|
Whew! It is just after Thanksgiving and your
 | |
Karen Davenport, President, Davenport & Barr |
end-of-year mailing has dropped . . . and now you're waiting for the gifts to roll in!
But once they do . . . your donors are now waiting to hear from you! Whether it's a check for $25 or a transfer of $25,000 in securities, every donor deserves a PROMPT, warm and personal thank you response. Remember that your donors are people. And people give to people.
So be sure to update and refresh your thank you letters each time you send an appeal, just as you would if writing to a friend -- there is no greater turnoff to a consistent donor than receiving a "cookie cutter" acknowledgement letter.
Adding a handwritten personal note at the bottom takes no time and adds no extra cost, but is an easy way to send an individual, personalized message that people will read. Don't forget the IRS substantiation language for gifts of $250 or more (which includes the amount contributed and a statement that no goods or services were provided in consideration for the contribution).
Finally . . . don't stop there! Ask board members or volunteers to call donors to communicate an extra thank you. Studies show that when donors receive this type of follow-up call, subsequent gifts tend to increase, and even more importantly, these organizations maintain high donor renewal rates. By giving your donors what they deserve, your organization gets what it deserves as well - people who treat you like they would a close friend - and like a close friend -- they will likely be there when you need them the most!
For More Information contact Davenport & Barr
603-356-3311 or visit www.davenportbarr.com
| 
