Moving the Goalposts on Donor Engagement

Two years ago, Moore highlighted what $7 million — the cost of a 30-second ad in the big game at the time — could do for nonprofits. That impact remains just as relevant today: $7-8 million could, for example, fund 63,000 nights of shelter for homeless youth or a year of education and support for 300 Native American children in generational poverty. What we didn’t highlight in that campaign is that one of the most impactful ways to use donor dollars is by investing in donor engagement — transforming one-time donors into long-term, mission-driven partners. This investment in your donors is something that pays for itself, over and over, in the years to come.
Beyond the One-and-Done Gift
Many fundraising programs still operate with a short-term mindset: secure a donation, send a thank-you, and ask again. But that’s not how lasting relationships are built. The future of fundraising depends on a shift from transactional giving to transformational engagement — where donors feel like partners, not just funders.
This shift is critical because donor retention remains one of the biggest challenges. The cost of acquiring new donors is significantly higher than retaining existing ones, so focusing on long-term donor engagement creates a more sustainable funding model where donors feel connected, valued, and motivated to support the mission beyond a single gift.
From Kick-Off to Commitment
- Build the Right Donor Journey
Effective fundraising starts with building the right audience and crafting tailored donor experiences. With Moore’s data-driven approach, including behavioral insights from SimioCloud and neuroscience-backed research from the Neurofundraising Lab, you can segment donors and guide them through personalized, multi-touch journeys — from welcome messages to ongoing engagement and long-term support.
- Listen to Donors and Adapt
Donor engagement isn’t just about sending the right message — it’s about hearing what they have to say. By integrating surveys, social listening and behavioral insights, Moore will help refine messaging, adjust strategies, and create authentic communications.
- Use Data to Personalize Outreach
Customization is key. Moore’s AI-powered SimioCloud enables nonprofits to segment audiences, tailor messaging to donor interests, and optimize outreach timing. Personalized experiences drive deeper engagement and increase retention.
- Create Sustainable Giving Pathways
Long-term support doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through strategic donor journeys. Through monthly giving programs, donor-advised funds, or planned giving, Moore helps nonprofits cultivate sustained donor relationships, ensuring a predictable revenue stream and maximizing lifetime donor value.
Beyond the Game: Investing in What Matters
Major brands spend millions on a 30-second TV ad during one of the year’s biggest broadcasts, chasing fleeting consumer attention. But you don’t need a prime-time budget to make a lasting impact. Investing in donor relationships delivers long-term results that go far beyond a single transaction.