"The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated." ~ William James
Welcome to the season of giving. Giving gifts. Giving donations. Giving thanks.
To get into the spirit of the season, we ask our donors and supporters to give to our year end campaigns. We ask them to support our cause, our mission, our ministry.
You worked tirelessly to create just the right “ask”. Just the right “ask” that will touch the hearts and wallets of your donors and supporters.
The gifts are arriving. Now your most important work begins.
Are you ready?
Giving is just a part of the equation. The other more important part is the gratitude you show your donors after the gift.
So, are you ready to shower your donors with gratitude?
Will you send your first expression of gratitude within 48 hours?
Will it be a true expression of gratitude or just a receipt?
Will the expressions of gratitude make the donors feel good and appreciated?
Will the donor know their gift made a difference?
Will the donor know that their gift changed the world . . . for the better?
Gratitude makes us feel good.
It makes us feel appreciated.
Thanking your donors, truly thanking them with an abundance of gratitude not just once, but multiple times is key to their ongoing engagement in your organization.
According to the 2015 Fundraising Effectiveness Project organizations retain only 19% of first time donors. It goes on to show that for every 100 donors your organization gains, you will lose 103 donors. Just think what would happen to your organization’s impact in the community if the 19% could be just doubled to 38%.
This 38% could be obtained simply by good old fashion relationship building and attention to basic details. Organizations that hit this target (and better) have created a basic plan for follow-up with every donor that involves ALL key team members.
First and foremost you must invite your donors to be your partners in your mission and ministry. You must invite them to walk along side with you to solve the problems your organization tackles daily.
Not your budget issues. Or the “gap”.
It’s all about those you serve, the reason you exist in the first place.
So take the time to shower your donors with an abundance of gratitude this season, and throughout all seasons of the year.
Jay Love, Founder & CEO of Bloomerang strongly believes that “making donors feel truly appreciated is what can separate you from the average nonprofit. All it takes are small changes in your donor communications efforts.”
Some of those “small changes” include:
- A telephone call (to say thank you and welcome to new donors)
- A personalized thank you (not a form letter)
- A handwritten note (from leadership)
- An impact statement showing exactly how the donation was used
- A personal story from recipients of your mission shared directly with donors
- Segment your donor communications. One-size does not fit all donors.
- Look at the long-term in building relationships with new donors.
- A short survey. Donors are investors in your mission and ministry. Ask their opinions.
- Get together with donors to find out about them and their motivations for giving to your organization.
J. Milito & Associates can help you spread the gratitude. Our professional team can help you stay connected to your donors, supporters and friends. We can help you improve your donor retention. On your behalf we can say thank you!
So to each of you . . . Thank You!
Thank you for caring.
Thank you for making the world a better place.
Thank you for making a difference.
Now go out and spread the gratitude.
P.S. If you’ve made it to this part of the blog, THANK YOU! As a special gift to you, we like to extend a special offer – a free 30 minute consultation with Juddee (the “J” in J. Milito & Associates). After you complete your consultation with Juddee your name will be entered into a drawing for 100 free thank you calls.
