Just like Santa, you’ve made your list and checked it twice. You have, right?
I’m asking because just yesterday I was speaking with an executive director who said he had to go over his list again to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anyone. Inspired thinking, especially in these days right before Christmas.
This busiest month of the year always seems to fly by, and if you’re not careful, you’ll waste the best opportunity you have all year to deepen relationships (and giving) with your existing donors.
Now is the time to have a strategic list of what needs to be accomplished so that important calls and virtual meetings don’t get missed in the excitement of the season.
A few reminders:
Reach out to your top donors now- Take a look at your top donors over the last three to five years. Call those who have made gifts and sincerely thank them. Also, you should reach out to lapsed donors to encourage them to re-invest in your mission.
Express heartfelt gratitude to your volunteers, including board and fundraising volunteers- Let them know how much you appreciate their commitment and concern.
Stay “open” over the break or risk losing revenue-Someone should be checking the mail and voice mail daily through 12-31. Really! What with year-end gifts needing to be processed and timely acknowledgments needing to be sent, this just makes sense.
I know you have many duties to perform and responsibilities to fulfill, but it’s really important that you take the time to invest in planning how you will make the most of the final days of the year. I promise that when 2021 rolls around you’ll be glad you did.
Are there any end-of-year “things to do” that I have forgotten? Please share your wisdom.
Merry Christmas from the Rescigno Team and Family to you and yours!