A few phone call tips when thanking donors

• Use my name. Seems obvious, but sometimes callers forget and just launch in. Using my name gives me a heads up and may reassure me that the call is benign.
• Mention my last gift or that I’ve been a donor for 10 years, or that I just upgraded to a monthly gift. Let me know that you know about me and my history with your charity. Don’t ask for another gift! Just stick to saying thanks. Don’t be rattled if the donor doesn’t remember giving to your organization. Just say, “Well, we remember you! And we want to say thanks.”
• Leave a warm voice mail, if I’m not available. For me, getting a voice mail is almost as good as the real thing. These days, you’re more likely to have to leave a message anyway. People screen their calls, or they’re out and about. If you can leave a nice message, consider it mission accomplished.
• Ask me a couple of questions, if I seem willing to chat. Good questions are “what keeps me giving?” Or “how has the charity affected my life or the life of someone I know?” You might be surprised at the motives you uncover and stories that inspire you.
• Get your volunteers and board members involved. Have a phonathon just for thanking. Make it an event and have fun. Provide some basic training and then set your phoners free. If you ask people to make those calls from home, do give them a list of tips and even let them do a practice run on you so you can provide feedback.