What do you do if your communication style isn't connecting with diverse philanthropic audiences?

Cuando uno documenta que su mensaje está desconectado con la audiencia, hay que realizar una auditoría de comunicación para saber si la audiencia o público objetivo es el filantrópico. Si la respuesta es afirmativa debemos de saber qué intereses guarda ese sector y preguntarnos ayudar al otro para qué. Debemos ser empáticos con el sector filantrópicos y ponernos en su zapatos sobre la extraordinaria labor que representan. Asi como lo hace una empresa, las organizaciones civiles deben convencer al público sobre sus misiones, propósito, visiones y las razones de lo que hacen, y por supuesto tener mecanismos o contrapesos dentro de la organización que mueva a los donadores, como auditorías y transparencia.

While my answer here is very narrow and specific, I think the message remains relevant and meaningful and hopefully adds value in a certain context. In assessing the approach, sometimes the disconnect may not actually be between message and audience, but rather between speaker and audience. In fundraising, it's common for a certain fundraiser to connect more meaningfully with a prospect or donor based on personality, communication style, and numerous other factors. So part of the approach may be passing on the relationship with the client to someone better suited to carry it forward. People like doing business with people they like, and it's our job to be cognizant, accepting, and accommodating of that in pursuit of best serving the client.

Embracing diversity in communication has been a cornerstone of my approach when addressing diverse philanthropic audiences. I make it a priority to learn about the cultural backgrounds and communication preferences of the various groups within my audience. This knowledge enables me to tailor my messaging to avoid exclusion and ensure inclusivity. From personal experience, taking the time to understand these differences and reflecting them in my communication has helped build trust and respect, which are crucial for effective engagement. This approach not only enhances the clarity and reception of my messages but also deepens the relationships with my audience, making my efforts in philanthropy more impactful and meaningful.

In my experience I have found listening to be critical for engaging with diverse communities. At our core, people just want to be heard. If we come into a conversation with preconceived notions we immediately block the connection needed to live a prospect to make a gift. By really listening we are more likely to identify areas of connection with our prospects. It gives us the space to create more meaningful custom engagements for our prospects.

Does the mission- focused work of your organization support diverse communities? No mission, no money. Cultivating a diverse Board of Directors is next. Once you have a diverse board, work with them to build a case for support that will resonate with diverse donors. Ask for introductions. Include your diverse board members in solicitations. Most of all, we have to be honest and authentic in every aspect of our work, because people will see through it.