Get CFRE credit ⭐️
The power of emotion in donor retention
July 16, 2026 @ 2PM ET
Donor retention isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you make donors feel. Givebutter teamed up with donor relations expert Lynne Wester to explore how nonprofits can create more meaningful donor communications by leading with emotion, putting supporters at the center of every story, and turning everyday messages into lasting donor relationships.
Key takeaways from the session 💡
Make your donor the hero 💛
Shift your messaging from “Look what we did” to “Look what you made possible.”
Lead with emotion, not information 🥹
Facts inform, but feelings inspire action and lasting donor loyalty.
Every communication is a relationship-building opportunity 💌
Thank-you emails, appeals, newsletters, and impact updates all shape how donors feel about your organization.
Strengthen every message with better words ✨
Use Lynne’s 150+ power words and gratitude writing tips to make every donor communication more impactful.
This webinar is worth 1 CFRE credit. Need help submitting your CFRE credits? Visit this link for more information
Meet the speakers
Lynne Wester
Lynne Wester has been shaking up the fundraising world for more than 20 years. She strongly believes that donor relations is the key to unlocking fundraising success and that organizations must be as dedicated to the donor experience — or DX — as they are to the ask itself. Known for positively disrupting the status quo, Lynne helps organizations when they need it the most – when crisis or opportunity arrive.Lynne’s thought leadership is regularly featured in publications such as the Washington Post, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and CASE Currents. She is a four-time author and has contributed to two other books. She also hosts the #1 nonprofit fundraising podcast in the world — Fundraising is Funny — alongside T. Clay Buck, CFRE.
Connect with Lynne
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