Donors are people too! Give one a call!

A couple weeks ago, you spoke to one or more of your constituents, then sent that great story to your supporters. Now, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, take a few minutes to call one of your most loyal donors and ask them what they thought.

Remember: Donors are people, too! The key to fundraising is engagement - creating a relationship with a donor, rather than treating them like ATMs. 

Before you call, take a moment to look at their giving history to see how much they've given to your organization over time, whether there are any noticeable trends in their giving patterns, and how much they've given this year. Be prepared to tell them how their specific gifts have helped constituents of your organization.

When you get them on the phone, thank them for their support and the impact it has had. Then ask them how they first got connected to your organization, how satisfied they are with the information that you send them, what else they might like to know about what's going on, what their plans are for the holidays (both personal and in giving) and about any patterns that you've noticed in their giving history. Then, if they seem amenable, ask them to consider stepping up their giving level this year.

There are lots of ways to recognize their giving leadership, whether it's a "President's Circle" of top givers or "Founding Partners" of people who have supported the organization from the beginning or a special "Impact Fund" in their name.