50 Ways to Inspire Your Donors and Raise More Money
It's almost the end of the fiscal year and I've had the luxury to dig into donor stewardship. Last week, I launched a campaign called "A Week of Gratitude": for a solid week I sent daily emails with quotes from constituents, held a "thank-a-thon" and send framed pictures to key donors.
Looking for ways to get on your donors' radar in a meaningful way? Here are 50 ways to cultivate your donor base and raise more money.
Email and Social Media
1. Send new donors an in-depth email welcome when they make their first gift.
2. Make sure all online donations immediately receive a great thank you email.
3. Send out a monthly or quarterly email newsletter
4. Create an end-of-year email update for all donors.
5 Post Facebook updates with pictures of your organization's work.
6. Share all sorts of updates about your donors and constituents.
7. Post personal shout-outs on social media to recognize donors and volunteers.
8. Ask for donor’s feedback through Facebook or email surveys.
9. Have genuine conversations with donors on Facebook and Twitter.
10.Use great photos in your social media posts and emails. A picture is worth a thousand words!
Phone
11. Have a member of your staff call and thank donors for their gift as soon as it is received.
12. Have a Board member call donors and say thank you.
13. Have the Executive Director call key donors with program and organizational updates.
14. Have a volunteer call to say thank you or invite them to get involved.
15. Ask for advice on upcoming projects.
16. Host a phone-a-thon fundraising event.
17. Host a “thank-a-thon” phone bank at the end of the year to thank all donors.
18. Share your cell phone with major donors and board members (if you are comfortable!)
19. Consider “text-to-give” campaigns for major events.
20. Make reminder phone calls about upcoming events and campaigns .
21. Send a physical welcome packet (a brochure and welcome letter) after a first gift.
22. Send “gifts” such as magnets or tote bags as a thank you gift.
23. Send an annual report with organizational news.
24. Make sure thank you letters are compelling and customized.
25. Create an End-of-Year written report or postcard.
26. Send handwritten thank you notes.
27. Send personalized holiday cards in December and…
28. Valentine’s Day cards in February.
29. Write Birthday cards on donor’s birthday.
30. Send physical photos of projects or constituents (especially great with pets or kids!)
Marketing
31. Segment your donor communication so donors get only they information they want.
32. Publish infographic reports on your programs.
33. Create short promotional videos.
34. Record short thank-you videos for donors.
35. Send donors media placement and press release.
36. Create a blog for donors to learn more about your brand and become inspired.
37. Refresh your website and social media to be “donor-centric”.
38. Include call-to-action buttons on your website and social media pages.
39. Use compelling photos of your work and constituents in print and online.
40. Create a donor-centric informational packet or brochure to share with donors.
In Person
41. Invite key donors to lunch with the Executive Director.
42. Host volunteer days.
43. Invite groups of donors to site visits.
44. Have one-on-one coffee meetings.
45. Plan major fundraising galas.
46. Plan low-key family-friendly fundraisers.
47. Invite donors to small thank-you receptions.
48. Plan round-table discussions with donors.
49. Solicit major donors face-to-face.
50. Have the people you serve attend events to say thank you in person.
Need more fundraising tips? Subscribe to the weekly Giant Squid Group email to get blog posts like this, round-ups of fundraising tips and tricks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. You'll also get our Fundraising 101 white paper to help you start raising more money today!
