What Your Donors Want to Hear Before Dec. 31

Convince me there is still a need
"Yes, progress has been made in 2011. But there's more to be done in 2012 — and we need you!" That's the message of your fundraising letter, e-mail or other communication. You're gaining momentum, and good things are happening. Now is not the time to cut back on your efforts.

Thank me sincerely (and promptly)
You're going to get a lot more donations than usual in December if you are like the typical nonprofit. When I call in to make a donation, allow time to say a genuine "thank you" before hanging up. Focus on getting receipts out quickly with a short note of appreciation and having a thoughtful thank-you message that is automatically generated after an online gift. You may experience a backlog because of volume, so be prepared with a warm message of appreciation for the donors who call on Jan. 3, wondering where their receipts are so they can finish their taxes.

Yes, talk to your donors in December. But you don't have to scream to get heard over the noise of the season. Approach your donors as one friend talking to another friend, and you'll find many will take time for the symbolic cup of coffee or tea with you because they consider you a friend — and can tell you think of them that way, too.

Pamela Barden is the creative juice and the copywriting machine behind PJBarden Inc. You can follow Pamela on Twitter @pjbarden.