Association of Fundraising Professionals recommends you “touch” your donors/volunteers at least 7 times each year.  I spoke about this at the recent TSPRA conference round tables.  So, here are 7 examples of ways to touch your donors!

1. Write a Note–not an email; not a form letter; a personalized handwritten thank you note!
2. Pick up the Phone–pick a donor each week to call and thank
3. Get your Board Members Involved–ask a board member to send an email,write a thank you note, take someone to coffee, invite to a football game (or other activity), or call and say “Thanks!”
4. Have a donor recognition event!  This doesn’t have to be expensive.  Have a back stage tour of the high school orchestra, band or drama event!  Have a gathering just for your donors.  This gives them practice telling the story of their involvement to one another–so, eventually they will tell people outside of the room too!
5. Holiday Cards–be creative!  This shouldn’t be for the traditional December greetings.  How about Valentine’s day or Thanksgiving instead?  Christmas in July?  Back to School?
6. Traditional Print Media–news articles, programs, reader boards, etc.
7. Web 2.0 tools–facebook, twitter, blog posts and web page links

Stay Tuned for a bonus idea tomorrow!