How Much Is Too Much?
by Mary DombrowskiWednesday, March 26th, 2008
Are you annoying your supporters?
I recently received a call from an organization I’ve donated to in the past.
They have already solicited me by mail at least once and have made frequent phone calls as well. On the phone, I was thanked for my support and asked for additional support. When I said I would eventually give again later this year, they wanted to send me another piece of mail with a membership card–what exactly I would do with my membership card is not clear–to give me another opportunity to make a donation.
I wonder if the organization realizes how this sounds to a donor. They want me to give them money and I’m willing to give money. At the same time, they are spending my money, as a donor, to mail me things I don’t need and make phone calls I don’t want to receive. I know they have my email address because they solicit me that way as well. Organizations prefer to receive unrestricted funds, but you can see why a donor might prefer to restrict the use of those funds. Any of us giving to an organization wants to know the dollars are being put to good use.
Another example of this is with the election. I recently handled incoming calls for one of the presidential candidates working the 6-9pm shift. The majority of the calls I took were from individuals begging to be removed from the call list; they were being inundated with calls asking them to vote for this candidate. Some are on the “do not call” list and wonder why that isn’t being respected. [Nonprofits are exempt.] For a voter on the fence, this intrusion could make the difference in the candidate they choose to support.
Sure you want to fundraise and keep in touch with your members, but are you doing it in a way that makes people want to support you? Are you being as efficient and effective as you can?
March 26th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Good points. I wonder if some of the large organizations don’t consider how the large number of contacts are turning people off. Political campaigns also have the added challenge of real deadlines whereas most non profits are looking for ongoing funds.
Effective organizations understand that not every contact needs to be an ask for money. In fact if most of your contacts are not to ask, but to inform and thank, I believe people are more likely to give on their own volition.