Every time I meet older supporters, I get really worried – they have memory failure about most fundraising communications – including legacies.
And yet memory leads to the greatest engagement opportunity.
What are we getting wrong? And how can we get it right?
Lifestyles of older generations
Every time I meet supporters who have retired the result is the same: we are busier in retirement than when we worked. There is so much fun to enjoy.
There are also massive family concerns and the cost of their own care
The concept of “massive baby boomer inheritance” is wrong. These are cautious philanthropic investors who plan their giving with loads of thought over many years. And much of their wealth might be re-distributed or used before they die.
But they are also the most generous sector.
I am an older generation!
As I age, I find myself replicating their behaviour.
And as I age, I find myself addicted to finding out more to understand the decision-making process and cerebral workings of older people. How do they plan their finances and philanthropy? When and how do they plan their Wills? Who do they consult? What makes them support one charity versus another? Which channels do they use?
This triggered global research into “financial decision making” and communication preferences of older people.
Results of research
Having completed research (not complete – but the key outcomes) I approached the Institute of Fundraising to present a seminar on how best to communicate with older generations ensuring that they recall communications and develop their engagement.
Spark memory recall – not memory failure
What influences them to give MORE and then to give a gift in their Will? What makes them remember YOUR communications and upgrade themselves and put YOUR charity in their Will.
Find the solution
On 10th January I will be presenting the outcomes and giving practical solutions which match the unique needs of older generations. As GDPR kicks in, how can we invest most effectively in current supporters to maximise their support?
This seminar is NOT a legacy focused seminar – it is a supporter communications seminar which includes how to maximise all methods of giving.
Richard
The Presenter: Richard Radcliffe FInstF Cert
Richard has 40 years’ experience in fundraising and 30 years in specialising in enhancing giving from older generations.
He received the Lifetime Contribution to Fundraising Award from the Institute of Fundraising in 2018
He has met almost 30,000 charity supporters in focus groups and strives constantly to improve fundraising.
He loves his job to death and has no desire to give up until he is bored or thinks he knows everything