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Session 5A

Why Donor Surveys are Cool - and how not to irritate your Database Manager when the responses come in!

Megan Rehberg and Misty Sayre

Thursday, September 22
2:00 – 3:00 PM (MT) 

About the Session

We all know donor surveys are powerful tools to gather information and learn more about our donors. But how do you make sure it's in a usable format? Where is it most important to record individual responses and what do you need to see in aggregate? And how do you get it into your database? Join Megan Rehberg and Misty Sayre from the Air Force Museum Foundation as they walk you through the process they use to conduct their donor surveys. The Foundation has used a bi-annual donor survey to uncover millions of dollars in new planned gift expectancies, hundreds of major donors who said "ask me for a gift!", and learned more about their donors' histories and passions.

Learning Objectives

  • Why do a donor survey - some of the things you can uncover about your donors.

  • Ways to set up your survey for success in your shop - adjusting for size and staffing.

  • How/what to enter into your database - how to plan ahead to make the most of the information you gather.

Keywords: 

Donor Experience, Donor Retention, Relationship-Building, Strategy

Who Should Attend?
   



 
 

Private College/University, Public College/University, Private Secondary School, Healthcare, Religious Organization, Arts Organization, Foundation, Environmental Organization, Advocacy Organization, Social Services, Other non-profit

Suitable for any size shop

Suitable for all levels

 
 
About the Speakers

Megan Rehberg
Annual Giving & Donor Relations Officer
Air Force Museum Foundation

Megan Rehberg has 20 years of experience in Development, working in higher education, arts and culture nonprofits, and religious institutions. She leads the Annual Giving and Donor Relations teams at the Air Force Museum Foundation, building a culture of appreciation and engagement for Foundation donors. This work was recognized by ADRP; her email series was the recipient of the 2020 International Stewardship Award in the Digital Communication category. A lawyer by training, when she's not working, you can find her on stage performing as a classically-trained soprano.


Misty Sayre
Database & Data Analytics Manager
Air Force Museum Foundation

Misty Sayre has over 20 years experience in Development working in fundraising with more than 100 different organizations of all sizes and focused on data at The Dayton Society of Natural History, University of Dayton, and the Air Force Museum Foundation. Her unique experience as a fundraiser turned data guru gives her a vantage point that allows her to communicate effectively with all members of the Development team and target solutions that are a win for everyone. 

With experience in several types of nonprofit databases, Misty has a wide range of knowledge that will translate to every size and type of Development shop. She knows how to rock a platform, engage an audience, and share information that is accessible to all levels of experience.