Margaret Macleod ~ Independent Fundraising Consultant ~ January 2019

A Simple and Mighty Thank You Call Campaign

Your year-end campaign is closed. The donations are in. Now pick up the phone and thank as many donors as you can.   You get two birds with one "phone" here: donor recognition and engagement. What an impression it makes to reach out, personally, to say thank you! The gesture is infinitely more memorable than a two-dimensional email, or a run-of-the-mill gift receipt and thank you letter.  And remember, the first step in landing gift #2 from a new donor is the proper recognition and expression of gratitude for gift #1.  Implement this by the end of the month for the strongest impact, even sooner if possible.

Arm Your Callers with this Info Depending on how many gifts your organization received, this is a small or large task. So recruit help if you need it by dividing up a report of the donors and their phone numbers, and distributing it amongst trusted staff, board, and volunteers. Thank the donor for their gift, and mention one or two ways it will make a difference for your organization If you get voice mail, leave a message with language just as above If you sense the donor is open to talking a little longer on the phone, have ready a few talking points about your organization’s goals for 2019, mention an event that’s on the horizon, etc. Always, always, always: ask the donor open ended questions when you can (ie: What would you like to see as a goal for our organization? What part of our work inspires you?) and listen, listen, listen – make a record of what you hear and make sure it gets returned to the right person to enter it in the donor’s data records As a donor myself, I’ve only received calls like this from one organization. As a development professional, I’ve made hundreds of calls like this, and I can’t tell you how many donors are delighted and remark about how unusual and special it is.

The Nugget Saying thank you, in person or by phone, is the easiest development work you'll do all year. These calls make a big impression. Not only have you gone the extra mile in expressing gratitude, you've also engaged your donor.

Powerful Strategies to Advance Your Cause Build an actionable development plan Design & strategize campaigns Write a winning grant proposal Plan or manage your event Rally your board & staff Coach your team/committee And more

Margaret Macleod ~ Independent Fundraising Consultant (207) 632 - 8472 ~ mlmacleod16@gmail.com ~ www.margaretmacleod.com

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