Werth-It Fundraising Blog

A non-profit staff member mentioned that every thank-you note they send has two signers on it, the executive director and the development director.  I said, “No.  One signer.  Don’t make double the work.”  She argued, “But one of us might know someone better.”  I replied, “Then put a note in the files for each person, saying which signer they get, or divide up your lists.  But I don’t want you both spending time repeating a task.  It’s important that the letters go out quickly and that you don’t spend too much time on them.  I’m sorry, but you have to prioritize.”

The solution became that the executive director will sign letters to donors giving $1,000 or more, and the development director will sign those for lower amounts.  That makes it easier on the assistant creating the letters.

I don’t mean to be harsh on this, but I want fundraising to go as smoothly as possible, and to be as efficient as possible while keeping the personal touch.  Donors appreciate a hand-signed thank-you, but they don’t need two signers on every letter.

If you have a question about fundraising, please write me, Katherine Wertheim, CFRE, at katherine@werth-it.com or post a comment on my blog.