How to make the best relationship in fundraising even better

Many monthly giving programs have a fulfillment rate of around 110%. That is, donors give about 10% more than their monthly pledge.

How?

They get asked for an extra gift now and then.

If that worries you and has you thinking extra asks will spark a revolt among your monthly donors, read this super-helpful post from A Direct Solution: Asking Monthly Donors for an Extra Gift — Is It ‘Creepy’?

Spoiler alert: It’s not creepy at all! If anything, it’s anti-creepy:

… why on earth would you NOT give your monthly donors the opportunity to make an extra gift? You’re doing them a favor by asking them to make an even bigger difference. They love you.

Here are some hints from this post for getting the best results from extra asks:

• Create a special segment code, so you can track results.
  
• Exclude those monthly donors who have clearly told you not to solicit them.
  
• Base the ask amount on each donor’s most recent one-time gift. If that is not possible, just use “Other $__.”
  
• If the quantity allows, consider a personal handwritten note on the letter.
  
• ALWAYS say thank you for their monthly gifts.