We are pleased to publish the fourth volume of the Journal of Donor Relations and Stewardship. The concept under consideration in this volume is communication. We began The Journal in 2016 with a volume on definitions and followed that in 2017 with a volume on measurement. In 2018, with Book 3: Structure, we stepped off from the first two volumes to consider how we build our work from our definitions and how we organize our work to be in a position to determine whether what we do is effective.

In contrast to the rules-based approach of stewardship, donor relations aims to promote the relationship between the philanthropist and the organization by delivering messages derived from the mission, strategic direction and fundraising priorities. Articles published in Book 4: Communication will address the experiences and strategies of those engaged in donor relations as they work to communication with and about donors. The volume also includes insight from marketing communications professionals who have experience with donor relations.

Articles

• Moving Mission to Message

• Exploratory Research on Retaining and Cultivating the First-Time Donor: Effects of Tactical Choices on Perceived Organizational Reputation and Support Behavior Likelihood

• Annual Fund Message Delivery Sets the Stage for Donor Relations Strategies

• Donor Relations in the Social Media Age: Medium, Message, Measurement

• Developing Concepts in Donor Relations and Stewardship: A Step toward Definition and Measurement

• Marketing Communications for Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Listening: A Fundamental Component of Donor Relations
  

Click here to purchase Book 4: Communication.

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Keith Murray is a consumer psychologist and marketing professor. He has particular professional interests in the marketing of services, the effects of advertising and promotion on consumers, and the strategic management of the firm, including nonprofit organizations. He is professionally active, teaching and writing on these and other topics and has addressed business and professional groups across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Ann-Marie Reddy joined the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth as the annual giving director in 2017 after seven years at Johnson and Wales University. Her previous experience includes leading a community-based agency, serving as a senior media management consultant and running commercial operations at a television station.

Alan Dittrich, Ph.D., spent fifteen years as president of the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research following service as director of prospect development at Brown University. Previously he had a long career in marketing communications as director of marketing for an international certification firm, editor-in-chief of an engineering magazine and president of marketing communications agency.

After graduating from Baylor University, Leslie Imhoof worked as a provider-relations representative, lived in Germany for two and a half years teaching business concepts in English to Germans. After returning to United States, she has remained in the relationship industry through sales and nonprofit fundraising. She currently serves as associate director of annual giving at Susquehanna University. She served as chair of the board for GOTR Capital Area for two and a half years and currently serves as vice-president of the education committee for Association of Fundraising Professionals of Central Pennsylvania.

Kathleen Butler McDermott is the director of strategic communication at Widener University where she has worked for the past decade in fundraising and campaign communication, events and stewardship management.  Prior, she worked for 25 years at Delaware Technical & Community College, directing marketing communication efforts including publication management, branding, advertising, public relations and writing for top administrators.

Patricia Berry is executive director of the Heurista Institute. She is a self-proclaimed “socialized data wonk” with a unique background as an Accenture consulting alumna along with 17+ years’ experience leading fundraising organizations that range from Ivy league with global reach to faith-based serving local communities. Her broad interests in positive psychology, permaculture design theory and the placemaking movement have resulted in a unique approach to consulting that fosters collaborative thinking and creative solutions for client organizations that depend on good relationships to achieve their missions. She was a member of the ADRP board from 2013-2016.