Becoming a Master at Donor Touches

We know that you wear so many hats that your to-do list feels never-ending.  Nonprofit executives know that they need to spend time fundraising, but since it doesn’t always seem urgent it takes the back seat to other pressing needs.  Often, we are going through our day and working donor calls into our day versus really being deliberate in how we are “touching” our donors.

Ultimately, you need a strong donor communications plan. Having a plan like the one below helps you connect and communicate with donors strategically.  It also gives a road map to you, your team (if you are a larger organization), and the board.

Sample Donor Communications Plan

1. Development staff should send a thank you letter within 48 hours of every donation being received.
2. On a daily basis, any gift received greater than $200 receives a phone call to thank from either the Executive Director or Development Director.
3. Executive Director or Development Director role in Fundraising Activities include donor calls and visits. Here are 3 top priorities

(Weekly) Pick three donors who gave last year between January–February to call and reconnect with.

(Weekly) Pick two donors from the top fifty all-time donors to call and connect with.

(Weekly) Schedule two face-to face “visits” with past donors or prospective donors.

Board members need to be active in thanking donors as well. Have them send handwritten thank yous on a monthly basis from a list created by the development staff.

4. The development staff is as important as a board member, Executive Director or Development Director. Their role is to send newsletters on either a monthly or quarterly schedule. Things to include in the newsletter are as follows:

• Organizational goals
• Mission story
• Ways to give
• Donation link
• Social media channels
• Ways to get involved

6. Social Media is an important piece to keep your fundraising efforts active. It is customary to post  2 to 3 times a week and here are some ideas of things you can include:

• Coordinating a specific ask across all channels
• Highlighting the mission story
• Volunteer opportunity highlights and donor highlights

This can also be used as a good argument when it’s time to hire a development staff member.  Having a plan can help you be more realistic with how much time you can spend on fundraising.  I know this may seem overwhelming at first but start slowly with a couple of items planned out for each month and you will eventually be a pro at scheduling your donor touches!

Feel free to download the PDF version of the list and share with your team and colleagues!

Kannico Donor Touch Planning