FundSvcs Community

Our organization has historically sent a reply device and envelope with gift receipts to facilitate a donor's next gift. We get about 22% of our gifts this way. As we review our stewardship process (receipts, thank you calls and thank you letters) we are considering no longer providing neither a reply device nor a pre-addressed envelope with the receipt. And there definitely will not be one with any mailed thank you letter. This is based on the adage of "don't combine thank you with asking for a gift". I am concerned that this will reduce revenue and donor retention. Since we do not send newsletters or appeals all that frequently, how will we secure that next gift ? From a Advancement Services perspective, that a reply device (that has the donor's name and address pre-printed) also helps in accurate processing of their next gift (vs a check sent without any device). Any input based on experience or testing? (We are not a higher ed organization that has alumni pledge programs that would fill that gap.)

The first question I would ask is what is the quality of the gifts that are coming in that 22% group? Is it the same donors in the 22%? If it is than can you continue that process just for that 22% Are those donors increasing their giving year over year or are you receiving the same $25? If the 22% represents substantially different donors year over year, do they make a third gift? Answers to those questions will help you figure out how to think about the thank/ask strategy. Retention of donors is cheaper, and more profitable than acquiring new donors, use that filter on your decision making. JBA
Original Message----- From: Advancement Services Discussion List <FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG> On Behalf Of Diane Kuehl Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 7:14 PM To: FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG Subject: [FUNDSVCS] Reply device and envelope with Gift Receipts Our organization has historically sent a reply device and envelope with gift receipts to facilitate a donor's next gift. We get about 22% of our gifts this way. As we review our stewardship process (receipts, thank you calls and thank you letters) we are considering no longer providing neither a reply device nor a pre-addressed envelope with the receipt. And there definitely will not be one with any mailed thank you letter. This is based on the adage of "don't combine thank you with asking for a gift". I am concerned that this will reduce revenue and donor retention. Since we do not send newsletters or appeals all that frequently, how will we secure that next gift ? From a Advancement Services perspective, that a reply device (that has the donor's name and address pre-printed) also helps in accurate processing of their next gift (vs a check sent without any device). Any input based on experience or testing? (We are not a higher ed organization that has alumni pledge programs that would fill that gap.)