Why non profits should use direct mail for fundraising
A solid development plan used to rise and set around direct mail, and while there are many new fundraising channels available today, direct mail can and should still be an important part of your plan
Why is direct mail important for non-profits?
- Direct mail marketing helps you find potential donors. Targeted mailing lists can help your nonprofit to find new donors that fit your organization’s ideal demographics. Mailing lists can target by location, gender, income, etc.
- Direct mail marketing keeps you in contact with your current donors. When you send out direct mail, you are reminding them of your organization and keeping it in the forefront of their mind. This also helps you to keep up-to-date database information on your donors, so you are aware if they have a change of address.
- You can let your donors know what your organization’s current needs are. Is there something specific your organization needs to purchase? Is there something that needs immediate financial attention? Let your donors know your needs in a visually and emotionally appealing way.
Tips on creating direct mail marketing pieces for fundraising:
- Suggest donation amounts on your mail piece (i.e. $100 _______ $50 ________ $25 _______ Other: _________). You can list benefits of each to make it more effective. (i.e. $100 will allow an underprivileged child to attend summer camp. $50 will provide an underprivileged child a tutor for a month.)
- Thank your donor for their last gift and tell them why their next gift will help your organization.
- Create multiple options for giving. Can they give online? Over the phone? Include this information on your mailing.
- Include the reminder that their donation is tax deductible.
- Drive an emotional connection by personal stories of how their donations benefit real people.
- Make sure to include the option of updating their mailing address, adding an email address, etc.
- Be sure your mailing is appealing to the eye, and don’t forget to always include your organization’s logo and information.
Do you need help creating an effective direct mail fundraising piece? At Pel Hughes, our team of expert graphic designers can help!
