Simple steps ensure your fundraising has more treats than tricks.

By Sandy Rees

How to avoid this deadly mistake: Your best bet is to send a thank-you letter within 48 hours if at all possible, up to a week at the latest. The thank-you letter lets the donor know that you got her gift and have set it to work. It builds trust with the donor. And it sets up the next gift. Your thank-you letter can support or destroy the donor's image of you. A sloppy "fill-in-the-blank" receipt can send the message that you don't have time or don't care enough to properly thank her. FS

Sandy Rees is a fundraising coach and consultant, and author of the Get Fully Funded blog. Reach her at sandy@sandyrees.com