Reader Questions: How often should you communicate with your supporters?
I’m realizing that the response rate on our donor appeals is not nearly high enough. But do I compare year over year? Mailing over mailing? Some donors will only respond 1x a year, but if I mail them 3x a year, that will affect my response rate.
I’d really love to learn more about the numbers behind the data so I can do a proper analysis and then perhaps some potential courses of action will become more clear.”
Here’s my answer:
Reader Questions: How to get businesses to give you donations in 3 steps?
Do you want to get answers to these questions?
1) Cold calling on small businesses for donations – does this work? I’m not having much luck.
2) Getting your foot into large major corporations – noone on the board is well connected.
3) Business networking – most of the chamber/professional events I go to have coupon book sellers, etc —
READ THIS POST!
Part 3: How to Send an Appeal Letter
Today we’re going to talk about how to SEND your appeal letter.
Part 2: How to Write an Appeal Letter 101
What should your first paragraph look like?
To be effective and eye-catching, your first paragraph needs to have the word “YOU.” This is the word most people listen to. You, and their name. If you can repeat their name several times in the letter, it will grab their attention even more.
Part 1: What is an Appeal Letter?
Do you like writing email or letters?
Do you remember the joy of receiving a beautiful letter, and sending one in return?
If so, this post is all about spreading your joy, and helping turn your writing skills to letters asking people to support your nonprofit.
INTERVIEW: How to get substantially more money per donor with Alan Bacharach
The reason you should read this interview is because when you get people to sign up for your planned giving program, they will ALSO give more money as yearly donors. Don’t be short sighted and focused on short term money. Think long term and your donors will too. This interview tells you the first steps in setting up your first planned giving program.