Ross Weeks wrote:
> ... Always a letter, however, not just a printed receipt or card. ...

Ross describes the basic format well. I just want to add how important it is
to treat your lower level donors with great respect and sincere interest.
These are your best prospects for becoming major donors. People with some
interest in your organization may "test the waters" with a basic membership.
Or members - over time - develop the capacity to do much more for your
organization. I promise you that they will remember receiving that nice note
back when they were "nobody."

As Ross said, whenever possible, personalize the thank yous. If your
organization is very small - do it for everyone. If your organizational
capacity is limited and/or your membership is very large, divide up your
constituencies - like Ross said.

One more tip - Take time to scan your member lists, especially new ones. If
a potential major donor joins on their own initiative, you have a great
opportunitiy to welcome them and begin increasing their involvement.

Susan B.F. Wageman (formerly a grant & research manager)
Evaluation Manager                       [log in to unmask]
The Tech Museum of Innovation            408-795-6303
201 South Market Street                  fax: 408-279-7167
San Jose, California USA 95113           http://www.thetech.org
Museum-L" (without the quotes).

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