Glossary
Contact Management

Donor Contact Timeline

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
August 6, 2025

Definition:

A Donor Contact Timeline is a chronological log of all communications and interactions with a specific donor.
A Donor Contact Timeline is a chronological record that tracks every interaction and communication an organization has with a donor. This includes emails, phone calls, meetings, event attendance, donations, thank-you messages, and more. Maintaining a detailed timeline enables nonprofits to understand their donors’ engagement history, preferences, and patterns. It also helps ensure that no communication is overlooked, allowing organizations to personalize outreach, build stronger relationships, and plan future touchpoints strategically. In essence, a Donor Contact Timeline acts as a comprehensive interaction log that supports stewardship and retention efforts.

Key Takeaways

  • Tracks every donor interaction in chronological order
  • Supports personalized outreach and stewardship
  • Helps avoid missed communications
  • Improves donor retention and engagement

Why It Matters

It ensures personalized communication, strengthens donor relationships, and improves stewardship.

Real World Example

Imagine a nonprofit tracking all emails, calls, event participations, and donations from a major donor over three years. When a new staff member joins, they can quickly review the Donor Contact Timeline in Keela to see when the last thank-you note was sent, what events the donor attended, and any specific interests they've expressed. This allows the new team member to pick up the relationship seamlessly, reference past conversations, and plan a personalized thank-you call or invitation, ensuring the donor feels valued and engaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Donor Contact Timeline?

A Donor Contact Timeline is a chronological record of all communications and interactions a nonprofit has with an individual donor.

Why is a Donor Contact Timeline important?

It helps nonprofits personalize outreach, avoid missed communications, and build stronger relationships with donors.

How does Keela help with Donor Contact Timelines?

Keela automatically tracks and logs all donor communications, providing your team with a complete engagement history for effective relationship management.

Who can access a Donor Contact Timeline in Keela?

All team members with appropriate permissions can view a donor's contact timeline in Keela, ensuring coordinated outreach.

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