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Ring in the New (Calendar) Year with Better Annual Giving Results

1. Board commitments: If you do not yet have your board solicitations completed, do so now. Work with your Chair(s) to secure gifts or pledges from 100% of board members by calendar year end. Complete solicitations for any advisory or alumni boards as well.
2. Personal solicitations: Sort your donors and prospects in descending order by ask amount and assign a staff person or volunteer to every top prospect. Keep a chart of who is asking whom and follow up with the assigned solicitors to ensure that personal solicitations either face-to-face or by phone are completed for all top prospects by December 31st. Aim to have pledges or gifts from the overwhelming majority before New Year’s.
3. Major gift prospects: Review your list of major gift prospects. Have they all made their annual gifts or pledges this year? Follow up with the prospect manager to ensure a commitment from these donors. This group should be almost identical to your list of top prospects and donors by ask amount; however this is not always the case. Check!
4. Stock gifts: Review donors who have made stock gifts in December during the past 3 to 5 years. Send them your current stock transfer gift information. Follow up with selected donors.
5. Pledge reminders: Remind individuals who made pledges earlier this fall to send in their gifts by mail or pay by credit card over the phone or online. Use written notices, email, and/or phone reminders.
6. Gifts in honor/memory: In your year-end mailing, give donors the option to make their gifts in honor or memory of someone special.
7. Event attendees: Review your recent event guest lists. Have attendees made gifts or pledges this year? If not send a personal note reminding them of the special time they spent with your organization’s leadership and friends and expressing your hope that they will include your organization among their year-end philanthropic priorities.
8. LYBUNT list: Review last year donors who have not yet given or pledged. In a systematic manner, make sure your renew these donors.
9. November/December past donors: Take a close look at donors who typically give in November and December. Pull information for the past 3 to 5 years and make sure you have this group well covered in terms of effective year-end solicitations.
10. Thank donors/pledgers: Send a note to those who have already given or pledged this year to thank them for their early commitment to your organization. Let them know that their support is important and appreciated.

Need help with your Annual Fund? Consider attending a Woolbright Group Workshop on annual giving or inquire about a consultation: info@woolbrightgroup.com or 585.787.0325.