--- title: What is Donor-Centered Fundraising? description: The term donor centered fundraising is used a lot in the fundraising world, and it means more than just putting your nonprofit's donors first. image: https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/Mobile%20Apps%20Blog%20Banner%20(2).png --- [![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web.svg)![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web_invert.svg)](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Advancing your mission for a greater impact.](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Why work with us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/) - [Who We Are](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/who-we-are/) - [Our Team](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/our-team/) - [Our Partners](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/partnerships/) - [How we increase impact](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/) - [Fundraising Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/fundraising-counsel/) - [Organizational Development & Leadership](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/organizational-development-leadership/) - [Data Management, Analytics & Research](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/data-management-analytics-research/) - [Executive Recruitment & Transition Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/executive-recruitment-transition-counsel/) - [Who we help](https://www.twbfundraising.com/who-we-help/) - [Arts and Cultural Institutions](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/arts/) - [Higher Education](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/higher-ed/) - [Faith-Based Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/faith/) - [Human Services](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/human-services/) - [Animal Welfare](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/animal-welfare/) - [Healthcare and Health-Related Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/healthcare/) - [Organizations and Associations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/organizations-and-associations/) - [Executive Search Positions](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/executive-search) - [Blog](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/) - [Blog Posts](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/blog-post) - [News and Events](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/news-events) - [Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/fundraising-2) - [Resources](https://www.twbfundraising.com/resources/) - [Executive Search Positions](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/executive-search) - [Blog](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/) - [Resources](https://www.twbfundraising.com/resources/) [![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web.svg)![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web_invert.svg)](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Advancing your mission for a greater impact.](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Why work with us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/) - [Who We Are](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/who-we-are/) - [Our Team](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/our-team/) - [Our Partners](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/partnerships/) - [How we increase impact](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/) - [Fundraising Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/fundraising-counsel/) - [Organizational Development & Leadership](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/organizational-development-leadership/) - [Data Management, Analytics & Research](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/data-management-analytics-research/) - [Executive Recruitment & Transition Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/executive-recruitment-transition-counsel/) - [Who we help](https://www.twbfundraising.com/who-we-help/) - [Arts and Cultural Institutions](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/arts/) - [Higher Education](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/higher-ed/) - [Faith-Based Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/faith/) - [Human Services](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/human-services/) - [Animal Welfare](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/animal-welfare/) - [Healthcare and Health-Related Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/healthcare/) - [Organizations and Associations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/organizations-and-associations/) [Contact Us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/contact-us/) March 7, 2018 # What is Donor-Centered Fundraising? Written by [Marilyn Foster Kirk, CFRE](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/marilyn-foster-kirk-cfre) ![](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/Mobile%20Apps%20Blog%20Banner%20(2).png) ## What is "donor-centered" fundraising? This term "donor-centered fundraising" is used a lot in the fundraising world. The term was brought into popularity by Penelope Burk in her book of the same title,in which she defines donor-centered fundraising as *“an approach to raising money that inspires donors to remain loyal longer and give more generously.”* Since she published her book, almost everyone in fundraising has adapted the term by assigning our own interpretations. This, of course, causes lots of confusion. ## Do donors always come first? Some interpretations by leaders in the profession suggest that donor-centered fundraising means that the donor always comes first. The thought that “donor-centered fundraising places the donor front and center” pushes the concept of donor-centered fundraising quite far. Another interpretation takes it even farther, saying “It is imperative to let the donors know and feel that they are in charge of the relationship and that we are willing to do what they would have us do.” What these interpretations fail to acknowledge is why our organizations exist. First and foremost, nonprofit organizations exist for the common good. They enhance the social, educational, and cultural fabric of American society. **Donor-centered fundraising cannot mean always putting the donor first because a nonprofit's missions, visions, and service are what must be “front and center”—not the donor.** That said, donors *are* critical to realizing the missions and visions of our organizations, and we need to engage them effectively as partners in the process. Simone Joyaux is right in saying: “Donors play an essential, vital, central role in your organization’s success.” But donor preferences—and their loyalty and generosity—must serve as buttresses for the organization’s mission and vision. Burk has asked thousands of donors what their preferences are, and they have responded with sincere appreciation, timely and personal acknowledgement, [truthful communication about how their gifts are used,](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/honoring-donor-intent) and what impact they have helped achieve. All of us must honor preferences such as these. However, some donor expectations go beyond and “what they would have us do” doesn’t fit with the mission, culture and priorities of our organizations. ## Donor-centered fundraising means recognizing what donors expect from a relationship with a nonprofit. It replaces a once common perspective that only organizational needs and priorities mattered. As our understanding of donor expectations evolve, however, we see more and more that **donors are our partners.** I would encourage your organization to have a thoughtful discussion about this partnership—involving key donors, staff and Board members—that leads to a “theory of philanthropy” which defines desirable donor-organization relationships, degrees of donor engagement, conditions for gift acceptance, and boundaries on donor influence and control. Inviting the donor’s voice into such a conversation contributes to a healthy sense of donor-centered fundraising. Let us always keep in mind that there are big differences between engaging donors as partners and assuming that donors are in charge. [![Soliciting Campaign Gifts Book Cover](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/494592/interactive-143096179001.png)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLQz8XP1B2M8ox8WSNfMpcaJLHm%2B8LiFCnxS5jHSCb6DNd5Mj6ihQlpPHieJ7sSTEC6zUYjsY9cbAE3OlnHSKp3NVlffyQ1tacHHcYqOK835s9UISXd3RfzkPCOGsm%2FQAul7lNVCKtzqkALpTYmtg2kcAPDgecNXlE%2F0mwJ7RFpSL2xUlMIYIx1ddgPIk21CITTCQfkAwgf7Jh4gFvif53vcETsF6ctjnWT5SrNA4eHVlpTlIy1RbcTRv3qokIYcw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=143096179001&portalId=494592) - [#Blog Post](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/blog-post) - [#development dilemmas](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/development-dilemmas) - [#Resources for New Development Professionals](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/new-development-professionals) - [#development dilemma](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/development-dilemma) - [#donors](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/donors) - [#Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/fundraising-2) - [#Marilyn Foster Kirk](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/marilyn-foster-kirk) [![Marilyn Foster Kirk, CFRE](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/Marilyn%20Foster%20Kirk%202023%20copy.jpg)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/marilyn-foster-kirk-cfre) Written by ### [Marilyn Foster Kirk, CFRE](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/marilyn-foster-kirk-cfre) Marilyn Foster Kirk, CFRE, is Executive Vice President at TWB Fundraising. ## Comments Questions or comments? Join the conversation! [![TWB Fundraising Logo](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web_invert.svg)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/) How to reach us 2 North Riverside Plaza Suite 1875 Chicago IL 60606 - [+1 312.222.0560](tel:3122220560) - [+1 312.222.0565](tel:3122220565) - [info@twbfundraising.com](mailto:info@twbfundraising.com) Follow us on Sign up for our newsletter Get the latest in nonprofit news and advice delivered straight to your inbox. [![The Giving Institute Logo](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TheGivingInstitute_logo.svg)](http://www.givinginstitute.org/members/?id=29718537&&trackr=GivingInst) Copyright © 2026 TWB Fundraising. 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