Overview

Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. works with community foundations helping them better understand the perceptions and concerns of donors and collecting information to promote your mission.  At Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc., we provide the information you need to gain a better understanding of how your organization is perceived according to your donors.  Our studies allow you to identify areas you would like to improve and can also provide valuable information for understanding donation plans for your community foundation.

Donor Surveys

In the past, community foundations have used donor surveys to:

• Understand the awareness and perceptions of how well your organization fulfills its mission
• Examine why donors donate to your organization
• Evaluate the importance of issues to be addressed by community foundations
• Discover donation plans for your organization and other charities
• Obtain basic demographic information about donors

The survey process begins by meeting with your community foundation to identify the survey objectives.  The survey is then developed to address those objectives and meet generally accepted survey practices.  Once the survey is approved by your organization, we will complete the survey with donors.  Analysis of the data and preparation of the report is completed within a few weeks of receiving the completed surveys.  Once the report is completed, the staff of Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. will present the survey results to your organization.  Most donor surveys require between ten and twelve weeks to complete.  The cost depends on the number of donors surveyed and the length of the survey, which averages between 45-60 questions.

Donor Survey Outline

The following outline lists information provided in a typical community foundation donor survey:

Awareness and Perceptions

• Knowledge of your community foundation and the programs it funds in the community
• Knowledge of your community foundation’s mission
• Overall opinion of your community foundation
• Understanding of donation impact in the community

Communication Effectiveness

• Best methods to communicate information to donors
• Marketing materials influence on donor opinion
• Where donor has seen or heard of your community foundation

 Charitable Contributions

• Approximate amount donated
• Motivation for increasing donation
• Reasons for donating
• How donor would like to be thanked for donation
• Awareness and interest in donor advised funds
• Awareness and interest in including a community foundation in a will

Donor Demographics

• Age
• Employment status
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Household income
• Years lived in area