The Importance of ‘Thank You’

Run effectively, your gift-acknowledgment program should delight your donors, build their loyalty to your cause and raise significant revenue.

Remember, too, that acknowledging gifts is just one crucial part of an effective fundraising program. To raise the most money, follow what I call the A.A.A.R.M. approach to fundraising: Make donors Aware; Ask for contributions; Acknowledge gifts; Report how the donor’s gift is being used; and Motivate donors to continue their support. Employ the A.A.A.R.M. steps, and your fundraising will soar.

Tim Burgess is co-founder of the Domain Group, an international direct-marketing firm serving nonprofits in North America and Europe. He’s also vice chair of the DMA Nonprofit Federation Advisory Council. You can reach him at tim.burgess@thedomaingroup.com, or 206.834.1480.