They are investors in your charity. These courageous men and women support your non-profit with their time, talent and treasure. Now is the time to let your supporters know how much you appreciate them. February 12 has been named nationwide on social media as Donor Love Day (#donorlove on Twitter).
Here are a few ways you can show your donors some love before and after February 12:
1. Send a thank you note without asking for a another gift. No other action will produce more additional donations than a thank you note. There is nothing wrong with including a reply envelope, but don’t ask. Make sure to hand write a special note or thank you. It is critical that you thank them and thank them quickly. The faster you thank a donor after they make a gift, the more likely it is they will make a second gift. Charities who thank donors within 24 hours report recieving a second gift from as many as 20%, 1 in 5 donors will send a second gift.
There are over 2 million non-profit organizations in the United States. Network for Good reports that over 70% of them never even send a thank you note within one month of recieving a donation, and of those, 37% never send a thank you note at all.
2. Call Your Donors. Pick up the phone and just say thank you. Even a voice mail will be appreciated by your supporter. I love the idea of a donor “phone-a-thon” this time of year. I have seen some smart charities get every member of the staff and board calling donors to do nothing but say, “thank you.”
3. Just Drop By. Without announcing yourself or if you’ve been unable to reach the donor by phone, just drop by. Leave your car running and the door to your car open. Knock on the door and hand the donor a small gift and/or card. Simply say, “I can’t stay. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I’d just drop by to thank you for your friendship and support.” Hand the donor the card or small gift. Smile. Shake their hand and say thank you. Then quickly get back in your car and drive away.
4. Recognize Your Donors On Social Media. Without mentioning the home town or dollar amount, use Facebook and Twitter to give your donors a shout out. Say something about your friendship and the tremendous impact your friend (name here) has had in saving lives through your charity. Remember, make the reference about the friendship and impact, not the amount of the gift. #donorlove day on February 12th each year is a great way to do this.
