Giving Tuesday is over. Now what?
Giving Tuesday was three days ago.
How many of the people who gave have heard from you since?
If you’re like most nonprofits, you sent an automated receipt. Maybe a quick thank-you email. And then … silence.
Can I tell you what gets overlooked?
The next few days after some gives.
The single most important factor (not according to Michael’s random opinion but according to Penelope Burk’s science-backed, donor-tested research fromDonor-Centered Fundraising) in predicting whether someone will give again is timely, personalized post-gift follow-up.
Not your fancy year-end appeal. Not your beautifully designed annual report. Not your social media presence or that new video you love so much. Not your score on Charity Navigator.
Nope … a thank-you.
A super fast, highly personal thank-you.
Most nonprofits completely drop the ball here.
We’re so focused on the next campaign that we forget to honor the gift that just came in. We’re already thinking about December 31st, while the people who gave on December 2nd wonder if their gift even mattered.
Don’t let that be you this year.
Are you up for a little challenge today?
Before you close your laptop today, can you make five thank-you calls?
That’s it. Five calls. No script. No ask. No agenda. Just a quick call to say thank you.
“Hey, I saw your gift on Tuesday, and I wanted to personally say thank you. It means a lot.”
Will some calls go to voicemail? Yep. Leave a message anyway.
Will it feel awkward?
Maybe. Do it anyway.
When you make these calls, you WILL stand out.
Why?
Because most nonprofits never call.
The ones who do? They’re the ones people remember.
They’re the ones who build trust.
When someone gives for the first time, they’re taking a chance on you.
A quick call says, “You made the right choice.”
Every fundraiser I know wants to have better relationships with donors.
Guess what? A quick call or voicemail or text like this is how that relationship starts.
After you’ve made your five calls, here’s one more piece of advice for the rest of the month.
Don’t disappear.
The worst thing you can do after Giving Tuesday is go quiet.
You have 26 days until December 31st. That’s 26 days of opportunity.
26 days to keep showing up.
26 days to keep telling stories.
26 days to keep inviting people to be part of what you’re building.
Giving Tuesday is NOT the finish line.
It’s the pit stop before the final push. Fresh tires. Full tank. 26 laps to go.
The people who want to give are waiting. Don’t leave them hanging.
Happy Friday, friends.
-Michael
P.S. If you made your five calls, will you leave a comment and tell me how it went? I’d love to hear from you.
