essential Ways To Bring Them Back

Lapsed Donors

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The success of every nonprofit organisation relies on donor relationships. Nevertheless, many nonprofits find it difficult to manage lapsed donors, those who have stopped giving but used to contribute. Bootstrapping the identification process and deploying effective measures could be the difference between success and failure in fundraising. This blog explores the meaning of lapsed donors and the different kinds before outlining reactivating lapsed donors. So, let’s start!

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What Is A Lapsed Donor?

An every-expired benefactor may be described as a person who had once given contributions but ceased doing so for some time. This can vary between a few months up to even years, depending on how you define it. There are numerous reasons when it comes to donor fatigue, including changes in the financial conditions of the donor personally or transition into different life priorities and, at times, silence from the organisation. It is very important to identify and understand the causes of lapse so that efficient strategies for reactivating lapsed donors can be created.

lapse donor


What Are The Different Types Of Lapsed Donors?

Understanding the different types of lapsed donors can help tailor your donor stewardship strategies more effectively. Here are the common types:

1. Short-Term Lapsed Donor

Nowadays, some people can stop contributing for a somewhat short time, sometimes fewer than twelve months. Phasing out donations may be occasioned by things like money-related issues or scarcity of time related to other tasks. Donor cultivation could easily be done again compared with other types of cultivation.

2. Long-Term Lapsed Donors

Long-term lapsed donors have not contributed to the organisation for more than a year. Their inactivity could be a result of moving homes or experiencing other major lifestyle adjustments. To re-engage these supporters in the most effective way, organisations must use more sophisticated methods based on individual needs.

3. High-Value Lapsed Donor

Big-time lapsed donors were once major contributors. This is distressing because their donations had an enormous effect on your organisation. Thus, the way to donor retention is by making donors more meticulous, such that it highlights their past generosity and emphasises the need for them to continue supporting.

4. Occasional Donors

Some donors have given money only sporadically and haven’t made any recent donations. Their absence from the giving community could be attributed to varying degrees of connection or insufficient motivation to give regularly again. Reactivating a lapsed donor usually includes increasing interactions and showing how their help is still benefiting people’s lives from behind the scenes.

5. Event-Driven Donors

These donors contributed in response to some events or campaigns, yet they have not given anything since then. The activation triggers for their engagement may be of a specific nature that is tied to them. You need to bring them back and create new opportunities for them that echo their desires and interests.

lapsed donors


How To Re Engage Lapsed Donors?

Reactivating a lapsed donor requires a thoughtful approach, along with maintaining donor loyalty. Here are some effective strategies to win them back:

  1. Personalised Communication: Personalised messages that acknowledge their past support and express gratitude should be sent. Customise your communication to be in accordance with their previous contributions and interests to make them feel appreciated.
  2. Update on Impact: Emphasise greatness stories and trendy news about how their past donations have impacted development. Point out certain success stories and ongoing projects that could rekindle their interest and, therefore, show them that their help still matters.
  3. Exclusive Offers: In order to promote donor acquisition of old donors, provide special incentives or exclusive updates. This might comprise exclusive backstage content, invitations to special events or early access to new initiatives.
  4. Feedback Request: Reach out to lapsed donors for feedback on why they stopped giving. This shows that you value their opinion and are committed to improving your relationship with them. You can either ask them to do a donor survey or just send out e-mails.
  5. Re-Engagement Campaigns: Initiate plans that are specifically intended to rectify the most frequent causes of overlooked contributions through specialised actions. Analyse information to ensure the recognition of oddities and formulate personalised phrases which are recognised by various lapsed donor communities.

how to re engage lapsed donors


Ending Note!

The process of fundraising cannot be successful without going back to those who forgot to make their donations. If you understand the various categories of such donors and use specific techniques designed for them, there is a chance you may get back in touch with these supportive people and rejuvenate not only their commitment towards your organisation’s mission but also towards related ones. Each donor has a different story, so custom-tailored methods usually work better.

By creating an online fundraising campaign, you can connect with numerous donors worldwide without the fear of losing supporters. WhyDonate’s robust donor network enables organisations and individuals to reach their targets efficiently. So what are you waiting for? Start your fundraising campaign today!


FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I thank a lapsed donor?

To express authentic gratitude, send an individualised message of appreciation through email or thank-you letters to donors who have not contributed for some time. Recognise their previous contributions and show sincere gratitude. Demonstrate how much of a difference their donations can make; encourage them to get back involved with your charity.

When does a donor lapse?

Your organisation must determine how long the respective time period will last during which a donor is regarded as lapsed. However, the most frequent periods are six months, one year or any other period exceeding them, depending on the policies of your organisation.

How do I ask a donor to donate again?

Don’t just ask for money from a donor; ask them to help you again by sending a personalised message along with highlighting how much support is still needed, giving recent updates about what the organisation has been doing, and explaining how their past donations have benefitted others. Make it obvious that there will be more improvements if they decide to come on board again.

What happens if a donor dies?

In the event of the death of a donor, it is essential to extend sympathies to their family and recognise the impact they made on your organisation. Provide assistance to their family and think of how to commemorate the donor’s legacy, like setting up a memorial fund or giving a project their name.

Why do donors stop giving?

For quite a few reasons, donors may suddenly decide to withdraw their financial support. It could be due to the state of affairs regarding money, personal priorities that do not involve charity anymore, lack of deep engagement in work done by those who solicit funds from them, or any dissatisfaction with the way in which organisations communicate with them or its impact. This understanding will enable us to address the problems and get back lost donors again.

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