Deepen the relationship you have with your donors large and small to maximize each year-end appeal!

Year-end appeals aren’t just a one-time ask – they are a part of a continuous growth process in the relationship you have with each contributor to your organization. Appeals are both the start of something great *and* a milestone towards something bigger and better. What you do *between* appeals is just as important as the appeal itself.

Some ways you can deepen the relationship you have with your donors large and small to maximize each year-end appeal can include:

*Make sure your organization tells its stories well and often. Client stories and testimonials are a really effective way to connect with your supporters by showing them the real impact of your programs and services in your community’s own words.

*Volunteers can be fantastic ambassadors, and they have a compelling story to tell as well. A story or letter penned by a volunteer makes for impactful content for newsletters, appeals and the all important…

*Thank you letters! Personalized thank you letters are the best follow up to an event, contribution, engagement, or a day-that-ends-in-“Y”, as well as the ideal way to lead from one opportunity to the next.

*Don’t underestimate the value of phone calls. According to Donorbox, phone calls “are as personal as it gets when it comes to donor engagement”. They might be time-consuming but they’re quite effective in increasing gifts and contributions. Just make sure that those making the calls are well-prepared, skilled, enthusiastic about your organization, and willing to make the ask!