What’s the easiest thing you can do every day to raise more money?
Pick up the phone and call a donor.
That’s it.
Just one phone call. Every. Single. Day.
It’s the easiest way to raise more money, and yet, so few fundraisers actually do it. It’s even okay to leave a message — something you’ll probably end up doing most of the time.
6 Steps to Raise Money in Just 15 Minutes per Day
Here’s how to prepare for your call.
Step 1: Make a list.
Generate a list of your recent donors (those who have given in the last 30 days). Sort them in descending order from largest to smallest (gift size).
Step 2: Know your donor.
Research the first person on your list. What is their giving history to your organization?
- Are they a first-time donor?
- Long time donor?
- Monthly donor?
- Do they volunteer or attend your events?
Take a quick look at their social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) and do a quick Google search to see what you can learn.
Step 3: Choose your reason.
Determine the best purpose for the call based on your research.
- Is the goal to get a meeting (in-person or virtual)?
- Can you learn more about them over the phone? (see the ‘Listening Tour’ section below)
- Is a heartfelt thank you the most appropriate action?
Step 4: Get prepared.
Have a script on hand with a few key bullets about your donor. And be prepared to leave a message.
Step 5: Make the call.
Muster your courage and pick up the phone — you’ve got this!
Step 6: Take a few notes.
Take notes in your donor database on what happened. Also note your next steps.
Have more time to make another call? See Step 2 and move to the next person on your list. Repeat as time permits, but commit to at least one call each working day.
Remember, you’re not asking for money on these calls. This is all about donor stewardship — which is a big part of raising more money.
Go on a “Listening Tour” of Your Donors
A listening tour is when you call donors simply to get to know them. And as noted above, that’s a great reason to make one of these daily calls.
A simple script for speaking with a donor
Here’s a sample script for calling a donor you don’t know:
I’m calling you for two reasons, Susan.
First, to thank you for your recent contribution and for being such a generous donor. We couldn’t (provide scholarships, clean the environment, save animals, create art, etc.) without people like you.
Second, I’d love to know why you gave to us in the first place and what motivates you to keep giving.
(Listen carefully and respond appropriately.)
Would you be interested in learning ways you might be able to help even more? Would you be interested in volunteering?
Thank you so much for your time today and again for your generous donation.
A simple script for leaving a message
No response? No problem. You can leave a message:
I was also hoping to learn more about why you give and why you care about _____________ (saving animals, cleaning the environment, providing scholarships, etc.). I’ll try you back tomorrow, or if you’d like to call me back, I can be reached at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Thank you again.
That’s it. One phone call. Every day.
It’s about 240 calls per year, assuming you don’t count holidays and weekends. Once you get the hang of it, you might even call 2 or 3 donors per day. That would mean 500 to 1000+ calls per year.
This one simple act will get you to speak with more donors. Meet with them. Increase their retention rate. Generate bigger gifts. And, in turn, help you raise significantly more money.
Not a bad return for one call per day.
Make a commitment right here, right now.
So… will you take that little bit of time each day and commit to calling one donor?
If so, say “heck yeah” in the comments to let me (and others) know you’re in! Let’s do this!
Heck yeah, I will do this.
I’m in a brand new job and all of my work in the last 8 weeks has been leading up to today, the day I pick up the phone and start calling those donors and prospects in my portfolio. Thanks for the encouragement, ideas and motivation to make a habit of doing this EVERY DAY. Heck yeah!
Heck Yeah, Elizabeth!!!
Wow,thank you very much Madame Amy ,may the good Lord bless so much, am happy with you yours once again; PS
Henry.
Heck Yeah! Thanks for the tip!
Heck, yeah! I’m all over it! Thank you, Amy!
heck yeah! This post is so helpful – I’m a nervous caller and even more nervous asker, and it’s so easy to get sucked down the rabbit hole of writing documents, emails, and other duties. I’m definitely going to employ this. Appreciate the tips 🙂
Heck YES!
This is so simple and yet many overlook it. In the era of everyone trying to take everything digital, so many are missing the old-fashioned phone call approach. Thanks for reminding them!
Heck Yeah! Thanks for the motivation!
Heck Yeah!
but a question – I know why the donor has given, he’s a friend who believes in my goal and thinks were doing great things.
how should I steer the conversation next?
your examples are great and I’m using them on new donors. what about the old or repeat and well acquainted donors
Heck Yeah! With all the ‘social distancing’, it has been so hard to get to see our donors in person. A phone call works too!
Thanks Amy!!!!
Thank you for keeping us all on track Amy! We have picked this fundraising policy back up since the pandemic started and it has made an impact for us. It is my favorite time of the day:)
I so needed this reminder and encouragement today! Thank you and Heck Yeah!
Heck Yeah! Thanks for this mitivation from Germany
Heck yeah I’m in! I KNOW it works. I do pick up the phone often enough, and can see the increase in giving for many donors I started thanking personally in whatever way (personal hand written notes with their receipts). BUT… time is always the issue. So committing to one call a day can be a game changer.
Heck yeah. I’ll do it!
YES! Thank you for the reminder and great tips!
Thanks, what about the first time donors for start up organisation that has not yet received any donations from any donor. How can I start calling and how can I start. I would love to start this daily.
Heck Yeah.
I know this is the ticket to getting more comfortable, making connections, building relationships, etc.
Thanks for the simple, easy scripts, too.
Heck Yeah! I’m still relatively new to fundraising, so I’m anxious to get rolling with your help!
Heck yeah! Calling donors and regular communication with them are the best things you can do to improve fundraising for your organization
Heck Yeah! So simple and yet so impactful. Thank you for the motivation and inspiration!