3 Tips: Last Minute Holiday Cards for Donors

Welcome to “How To Be a Better Fundraiser in Three Easy Steps,” in which I share actionable steps to not only level up your fundraising, but also protect your energy. My goal is to bring ease into your daily development officer life by sharing 3 easy steps in each article.

I’ll also include resources to support you and updates on upcoming events.

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Last Minute Holiday Outreach in 3 Easy Steps

The end of the calendar year is such a mash up. We've got end of year campaigns, metrics and goals looking, giving day(s), tons of events. and we need to effuse gratitude and good cheer. No wonder why we're so tired on December 31.

I've cried over holiday cards before. Cried. At work. In my office made of glass walls. As a grown woman. I do not want this for you.

So I thought I'd share 3 steps to help you do holiday cards without squandering a bunch of bandwidth, even if you're getting a late start.

Here’s how to get yourself organized for easy holiday outreach:

1)????Segment your list. Look at your portfolio and choose a few people in each category. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Just pick some people.

• ???3-5 donors you’re currently working with.
• 3-5 donors who made a gift this year AND have indicators of future potential.
• 3-5 wild cards….people you know would appreciate the gesture. No need to overthink.

2)????Pull the mailing addresses. If you don’t know how to pull a list, just look them up individually. That’s why we started with a small number of donors this year.

3)????Get supplies. Buy cute cards (like these and these) and stamps online. Next year you can get branded stuff. Plan to address the envelopes by hand so you don’t have to fight with the printer or involve a whole bunch of people.

Gr your favorite pen, a cup of tea or coffee, and sign the cards.

Mail them.

Boom goes the dynamite.

And because you love your future self, here’s how to make this easier next year:

1.?????Grab your donor tracking spreadsheet. Add the names. Create a "holiday card" column. Next year, you’ll have a jump start.

2.?????Put tasks on your calendar:

• October 1: Order branded holiday cards, stamps, and find out how to work the printer or who to ask.
• November 1: Request list/begin working on segments.
• ?December 1: Sign and mail holiday cards

3.?????Update your donor tracking spreadsheet so you have a jump start for future future self.

I hope this is helpful!

Warmly,

Anne

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