| Keeping your customers satisfied is the foundation of | | | | through the internet, send an email Thank You. |
| any successful business. In fundraising, the same rule | | | | 5. Send your Thank You letter timely. Ideally, you |
| applies - keep your donors happy. Whether you're | | | | should get a Thank You letter out within 48 hours of |
| raising money through direct mail, an internet | | | | the receipt of the gift. This lets the donor know that |
| campaign or some other form of direct response, | | | | you received their gift, that you appreciate their gift, |
| here are some ideas for maximizing your efforts, | | | | and that you are on the ball. |
| raising more money, and keeping your donors | | | | 6. In your Thank You letter, tell the donor what you |
| satisfied with their experience. | | | | are already doing with their donation. Take advantage |
| 1. Choose the right list for your project. Your success | | | | of the Thank You letter to tell the donor how their |
| rates will depend on reaching the right people. | | | | gift has already been put to use. |
| 2. Make sure there is a clear "call to action." Be sure | | | | 7. Let the donor choose how often they hear from |
| to spell out what it is you want the donor to do. If | | | | you. This is important in keeping donors happy! |
| you're sending a letter, include a summary of the | | | | Putting them in control of when they hear from you |
| action in a PS. | | | | helps ensure that when you ask them for a gift, |
| 3. Personalize! Don't send "Dear Friend" letters. Failing | | | | they will respond. This ultimately boosts your |
| to personalize a request to each donor is detrimental | | | | response rates and lowers costs. |
| to your appeal and can send the wrong message. If | | | | 8. Let donors choose which part of your program |
| someone has been donating to your organization for | | | | they want their money to be used for. In other |
| several years, you are insulting them by not using | | | | words, let them designate. This will tell you where |
| their name. | | | | their interests lie, which is very valuable in cultivation! |
| 4. Send the Thank You in the same format as you | | | | It also puts them in control of how their money will |
| received the gift. If the gift came through the mail, | | | | be used and gives them a feeling of participation in |
| send the Thank You through the mail. If it came | | | | service delivery. |