Making Gratitude Calls to Your Donors

As we approach Thanksgiving, ask members of your board of directors to make gratitude phone calls to strategic donors, thanking them for their support of your organization. Give each a script and a list of only 5 - 6 donors, so the process is not overwhelming. Donors will love getting a gratitude call, in which they are not asked for a contribution, and it will help to engage directors. Be sure to ask directors to report back to you on what they might have learned if they talked with the donor.

In developing your lists, be sure to also include those donors who maybe consistently give $50 or $100/year. You need to let them know that you value them as a mission partner. You may find that they increase their next donation.

Remember, relationships are one of the cornerstones of the philanthropic process.