Campaign Components

Distinctive Events

As our thoughts turn to the holiday season, consider the following strategies to complement your development program.

• Include a Holiday Wish List in your newsletter. Consider placing a graphic of a Santa Claus with a wish list that shares the needs that are not typically included in your annual appeal, such as copiers, printers, fax machines, etc.

• Invite constituents to a Phantom Event. For example, invite supporters to a made-up dinner/auction where participants are invited and asked to send in their contribution (but no actual event is held). This is a great way for your donors to contribute without giving up a night during the hectic holiday time!

• Send a Membership Drive appeal that invites benefactors to join a particular group such as a women's guild. With the annual dues, include the benefits that the supporter will receive.

The holidays are also a good time to thank everyone who had an impact on your organization including staff, board members, volunteers and donors. Below are methods to share your gratitude with those who made your year so special.

• People receiving the benefits of your organization's work write personal, hand-written notes to your top prospects in late November.

• The staff sends personalized e-mails to volunteers and board members highlighting their work and the accomplishments of the agency.

• The staff, including the CEO, personally delivers special gifts or thank you cards to donors just prior to the holidays.

• Board members host an annual thank-a-thon where all donors are called and thanked for their support and reminded of the past year's accomplishments.

• Host a holiday party to thank staff, board members, volunteers and contributors.

It is my hope that this past year exceeded your expectations and that these suggestions will help bring your year to a successful conclusion.

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