8D | 12 Nonprofit Thank You Mistakes to Avoid

Wednesday, Sept. 27
4:00 - 5:00 PM

Sector
Suitable for any sector

Experience Level
Newcomer (0 - 3 years),
Early-career (4 - 7 years)

Shop Size
Suitable for any size shop

Category
Acknowledgment

Thanking donors is the one thing most nonprofits do not spend enough time thinking about. They focus more on the gift than the giver. It’s the Pareto 80/20 rule in reverse: 80% of the time is spent in acquisition mode -- crafting the fundraising appeal, getting embroiled in design, layout, printing, postage, and project management. Only 20% of the time goes towards a focus on building the relationship that will cause that donor to give again. As a result of this short-sighted approach, nonprofits, on average, are losing 81% of first-time donors and 54% of ongoing donors. Its a time-sucking, resource-wasting treadmill.

After you’ve sent out your appeal, it is too late to start thinking about what your thank you letter or email will say. Or who will sign it, or make the thank-you call. Everything must be well thought-out in advance. You must be ready to go, with templates and strategies for different target audiences. This presentation will help you think through your thank you process, put some procedures in writing, and get others on board.

Claire Axelrad

Claire Axelrad, JD, CFRE, was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year by the AFP  and brings 30+ years frontline development experience to her work as principal of Clairification. A sought-after coach and presenter, she teaches the CFRE course that certifies professional fundraisers, and is a featured expert for NonprofitPro, Guidestar and Maximize Social Business. The Clairification blog, which was named “Best Fundraising Blog of the Year” by FundRaising Success Magazine, has evolved into the highly-acclaimed one-stop-shop, virtual, almost-free source for everything fundraising and nonprofit marketing, “Clairification Fundraising School.” Her motto: “If I know it, I want you to know it too.” Claire is a member of the California State Bar and resides in San Francisco.