Excerpts from Show the Love by Blackbaud’s npExperts
Have you seen & downloaded the fun, new, free npExperts eBook from Blackbaud? It’s chock full of great information on THE hottest topic in nonprofit fundraising these day: Donor Retention.
In Show the Love: Thoughtful Engagement to Retain Supporters, thirteen of my wise colleagues share their wisdom so you can better tackle donor retention.
Much like me, this book chooses to focus on the power of the positive and is filled with strategies you can use right away to retain your donors, the ones you work so hard to get.
I especially love the title and content of my friend, Shanon Doolittle’s chapter: “Write On! Why Handwritten Notes Matter.”
In her chapter, Shanon shares a sweet and powerful story (YAY for stories!!) about the power of a handwritten note. Once you read it, you’ll understand that Shanon is a bright light of energy and positive force to all who meet her.
Here is the note Shanon sent to me!
Like Shanon, I send lots of handwritten notes; sometimes for no reason, sometimes for big reasons. On the very rare occasion when I actually receive a handwritten note I display it on my desk in a visible way for a while. Each time I glance at it I get a warm feeling and smile. It’s a simple but powerful way to connect with your supporters well after you’ve put the stamp on the envelope.
Here’s a secret: The handwritten note I recently received from Shanon has a permanent place on my bookshelf and brings me a smile every day.
Check out Shanon’s list on how to write delightful thank you cards a mother would love:
- Be personal: If you know she loves cute little puppies, then put a cute little puppy sticker on the envelope and write, Just want to make you smile. (Note: this strategy also works if she can’t stand cute little puppies; sarcasm is highly underutilized in personalized gratitude.)
- Use a pen: That means in the card and on the envelope! Would you stick an address label on your mother’s birthday card? No, you would write it out, you grateful, model child, you!
- Be legible: I’m not asking for calligraphy here, but you can’t make her smile if she can’t read your words.
- Don’t ask for more money: There’s nothing tackier than including a donation envelope with a thank you note. Bad, bad fundraiser. Go to your room.
- Be refreshing: She’s busy; make her glad she took the time to read your note. Some examples: If it wasn’t weird, I would have sent you a picture of myself. Because I look totally grateful. Or Next time, I’m sending you a cape. Thanks for your superhero-sized gift!
- Be authentic: She knows when you’re not being yourself. If it’s not your thing to be funny, there’s always sweet, warm, and sincere.
This is just a tiny sample of the terrific reads & tips you’ll find in the pages of Show the Love: Thoughtful Engagement to Retain Supporters. Download the free eBook for tons of helpful wisdom you can put to work immediately.
