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November to Remember? Give Thanks

Posted on  November 14, 2017
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Do you want this to be a November that your donors will remember?

1. Give Thanks
November is a time when many in the U.S. give thanks. Consider writing a note or developing a postcard, short letter, or email that focuses on thanking your donors for their support (just thanking no asking).

2. Start with the End in Mind
As I noted in this blog post Start with the End in Mind — The end goal is a gratified donor not another gift (at least not yet).

3. Prepare to Stand Out in a Mail Storm
With roughly 1.8 M active nonprofits in the U.S. alone donors are probably already receiving a deluge of direct mail (emails too!). Will your mailing stand out?

Is standing out too expensive? Consider this — the cost to purchase a bulk box of thank you cards + the time it takes to write 15 or 20 notes + price of a first-class stamp for each card could = direct mail with some of the greatest ROI you might ever realize.

FYI I believe that handwritten notes are likely to be noticed in the mail storm and are typically quite appreciated. What leads to my belief?

When I worked with a dean some years ago she sent out a quarterly “Leaders Letter” to hundreds of alumni. She often took the time to jot a brief note at the bottom, e.g., congratulations on your retirement or hope your new grandchild is a great joy. The first thing that recipients of those letters said to me when I visited with them was:

“Please thank the Dean for taking the time to write that note, I can’t believe she found the time and I appreciate her remembering me. “

Been looking for a way to engage board members in fundraising? Thank you note writing it is; board members are often far more comfortable with giving thanks for a gift than asking for a gift.

If you miss Thanksgiving, sending a note at year end works too. Just in case your supervisor says the tax letter is enough, consider this post from Anne Manner-McLarty

Customer Service Does Not Equal Stewardship

How will you make this a November to remember for your donors?

This blog post is one of several articles in the soon to be launched i5 Fundraising newsletter. To sign up for the newsletter please visit our contact page and click on the box on the bottom right.

Sophie Penney is the President of i5 Fundraising and Senior Program Coordinator and Lecturer for Penn State’s all online Certificate Program in Fundraising Leadership.

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