The Biggest Mistake in Fundraising (and how to fix it)

After decades in advancement, one of the most common—and costly—mistakes I see is this: neglecting stewardship.

A gift doesn’t end with a check. In many ways, it begins there. Donors need to feel thanked, valued, and connected to the impact of their generosity. Personalized gratitude and thoughtful updates transform one-time gifts into lifelong commitments.

The most successful organizations make stewardship central to their work. They show donors not just what was achieved, but why their gift mattered. That’s how you turn generosity into enduring partnership.

At Starrs Aligned, we guide organizations to put stewardship at the heart of their fundraising strategy—because that’s where true success lies.

Warmly, Ellie Starr Founder, Starrs Aligned