It is true that most donors are driven by a simple desire to make a difference in the lives of communities. However, being human, these donors need acknowledgment. When they recognize the support and continued commitment of their donors, organizations encourage the donors to remain supportive. Furthermore, acknowledgment of donors is essentially a recognition of the tremendous impact that the donors have had on the organization’s pursuit of its mission. Therefore, organizations should endeavor to acknowledge donors whose contributions allow for the accomplishment of goals.
Part 1
For a fundraising initiative to be effective, an organization needs to select an appropriate approach. The approach selected should be such that it enables the organization to convey its mission while calling on prospective and existing donors to make contributions (Barrett & Ware, 2002). For the peer-to-peer fundraising process, it is advised that personalized mailing should be adopted for the purpose of fundraising. One of the benefits of this approach is that it enables organizations to express the immense value that they place on the relationships with donors (Chapter 7, 2013). Another benefit of personalized mailing lies in its reach. An organization that adopts this approach is able to reach many donors. Personalized mailing is perfect for Evan Edward Worthing High School as it has adopted the peer-to-peer model. Through this model, the school hopes to reach many donors. The personalized mailing will allow it to accomplish this objective. Personalized mailing is unique compared to other approaches which adopt generic techniques. When it adopts personalized mailing, an organization essentially communicates its desire to establish a personal and satisfying relationship with individual donors (Klein, 2016). If Evan Edward Worthing High School is to attract massive donations, it needs to assure prospective and existing donors that their effort makes a difference and will always be acknowledged. Personalized mailing is undoubtedly the most appropriate approach for raising funds.
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Part 2
In the introduction, the critical role that donor acknowledgment plays in promoting fundraising was addressed. As they acknowledge donors, organizations reiterate their appreciation of the relationships that they have established with their donors. There are various tools that an organization can use to acknowledge its donors. Sending out letters that assure donors that their contributions have been received and are greatly appreciated is among the measures that an organization can adopt. The following is a template of an acknowledgement letter that Evan Edward Worthing High School may send to donors upon receipt of a contribution.
Dear
We are excited to inform you that we received your donation. We would like to assure you that the sacrifices and continued commitment that you have continued to demonstrate provides the school with the drive needed to accomplish its objectives. The school is eternally in your debt and would like to express its appreciation for your support.
Apart from letters that acknowledge contributions, organizations may also host luncheons and breakfast. In addition to providing donors with avenues for interaction, these events also allow organizations to express their deep gratitude for donor support and contribution (Deller, 2000). It is advised that Evan Edward Worthing High School should host bi-annual luncheons. At these luncheons, the school should recognize donors who have made the most significant contributions. It is important for the school to ensure that all donors who take part in the luncheons feel appreciated. Among the factors that discourage donors and cause them to stop supporting an organization is the failure of the organization to appreciate their contribution. Therefore, to avoid donor fatigue and frustration, Evan Edward Worthing High School should endeavor to acknowledge all donors.
In conclusion, the support that donors offer organizations plays a crucial role. Through this support, organizations are able to accomplish their missions. To provide donors with the incentive needed to remain committed, organizations should always acknowledge the contributions of the donors. The acknowledgment needs not take a complex form. Instead, using such simple tools as letters and phone calls, an organization can express its gratitude and appreciation. Evan Edward Worthing High School should strive to remind its donors that their contributions are highly valued.
References
Barrett, R. D., & Ware, M. E. (2002). Planned giving essentials: a step-by-step guide to
Success. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishing.
Chapter 7. Nurturing Relationships. (2013).
Deller, S. D. (2000). Fundraising skills for health care executives. New York: Springer.
Klein, K. (2016). Fundraising for social change. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
