Whether your campaign was a success or not, it’s important to continue building the relationship with donors to sustain the momentum of giving. What you do in the days and weeks following Giving Tuesday is just as important as the campaign itself. Here’s how to keep the momentum going and build lasting relationships with your supporters.
Thank Your Donors
Expressing gratitude is crucial. Sending personalized thank-you emails within the first 48 hours after Giving Tuesday helps increase donor retention. For major donors, consider handwritten notes or phone calls to show appreciation. Highlight how their contributions will make a difference in your mission.
When showing gratitude, consider reaching out to the donor in the way they gave. If a donor gave through social media, then use social media to thank them. If the donor gave through your website, consider a thank you card in the mail. While there are various ways to show gratitude, it is important to be authentic and genuine in your words.
Share the Impact
“Show me the impact!” Donors want to know how their money is being used. Sharing stories, photos, or videos help donors gain insight into the impact of their contributions. Sending follow-up emails or creating social media posts that showcase the real-world results of their generosity helps continue the momentum of their give.
Creating an end of year impact statement is also a good way to show the overall accomplishments of the organization through contributions from donors. It can be used as a way to show gratitude, validate the work of the organization, and show the continued need for expansion.
Analyze Your Campaign
Now that the campaign is over, take time to review your Giving Tuesday performance. Analyze key metrics like total donations, average gift size, donor acquisition, and campaign engagement. Use these insights to refine your strategies for next year.
Analyzing the metrics of the campaign is not something you want to overlook. The metrics will give you key information and insights to how and why people give. Using this information, you can begin to cultivate donors and create a campaign for next year.
Engage New Donors
Many Giving Tuesday donors are first-time contributors. Send them a warm welcome email and invite them to learn more about your organization. Offer them opportunities to get involved through volunteering or monthly giving programs.
Sending a welcome email presents a great opportunity to speak about the ways supporters can get involved with the organization. It can also present call to actions where supporters can sign up for volunteering or recurring donations.
Plan Your Year-End Campaign
Keep the momentum alive by transitioning into your year-end fundraising efforts. Build on the excitement of Giving Tuesday by crafting a compelling year-end appeal that reminds donors their support is still needed.
The Year-end appeal can include the following:
- The cause the donor is supporting
- How their contribution will help the cause
- A view of the impact statement showing the progression of the organization
- Simple and easy ways to get involved and contribute
Take the Next Step with BryteBridge
Need help managing donor relationships or planning your next campaign? At BryteBridge, we provide nonprofits with the tools and expertise to grow sustainably.
For more information, join BryteBridge Connect Membership for Live Bootcamps, Webinars, and classes. Speak to a BryteBridge Consultant today by calling 877-857-9002.
