Don’t lose donors, respect them, acknowledge them.
An organization recently lost a major donor because they felt their support wasn’t really being appreciated.
Why, simple after sending in a substantial cheque on a regular basis all they’d hear back from the organization would be in the form a standard receipt, no acknowledgment of the impact the donation would have on the work that the organization carries out.
Result – support withdrawn. All the organization had to do was pick up the phone and call the donor, thank them and tell them how important they were to the work being carried out.
Don’t make the same mistake. Acknowledge your donors.
How you acknowledge your donors is up to you, but make the point to acknowledge them.
When was the last time you invited donors in to see your organization in action – you haven’t, then it’s time to change that, make this the year your do it. People who offer you help and support don’t necessarily want their names up in lights, many are happy to help and don’t want fame and glory – but they all deserve acknowledgment.
It doesn’t take much to pick up the phone and give a quick call.
What’s more you don’t have to do it all yourself, you have Trustees, you have Board Members, get them to do help out.
At what level of support you chose to call donor is the only ‘hard’ part – will you call donors who give $500, $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000. Depending on the size of your organization, the work frequency of support your gaining will determine this.
The donors you call may be the same ones you invite for a cuppa, you’ve got nothing to lose calling, thanking and inviting donors to see you at work – in-fact, truth be known you’ve got more to lose.
What are you waiting for, pick up the phone and start dialing.
charitymattersnz.com 
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