The most successful planned giving programs understand how important it is to treat their donors like family. While building meaningful relationships with planned giving donors is critical, so is careful stewardship of your nonprofit’s resources. What are some ways to treat your donors like family without breaking the bank?
1. Multi-task your travel
Coordinate multiple donor visits during regional trips and call on donors while attending Sharpe seminars in Orlando, DC and Chicago or industry-related conferences. These visits don’t normally require a lot of planning. Simply call your donor to let them know you are in town and would love to stop by for a moment to thank them in person for their support and perhaps drop off an annual report or bequest society recognition materials.
2. Pick up the phone
To stay in touch and let donors know that their gifts are appreciated and have an impact, phone your donors to thank them for current gifts and to recognize cumulative giving or extend invitations to events. Birthday phone calls are another way to let your donors know you are thinking of them. If you don’t reach them, consider leaving a voicemail or even sending a text.
3. Don’t forget about previous donors
It is easy to allow lapsed donors to fall off your radar screen. Older donors whose giving has lapsed still need your attention. The Sharpe Knowledgebase® has shown a significant number of bequests come from those who make their final will a few years following their last gift. When it comes to a donor’s will, the final version is the only one that matters. ■
