ABOUT DONORS FIRST
We appreciate the special needs of Christian Ministries when it comes to stewarding the donors God gives you. It is that "Stewardship" that we can help you do better - and do it in a way that brings more Glory to God.
Donors First was developed to fill a gap in the Planned Giving Resource market by providing a brand new approach to integrating the tools of Planned Giving with the Major Donor Conversation.
Donors First is a division of Dan Mirgon & Associates, Inc. a national consulting firm helping Christian Ministries improve how they raise money, manage the ministry and recruit great leaders. (www.mirgonconsulting.com)
PLAN : Website Resources + Training + Great Support = New Gifts
Why a new method? Because the others leave out the primary element of major and planned gift development - a personal relationship with the donor.
Donors First provides your ministry with a proven method for capturing what donors want to give.
What Other programs offer
o Website Only
Many ministries purchase website materials hoping that donors will “find” them and make huge gifts. These website only programs may also be packaged with mailers that highlight bequests.
The Problem: Limited or No training in how to cultivate these gifts. You are waiting for something to happen, and there is no real help when it does.
o Have Someone Else Do the Work
Other programs do all the work for you. They create websites, and when a donor does indicate an interest, they do the follow-up and close the gift.
The Problem: These programs are effective once someone asks for help, but their costs are generally over $20,000 per year or more. In addition, someone other than your ministry staff is building the relationship for you. This “brokered” relationship can never be as solid as one you build yourself.
o Direct Mail Programs Focused on Bequests
Several programs create mailers to your “older donors” highlighting the benefits of making a bequest to your ministry. They will do the follow-up, but you must have the mailers processed.
The Problem: Limited results; Limited Focus; Brokered Relationship; Very Expensive
We think that it is time for an effective way to bring these valuable donors closer to your ministry, and do it in a way that "Serves Their Needs."
That's why we developed Donors First
"What if God really does want and deserve the credit when our ministries are funded?"
It is with that question in mind that our Fundraising Philosophy was developed. Far from simply asking for larger gifts from "friends" who have given before, the art of Major and Planned Gift development requires a brand new mindset.
Here is how we see the opportunity to bring God glory in the area of Fundraising.
It starts by identifying the Three Roles;
1. The Ministry as Story Teller - The ministry needs to be able to illustrate how God has been working through them to reach and impact people in a positive way.
2. God as Motivator - If we are telling our story well, we need to realize that God is the one who motivates donors to give. If they do, it is because our story blended with their heart and God used the outcome to bring that donor to a point of action.
3. The Donor as Decider - Everyone has a "cause" that they care about. Some can tell you what it is, and others just "know it when they see it." Whatever the case, if your story clearly points to God using you to impact lives - and the donor cares about that issue - God will motivate them to join the work - usually in a financial way.
Then, you need to be ready for whatever type of gift that donor wants to make. Whether that is a gift of Stock or a sophisticated Charitable Trust - when the donor wants to help you accomplish your mission - you had better be ready.
PEOPLE: Dan Mirgon, CFRE, CLU, ChFC, President
Dan is a specialist at helping ministries improve their results.
After a successful career in the financial services industry, Dan joined the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles where he established the URM Foundation and launched their successful planned giving ministry.
Later working in the Major Donor Department of Wycliffe Bible Translators (Associates) and then Biola University, his experience cultivating major donors and planned gifts around the United States taught him the practical methods we use today for helping ministries improve.
Dan started his consulting firm in 1993 around the idea of helping ministries get better at raising money, managing the ministry and recruiting leaders that get it. He has built relationships with experienced ministry experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to helping the ministry link with it's donor-investors better.