There’s Never Been A Better Time To Thank Your Donors
Over the course of this year, we’ve written and talked a lot about how to effectively fundraise during times of upheaval and uncertainty. And congratulations – you’ve made it to the close of the 2020, through transitions to remote work, learning the ropes of virtual events, and probably more than a few conversations with anxious donors. As we near #GivingTuesday, Year-End, and 2021 goals and plans, this week is a good reminder that there has never been a better time to thank your donors.
Mike Liddel, EveryAction’s General Manager of Digital, highlights this in our guide to Successful Year-End Fundraising During Uncertain Times, saying that this year “it would be really smart to invest more in, and think more about, the thank-you experience you provide to donors. How can you make them feel special, like they mattered and made a difference?” Donor thank-you’s are a standard best practice, but if there has ever been a time to go above-and-beyond on gratitude, it’s now.
For the loyal donors who have stuck with your organization through the highs and lows of 2020, take some extra time before the end of the year to let them know how much it meant to you. During a holiday season where many are separated from their loved ones, a personal touch to your outreach can go a long way toward building long-term loyalty with your donors. Here are a few ways to think about thanking donors this year:
Handwritten notes
A classic method, particularly during the winter holidays. If you’re writing notes this year, make sure to double-check your donors’ contact information. Due to widespread remote work, people may have temporarily relocated to seasonal addresses, family homes, etc.
Personal phone calls
With fewer opportunities for in-person communication available, contact rates on phones have skyrocketed in the past year. Thinking about assembling a team to give personal thank-you calls this year? Our new tool, VPB Connect, lets you skip hand-dialing phone numbers, make calls from your computer, and more.
Text messages
Having trouble getting ahold of the people you’re looking for? Maybe they’re not near their office phone or getting mail at the same address anymore. Send a text message and be sure that your thank-you note is delivered right to the palm of their hands.
Video messages
Creating high-quality videos with just a smartphone is easier than you might think. Sending a video message to thank donors gives a human face to your work and is an especially personal way to thank them for their support.
It’s not too late to make sure you’re set up for successful Year-End fundraising! For more tips that you can implement quickly to boost your fundraising this year, check out our Last-Minute Year-End Success!
