So you’ve planned and made your appeal to your donors. Some of them have responded and your appeal target has been met. Great, job done! Time to celebrate!
Well actually, no.
Probably the most important part is still waiting for you.
What am I talking about? It’s the thank you message and the report back to the donor about what their gift has done.
Think about it from the donor’s point of view. They have been made aware of a need, something they can fix or someone they can help. So they have given to that cause. Then they hear nothing – nothing at all. Did their gift make a difference? Did they help the person?
It doesn’t have to be a big thing but it does have to be real and personal. Getting your team to spend a few hours to phone your supporters and say “thank you” is hugely beneficial. And it is hugely rewarding for everyone.
An email, text or letter is certainly OK. But a personal phone call is even better.
So remember to give a personal thanks to each of your supporters.