Details Are the New Stewardship: Why Accuracy Keeps Donors
Ask any seasoned fundraiser to describe development work and you will often hear some version of Jerry Smith’s line:
“Development is a detail business.”
On the surface, that can sound like a warning about typos and pledge cards. In practice, it is a deeper truth about donor loyalty and trust.
In today’s environment, where donors have more options and more information than ever, getting the details right is not just good operations – it is good stewardship.
Donors leave when details fall apart
Jerry points to research showing that wealthy donors often stop giving, not primarily because of the economy, but because:
They do not feel personally connected.
They choose to support another organization.
They are frustrated by too‑frequent or clumsy solicitations.
Underneath all of that is a basic question every donor is asking:
“Can I trust you with my money and my values?”
Accuracy is one of the quietest, yet strongest, ways we answer that question.
Think about how a donor feels when:
Their name is spelled correctly in every communication.
The acknowledgment letter matches the gift amount and designation.
Reports arrive when promised and reflect exactly what was agreed to.
Pledge reminders are timely, clear, and correct.
Each of those small wins whispers, “You can trust us.” String enough of them together, and donors start to feel comfortable making larger, longer‑term commitments.
When details slip, confidence slips
The reverse is also true. A few seemingly small mistakes, especially in a row, can shake a donor’s confidence:
A pledge is entered incorrectly, and the reminder is wrong.
A restricted gift is thanked as if it were unrestricted.
A donor who specifically asked for minimal mail is flooded with appeals.
A promised follow‑up packet never arrives.
Individually, these might be “fixable.” Taken together, they send an unintended message: “We are not paying attention.” That is not the story you want in a donor’s head when they are deciding where to give this year.
Elevating details from chore to strategy
Jerry is blunt: if you are not detail‑oriented, your development career may be short lived. But you do not have to be naturally meticulous to elevate details in your shop.
A few practical steps:
Build simple checklists. Before a major mailing, an event, or a big visit follow‑up, have a short, written checklist that someone else can review with you.
Use peer review for key pieces. Ask a colleague to proof important letters, proposals, and reports – not just for typos, but for accuracy and tone.
Tighten feedback loops with your gift processing team. Treat them as partners, not a back‑office function. The book reminds us that clerical staff are “the foundation that success is built upon.” They are also your front line on accuracy.
Own corrections quickly. When something does go wrong, reach out personally. “We made a mistake on X. Here is what happened, and here is how we are fixing it.” That honesty can actually strengthen trust.
Details as a form of respect
At its core, Jerry’s focus on details is about respect. When a donor is generous with your organization, the least you can do is be precise with:
Their name.
Their intentions.
Their story.
Their investment.
In a year when everyone is talking about AI, automation, and scale, sweating the small stuff might feel old‑fashioned.
It is not.
It is one of the trendiest, and most effective, ways to stand out as a trustworthy partner.