A recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy entitled “Your Discriminatory Database May be Turning Off Donors” discussed the concept and likelihood of a given nonprofit’s donor/prospect database using arcane, outdated, off-putting, and even offensive norms. The article was interesting and important, and I agree that looking at your donor/prospect database to update information is a critical part of your organization. Asking a donor how they would like to be addressed seems totally logical, but then you and your organization need to fully be open to the fact that some of the people you’re reaching out to might not be comfortable with the choices you offer. Assumptions of names, gender, and marital status can result in losing a donor for good if you are applying non-inclusive standards to the seemingly simple act of recording the person’s identity.
What's in a Name?
What's in a Name?
What's in a Name?
A recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy entitled “Your Discriminatory Database May be Turning Off Donors” discussed the concept and likelihood of a given nonprofit’s donor/prospect database using arcane, outdated, off-putting, and even offensive norms. The article was interesting and important, and I agree that looking at your donor/prospect database to update information is a critical part of your organization. Asking a donor how they would like to be addressed seems totally logical, but then you and your organization need to fully be open to the fact that some of the people you’re reaching out to might not be comfortable with the choices you offer. Assumptions of names, gender, and marital status can result in losing a donor for good if you are applying non-inclusive standards to the seemingly simple act of recording the person’s identity.