It’s early November and you haven’t started a thing. You’re tempted to skip it—but don’t! While the team at Giving Tree is meticulous about planning (and pushing our clients to plan)—we also know that life happens. And, our philosophy is—that unless it’s January 1—it’s never too late.
Here are a few tips to help you pull together a successful campaign when you are short on time:
- Look at the list of your 2017 year-end donors. Those are your best targets for renewals.
- Decide how they like to give—mail, face-to-face, e-mail.
- Create your call to action: write a short letter, e-mail or a phone script telling them about your amazing work. And, remember, don’t be tempted to skip mail if that’s how your donors like to give—just make it short and send it first-class.
- Identify who can help you. Can you call on your team or board members to put in an hour or two?
- Personalize your appeals: no “dear friend” letters or e-mail. Write handwritten notes on letters—those with notes always have a better response rate.
- Make it happen: send out your letters, e-mails and make calls.
- Remember to send heartfelt thank you letters to your donors and make sure to keep them informed of your important work.
- Write up your plan for 2019 year-end campaign in January —and then read our January blogs for how to make the most of a new year!
According to several published studies on year-end giving, nonprofits raise anywhere from 26-50% of their total budgeted donation revenue in the month of December—and up to 10% of it comes in during the last three days of the month.
So, with this in mind, it’s very important to pay attention to your donors this time of year. Please make time to connect with them and ask for their continued support. You won’t regret it.
