A donor writes a letter to the president of the organization. It’s an articulate critique of what the donor dislikes about their fundraising: It’s simplistic, repetitious, and emotional. What do you do? What do you say? We read an actual letter from a real donor and talk through the right — and wrong — response. There’s a disastrously bad response that many organizations make to letters like this. There’s also an affirming, correct, and revenue-enhancing response.
Letter from a disgruntled donor
At the beginning of my fundraising career in 1995, I sent a letter to an individual reminding her member was due. She was furious! “I never join an organization.” Fortunately, I was on holidays. I explained that we were all volunteers and were just learning how to contact people. I don’t remember all of what I said. It took 2 1/2 pages of type. I faxed it to her. I got a $300.00 cheque from her, and she donated at least $100.00 a year for well over 20 years.
I don’t have a website yet for my new organization. Hopefully, it will be up this summer.