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Steier Tips

Strategies for Success: “Make Summer Special”

Summer is quickly approaching. The time for cookouts, visits to the beach and long hot days will soon be here. While you contemplate the summer months, don’t forget about those who’ve allowed your nonprofit a chance to live its mission: your donors. It’s important for you to remain active in the minds of those supporting your cause. Continued contact with your constituents is critical to maintaining a successful nonprofit. During those slow times consider the following:

     • A State of the Nonprofit mailing. Update your donors as to the current status        of your nonprofit. Remind them how their funds are being used and the        importance of their commitment.

     • Annual report. If the summer marks the end of your fiscal year, produce a        publication that recognizes your donors and highlights your accomplishments.

     • Thank you phone calls. Ask volunteers to assist you in phoning donors to         thank them for their support.

For high schools the summer is a wonderful opportunity to reach the alumni. A reunion led by the alumni director featuring those active alumni is a great way to experience a fun weekend while extending a cultivating arm. Socials, dinner/dances or Mass should of course be held on campus. If not a reunion then an alumni softball tournament pitting class against class is another way to reach donors. Be certain to provide plenty of food and drink and activities for children.

Other nonprofits may consider inviting donors to an ice cream social or a barbeque. These types of events are a great way to thank donors in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

If you are conducting a campaign or raising funds for bricks and mortar, encourage donors to visit the construction site. This way they receive a first-person account of the project growth. You also can send an e-mail blast with pictures throughout your database to highlight the progress of the effort as well.

Whatever the strategy, it is important to remember to keep in touch with your donors. Cultivation is a year-round effort and it shouldn’t take a vacation during the summer months.

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