Prepare for a Prosperous End-of-Year (Part 1)

Try to make a few calls each evening if you can't reach donors during the day. Sitting and trying to call 100 people in one day may be much too stressful, but a few calls after dinner is easy to do and makes the donor feel great. And don't be surprised if you hang up feeling pretty good, too. Connecting with the men and women who make our work possible is more enjoyable than much of what's on TV these days!

The donors you call will appreciate being thanked, and this may make your organization stand out in their minds when they are making their year-end giving plans.

Next week I'll suggest a few other ways to get everything in place for a strong outpouring of donations at year-end. Having everything lined up and ready to go can give your organization a terrific year-end — and help you enjoy some well-deserved time-off at the same time.

Pamela Barden is the creative juice and the copywriting machine behind PJBarden Inc. Pamela also serves on the FundRaising Success Editorial Advisory Board. You can follow Pamela on Twitter @pjbarden.