Welcoming new donors

Congratulations! You have just received a contribution from a new donor. Now what?

Welcoming new donors to your nonprofit organization is an essential part of building a strong and lasting relationship with them. Here are some tips for welcoming new donors and making them feel valued.

1. Send a meaningful thank you

When a new donor makes a contribution to your organization, it's important to send them a meaningful thank you within 48 hours. A prompt and personalized thank you message will help your donors feel appreciated and valued. Your thank you message should include a heartfelt expression of gratitude, the impact that their donation will make, and any next steps for them to get involved with your organization.

2. Send a welcome package

Sending a welcome package is a great opportunity to connect with your donor before making another ask, as well as an opportunity to share more about your nonprofits work and impact. A welcome package can include a letter of welcome from your organization's leadership, information about your programs and services, and any upcoming events or volunteer opportunities. It's also a great opportunity to provide them with a small gift such as a sticker, magnet, or tote bag that features your organization's logo or mission.

3. Find out what inspired them to support your work

Connecting with your new donors to ask them what inspired them to support your important work can help you understand their motivation and build a stronger relationship with them. You can reach out to them via phone, email, or even social media to ask them about their interest in your organization and how they heard about your cause. This information will be helpful for future communications and solicitations.

4. Track it all in the Database

Keeping track of your new donors in your organization's database is crucial for building and maintaining a strong relationship with them. You can use your database to track their communication preferences, donation history, and any other relevant information. This will enable you to personalize your communication with them and ensure that they receive information that is relevant to their interests and needs.