Currently, in Canada, we are in the midst of a nation-wide postal strike. For some, this may not be a significant issue, but for others, it could result in a substantial loss in Christmas donation revenue. Year-end giving is the largest fundraiser and can often constitute one-third or more of a charity's budget.
Here are a few creative ways to engage your donor list, despite your Christmas mailer being stuck at a Canada Post depot:
Reach Out to Your Local Donors
Your local donors are likely your most loyal supporters, as they understand the direct impact you are making, having possibly been personally affected by your organization. Once you have identified your local donors, create a ‘Call Group’ and reach out to them with instructions on one or more of the following out-of-the-box Christmas campaign ideas:
Christmas Mailbox: Post a Christmas Mailbox securely inside or outside your organization, where patrons can drop off their Christmas donations. Encourage them to place their cheque in a Christmas card and include a prayer request for your staff to pray over during the holiday season.
Christmas Open House: Host a Christmas Open House where patrons can tour the organization, chat with the staff, and drop off their Christmas gift. Keep it simple!
Christmas Gift Exchange: Organize a gift exchange. Provide a space for donors to drop off their Christmas gift, and in return, give them a small token of appreciation. Ideas include a branded Christmas ornament, a Christmas photo op, a cookie cutter, or a Christmas mug.
Major Donor Gift Drop: Arrange a door-to-door campaign with your donor relations team and volunteers to visit your local major donors. Bring a small gift along with a personally addressed and signed Christmas card from the Executive Team.
Get out into your community, attend local events, and make your presence known. This is a great opportunity to step away from your desk and engage with the community. While visiting your local donors, use the opportunity to pray for your community and observe how your neighbors interact with each other. You never know what you might discover.
Spur on Online Giving
Often, a Christmas mailer spurs on Christmas giving because it serves as a tangible reminder to donate. Without this tangible reminder, it is important to continually advertise that your Christmas campaign is still running. It often takes someone at least seven times to see something before they act. Here are a few ideas to increase your online giving:
Abundant Email Blasts: With a month left until Christmas, send out an email to your donor list every Wednesday night and Saturday morning leading up to Christmas. Include buttons with easy access to giving! In each email, share a short quote or story about your organization, followed by 2-3 ways the patron's Christmas gift will benefit the organization.
Matching Gift Program: Contact one of your major donors to set up a matching program for the holiday season with a deadline. Use the postal strike as a reason to encourage immediate giving. Explain to the major donor that you want to motivate Christmas gifts despite the postal strike, using the matching grant deadline as an incentive to give now rather than waiting for the strike to end.
Create a Tele-a-thon: Call your donor list, starting with the most active donors first, and accept donations over the phone!
Despite the challenges posed by the postal strike, there are still numerous ways to engage your donors and ensure your year-end fundraising efforts are successful. By reaching out to local donors, getting involved in the community, and leveraging online giving strategies, you can continue to make a significant impact. Remember, creativity and personal connection are key during this time. At Gillman Management Group, we are here to support you with innovative ideas and strategies to navigate these challenges. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance!
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