The ultimate fundraising roundtable: but are you a Faithful or a Traitor?

Like everyone else in the UK, the DTV London team has been hooked by the latest series of The Traitors. For proof, look no further than our Deputy Creative Strategy Director, Don Mike, who fully committed to the role at our Christmas party (eyeliner, cloak and all!).

But beyond the dramatic roundtables, the show offers some surprising reminders of good fundraising strategy. As we head into the UK season finale tomorrow, here are four key strategies we’ve learned from the show that are just as valuable when it comes to our sector.

1. Build alliances through early engagement

Series after series, we see that the strongest players are those who build trust from day one. (Dare we remind you of Alan Carr’s incredible performance in the celebrity series last year.) And in fundraising it’s no different. But instead of putting your trust in your fellow Faithfuls, your "alliance" is the relationship between your organisation/cause and your donors.

Because nothing is more important than establishing a connection early in the journey. Whether it’s a thank you email that clearly demonstrates the impact of a donation or a personalised welcome journey for new Regular Givers, these early interactions set the tone and establish much-needed trust. By focusing on the long-term value of the donor rather than just the immediate donation, the trust you bank early on can be vital for saving you from banishment.

2. Authenticity is your best asset

Donors, much like TV audiences, are good at spotting the truth; they want to be spoken to as real people, not just data points on a spreadsheet.

It’s vital to understand and remember why a donor chose your cause over another. Stay true to that original connection and continue to talk to them about the issues they care about most. While it’s healthy to introduce new topics or campaign areas, do so with care. If the shift feels too abrupt or inauthentic, you risk losing the trust you’ve worked hard to build.

3. Let the facts lead

In The Traitors, the most effective players at the Roundtable aren’t necessarily the loudest. But, they are the ones who present a clear, undeniable trail of evidence. While we don’t suggest bombarding donors with every stat available, there is immense power in transparency.

Just as a Faithful must level with the group to build trust, some of the most effective fundraising happens when charities are honest about the challenges they face. When we overcomplicate our asks we risk losing our potential donors. People connect with the truth; don't leave them guessing who you are or what you need.

4. The power of adaptability

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s the importance of pivoting. From pandemic-era emergency appeals to cost-of-living crises, the sector has become brilliant at finding new ways to stay relevant; just as the Faithfuls must adapt to every mission, suspicion, and clue, fundraisers are constantly pivoting to keep the trust of their donors.

The most successful strategies and plans are those that aren't set in stone. Whether you’re launching a new integrated campaign or testing a new digital product, the ability to adapt to the current climate is what keeps your organisation in the hearts and minds of your audience.

Final thoughts

While the "traitorous" behavior on screen is great entertainment, the best fundraising is built on the opposite: loyalty and consistency. Sticking to fundraising best practices; honesty, timely engagement, and clear communication and asks are what will ultimately set you apart.

DTV is a collaborative organisation, and we pride ourselves on being firmly on the side of the Faithfuls. Are you ready to strengthen your donor alliances? Get in touch with the DTV team today, and let's build a winning strategy together.