13. Lynda Harwood-Compton – Using webinars to inspire major and mid-level donors

In this noisy, distracting world, charities are finding it harder than ever to hold donors’ attention long enough to have proper conversation. So what can relationship fundraisers do to build strong, inspiring relationships with the people who care about our causes? In this episode of the Fundraising Bright Spots podcast, Rob Woods interviews Lynda Harwood-Compton of Animals Asia, a creative, dynamic fundraiser who is willing to try new things to build great relationships with major donor and mid-level supporters. At the time of this interview, Lynda was finishing her first year as a major donor fundraiser, having raised an extra £305,000 – ie her results were more than 40% ahead of her target budget. In the interview Lynda explains various strategies she used to achieve this success, including: organising webinars with a colleague in an animal sanctuary to bring supporters closer to the cause; finding ways to include more real stories when she talks to donors; and using WhatsApp groups to strengthen informal relationships.