How can you build trust with donors who have had negative experiences with other organizations?

The first step to building trust with a donor who's had a back experience with other organizations is to listen to them. They will tell you what the experience was and how it made them feel. This is valuable insight into what causes they care about, how they support those causes, and how they want to be treated. By hearing what they say, you have a blueprint in front of you that lays out how to treat the donor as they interact with your organization. You can then tell them how your organization handles donations, recognition, and security, which can help alleviate any doubts they have about contributing to your organization. And then, always, do what you say you will and if you can't, tell them why and what you can do.

Indeed a lack of trust of public and nonprofit organizations is widely prevalent in our time, and the goal is to ensure our organization doesn't become that which is untrustworthy. Acknowledge past mistakes, ways the organization is changing/growing/improving, and strive to get the small things right. "Doing enough of the right things" is my mantra, as many nonprofits do not do this for lack of board support, lack of staff or resources, or lack of knowledge. Ensuring you do the basics correct - receipt letters, fund accounting and reporting, responsive stewardship, and a competent board and staff, are all pretty straightforward ways to stand out above the rest.

I would go one step further and say demonstrate your impact, but make sure it is tailored to their past experiences and concerns. If they had a negative experience in the past because not enough of their donation directly impacted the non-profits mission, show what percentage of your donations do go to your mission and how you use those dollars. This helps build a foundation of trust by directly addressing their concerns.

Does your database prompt you, or do you run a report each year of lapsed donors (SYBUNT/LYBUNT)? Don't be shy, "reach out and touch someone!" Call them, email them, write them a personal note. Every contact should NOT be ask. Build the relationship; the money will follow.

Its great and my addition is shows the appreciation letters and acknowledgement of previous donors and stakeholders , if you are member of any network like HAP principles , amnesty international and more others this will also make you strong to be more accountable. Shows the previous projects news paper cuttings , fb stories and other media highlighted work at national or local level. Agreed on tough and close span of management and engaged them on regular meetings and other asynchronous and synchronous communication. If you are transparent then they will trust you but this all will be pseudo then its not remained long term .