Organizations that focus on making appeals for annual financial commitment among their members are more likely to achieve a higher amount of offerings and overall givings. Along the same line, church members that make pledges tend to give more than the ones who do not link themselves to any pledge. As a nonprofit or a church, a well managed donor management software may help, but how do you really raise the bar involving your members and others beyond your organization? Let’s take a look at the few measures that can be taken to improve your annual stewardship campaign
Mobilize your leaders and members
It is always a great idea to start from within the circle, this will help in reaching a wider range of audience. Take a careful look at your calendar and decide on a period when your team can focus on stewardship, a time to connect with your team. This must be planned ahead, much like you do with Easter events and fundraising. You can always pick different themes for your stewardship campaign every year, this will generate more creativity and innovation. Ask the leaders of your nonprofit to donate or make pledges, this will encourage others too.
Be strategic
Your introduction to annual budgets should always start with your goals and mission and not dollars. Money is the tool to achieve your target; set realistic goals and pursue the same with clear thinking and planning. Make sure that your organization doesn’t get involved in rushing the end of the plan due to time constraints, think things through and focus on your foundational steps. For instance, it is important to remember that a congregation of faithful givers will only stem from a year-round approach to education on stewardship. Make giving simple for your donors using technology, put your emphasis on tools such as online and mobile giving.
Structure your campaign
The importance of keeping unique giving patterns in mind is an important component in giving a proper structure to your campaign. Not all donors have the same amount of resources and not all of them will be of the same spiritual maturity. Therefore, their giving patterns would differ too. Analyze the giving histories on your database to really understand where each of your giver stands; an excellent donor management software will help you maintain a precise database. Since a single approach will not be appropriate for all, come up with different approaches for each category of donors.
Know your audience
You need to know the factors that motivate people to give and donate. You do not have to protect your audience from over-giving, this is something that they’ll do on their own. Rather, it is ideal to focus on the communication you give out and what sentiments you’re evoking out of it. A one time donor is likely to give again, the communication that goes out to him should be an effective one. If you want to receive, then you must not shy away from asking. A hand-written note would be better than an email, a phone call might work in place of notes at times.
Follow up
The follow up game of your nonprofit has to be strong. Do not let your donors forget you and your cause, you must be present as a top of the mind recall. In order to help you with the same, we will come up with articles around branding for nonprofits later this month. Follow up and messages of gratitude can be sent with the help of an efficient donor management software, a good system will also help you in making an accounting version available for anyone requesting details. You can always come up with plans for a social gathering with your donors where there will be more interaction and connection.
In all that you do, use the most personal approach that is available. Be positive in the communication that you put out and build your message around your mission.
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Last modified: March 6, 2020
