Membership toolkit
What is a Membership Program?
A membership program is a structured system where individuals contribute regularly (usually financially) to a nonprofit in exchange for certain benefits, privileges, or access to the organization's activities and resources. Memberships can be tiered, offering different levels of benefits based on the contribution size, or a flat access-based fee where all members receive the same benefits.
Table of Contents
Membership Levels & Benefits
Membership programs can look different depending on whether they are c3 or c4 organizations, as well as whether they are bylaw-recognized members or not. C3 organizations that have membership models are different because the membership model is informal. Informal membership models are not built directly into the organization's internal structure. The relationship is nonlimiting (anyone who wants to support the organization can be a member and get some small benefit or value from their membership). Members do not have voting rights for program decisions or board member elections. For tax purposes, membership is viewed as a tax-deductible charitable contribution.
Conversely, 501c4 membership programs often are written directly into the bylaws of the organization often enshrining voting rights as an integral part of what being a member gets you. That means membership requires a level of vetting above the membership model in 501c3’s as well as stricter rules governing what membership access gives members. Because these member relationships provide deeper levels of influence on an organization’s mission and activities, members of 501c4’s do not receive tax-deductions for their financial contributions.
At its core, a membership program is a more mutual relationship between a nonprofit organization and its closest supporters. Membership programs raise funds, and in certain cases community input and advice, for organizations and in return, members can gain access to a range of benefits that can vary from exclusive updates and insights into the organization's work, invitations to special events, or even tangible rewards based on the membership tier they belong to. This relationship offers your organization a more predictable revenue stream for your nonprofit as well as a deeper sense of ownership and belonging among members, encouraging a deeper commitment to the cause.
When it comes to voting rights for membership programs, the rules are enshrined in organization’s bylaws. This means any edits to voting rights are subject to board member ratification and potentially members themselves. There are multiple things that these bylaws will potentially describe, including:
- Who is eligible to vote. This can be determined based on:
- Membership class
- Attendance and participation
- Payment of membership fees
- How votes are counted. This can be determined by:
- Voting requirements for different types of decisions
- Direct votes versus Representation for voting members
- Thresholds for how many votes are received/percentages of voting eligible members vs members in good standing
Tiered membership programs give organizations more flexible offerings that cater to your supporters' different giving capacity and desire for engagement with your work. By offering various levels of membership, each with its own set of benefits, you can effectively widen your appeal, attracting a broader cross-section of supporters. This inclusivity allows potential members, regardless of their contribution size, to become a part of your organization's community and contribute to its success in some way. This tactic will be useful especially among organizations that are trying to attract members from multiple socio-economic classes or different tangential affiliations with their work. While a tiered membership program makes it easier for individuals to find a level of involvement that matches their capacity and interest, it is the organization’s responsibility to ensure that you don’t automatically treat higher paying donors better. It is fine to provide different levels of benefit, but be sure that you don’t let this turn into neglect of base level members in order to only steward and develop relationships with your high level members.
The uniform membership model is less complex, focusing on the growth of a wide base by making membership access a simpler, binary decision. This helps organizations create a strong sense of solidarity and collective effort. In this model, all members receive the same benefits. This is especially helpful for 501c3 organizations that have informal membership programs. This approach can be particularly effective in building a community of supporters who are united by a shared commitment to the nonprofit's mission. It underscores the value of each contribution, no matter its size, reinforcing the idea that the collective support of many individuals is crucial to achieving the organization's goals.
Implementing a membership program requires thoughtful planning, a potential base that has shown the desire for membership, and a clear understanding of your goals. It's about creating a system that not only provides a steady income but also enriches the experience of its supporters, making them feel valued and connected to the cause they care about. Through regular contributions, members play an ongoing role in your achievements, and through the benefits they receive, they are constantly reminded of the impact of their support and the importance of their continued engagement.
Why Create a Membership Program?
Sustainable Funding: Regular contributions from members provide a predictable and stable source of income.
Sustainable funding is at the heart of why many nonprofits start membership programs. Unlike the uncertain nature and fickleness of one-time donations and grants, regular contributions from members offer a steady and reliable source of income. This predictability allows nonprofits to budget and plan with greater confidence, reducing organizational risk and issues with fundraising affecting essential programming. At their core, membership programs make organizations more resilient in the face of financial uncertainties.
Community Building: Membership programs foster a sense of belonging and commitment among supporters, creating a vibrant community around the organization’s cause.
Community building is the difference between membership and simply fundraising; it cultivates a sense of shared purpose and commitment among supporters. By joining a membership program, individuals become part of an exclusive community united by a common cause. This communal sense creates a deeper emotional investment in the nonprofit's success and an affinity for the organization and its work. Regular updates, exclusive events, and member-only privileges enhance this sense of belonging, making members feel valued and integral to a nonprofit's mission. As this community strengthens, it not only bolsters your nonprofit's capacity to achieve its goals but also gives your organization a base of activated and motivated people excited to spread your mission to the wider public.
Increased Engagement: Members are more likely to volunteer, attend events, and advocate for the organization’s mission.
Increased engagement within a membership program amplifies a nonprofit's reach and effectiveness. Members are more deeply involved with the work of your organization which leads to an increase in volunteering, event attendance, and increased advocacy. All of this engagement extends your organization's visibility and can attract new supporters and resources, furthering its reach and impact.
Enhanced Organizational Capacity: With a reliable income and a dedicated community, nonprofits can plan more effectively, expand their activities, build political power and improve their impact.
Enhanced organizational capacity is a direct benefit of the stable funding and engaged community fostered by a membership program. This steady stream of income gives you financial stability that allows you to plan long-term strategies and undertake projects with confidence, knowing that the necessary resources are in place. This investment leads to expanding programming, whether launching new initiatives, extending existing programs, or investing in capacity building for staff. The dedicated community of members provides a strong base of engaged volunteers and potential leaders, that through political education and guidance will be able organize and mobilize communities politically to advance organizational causes. Ultimately, membership makes many nonprofits better positioned to make strategic decisions, respond to emerging needs, and scale their impact in meaningful ways,.
How a Membership Program Can Grow Your Base and Improve Organizing
Implementing a membership program can be transformative for nonprofits, not only in terms of financial stability but also in how they engage with and expand their mass and deep bases. By establishing a structured framework for involvement, you can more effectively organize your efforts and nurture a vibrant community of dedicated supporters. Here’s how a well-designed membership program can catalyze growth and enhance your organization’s work:
Personalization: Tailoring communication and benefits to members’ interests increases engagement and loyalty.
Personalization within a membership program is a powerful tool for deepening member engagement and loyalty. By customizing communications and benefits to align with individual members' interests and preferences, you can create a more meaningful and satisfying experience. This tailored approach makes members feel valued and understood, increasing their emotional and financial investment in the organization. When members see that their specific interests are being acknowledged and catered to, their connection to the organization strengthens
Feedback and Innovation: Regular interaction with members provides valuable feedback, allowing for adjustments and innovation in programs and strategies.
Feedback and innovation are vital components of a thriving membership program. Regular interaction with members provides direct insights into the effectiveness of your efforts, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for innovation. This continuous loop of feedback and adjustment ensures that programs remain relevant and impactful, meeting the evolving needs of the community and the cause. Engaging members in this way not only enhances the quality and effectiveness of your work but also fosters a sense of ownership among members, who see their input leading to tangible changes and improvements.
Building Leadership into Ambassadors: Engaging members in volunteer opportunities and decision-making roles can develop new leaders, helping to spread its message and attract new supporters through community outreach.
Building leadership through a membership program not only supports the nonprofit's current needs but also prepares for its future. By offering members opportunities to volunteer, take on decision-making roles, or lead projects, nonprofits can cultivate a pipeline of future leaders. These experiences allow members to develop valuable skills, deepen their commitment to the cause, and prepare for more significant roles within the organization. This strategic development of leadership capacity increases resilience and adaptability.
Leveraging members as ambassadors allows you to tap into the powerful network effect to expand your organization’s reach and influence. Engaged members naturally become advocates for the organization, sharing its mission and successes with their own circles. This word-of-mouth promotion is invaluable, as personal recommendations carry significant weight and can attract new supporters outside of traditional outreach as well as open doors to powerful connections the organization doesn’t already have. By empowering members to act as ambassadors, nonprofits can efficiently broaden their supporter base, drawing in new donors, volunteers, and advocates.
Calendar for Creating and Rolling Out a Membership Program
Month 1-2: Planning and Development
- Define Objectives: Clearly articulate what you want to achieve with the membership program.
- Research: Look into successful membership programs for inspiration and best practices.
- Design Membership Structure: Decide on membership levels, fees, and benefits.
Month 3-4: Infrastructure and Materials
- Set Up Systems: Implement or update CRM systems to manage member information and communications.
- Develop Marketing Materials: Create brochures, web pages, and online sign-up forms.
Month 5-6: Soft Launch
- Internal Launch: Introduce the program to the board, staff, and close supporters for feedback.
- Pilot Group Launch: Offer the program to a select group of potential members and gather insights.
Month 7-8: Public Launch
- Final Adjustments: Incorporate feedback from the soft launch phases to refine the program.
- Marketing Campaign: Use email, social media, events, and direct mail to promote the membership program widely.
- Launch Event: Consider an event to generate excitement and draw in initial members.
Month 9-12: Evaluation and Growth
- Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly track membership growth, engagement levels, and financial contributions.
- Solicit Feedback: Ask members for their input on how to improve the program.
- Adjust and Expand: Based on feedback and performance, adjust the program and consider introducing new benefits or levels.
Creating and managing a successful membership program requires careful planning, ongoing management, and a willingness to adapt based on member feedback. With a clear strategy and dedicated effort, a membership program can significantly enhance a nonprofit's capacity to serve its mission and build a committed community of supporters.
Membership Levels & Benefits
This membership table will help you develop a solid table and structure to your membership program. Membership programs can help develop senses of community and building relationships through like-minded individuals uniting for a common cause. Members can do their own networking and relationship building through the program. Members can have access to different programs, opportunities, events, and content that regular donors or volunteers don't. You can leverage this exclusivity. Use this table to give different levels of access to your organization, its events, or even programming concerns.
501c3 Example Membership Table
Monthly Amount |
Offerings ($X a month gets access to Y) |
Giving Level |
Goal # of Donors |
$10 |
Volunteering Opportunities: Unique opportunities to give back to the community and make a direct impact on the mission of the organization. |
Friend Level |
80 |
$15 |
Members-Only Content: Online access to members-only content such as webinars, videos, guides, and articles. |
Partner Level |
40 |
$25 |
Professional Networking Opportunities: Access to exclusive networking events that connect members with like-minded individuals in the same field. |
Sustainer Level |
20 |
$50 |
Advisory Opportunities:Support the organization's mission and have your voices represented in front of decision-makers. |
Champion Level |
10 |
501c4 Example Membership Table
Monthly Amount |
Offerings ($X a month gets access to Y) |
Giving Level |
Goal # of Donors |
$10 |
Merchandize Access: Discounts on Merch |
Friend Level |
80 |
$15 |
Membership: Automatic voting-rights membership into local chapters or national membership program |
Partner Level |
40 |
$25 |
Professional Networking Opportunities: Access to exclusive networking events that connect members with like-minded individuals in the same field. |
Sustainer Level |
20 |
$50 |
Advisory Opportunities: Support the organization's mission through advisory member committee membership. |
Champion Level |
10 |
Sample Member Benefits for “Provides” section of the Membership Table
These are options that you can provide for your organization’s members in the table above to give access to:
- Programs
- Opportunities
- Events
- Content
- Community
- Impact beyond donating
- More regular communication and updates
- Voice to influence programming through caucusing
- Advisory board
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Workshops
- Seminars/Webinars
- Networking opportunities
- Speaking Engagement
- Advocacy Efforts
Membership Gift Table
A gift table is a common tool used in fundraising campaigns to help nonprofits visualize and plan how to reach their fundraising goals. It breaks down the total goal into manageable donation sizes, illustrating how many gifts at various levels are needed to successfully meet the target. This approach serves multiple purposes, from guiding fundraising efforts to engaging potential donors at levels that match their capacity to give.
The concept behind a gift table is simple yet powerful. At the top of the table, there are typically a few large gifts, which account for a significant portion of the fundraising goal. As the table progresses down, the size of the gifts decreases, but the number of gifts required at each level increases. This structure is based on the fundraising principle that a large portion of the funds usually comes from a small percentage of donors (often referred to as the 80/20 rule, where 80% of the funding comes from 20% of the donors), with the rest being made up through smaller contributions from a broader base of support.
Monthly Amount |
Giving Level |
Goal # of Donors |
$50 |
Champion Level |
10 |
$25 |
Sustainer Level |
20 |
$15 |
Partner Level |
40 |
$10 |
Friend Level |
80 |
MONTHLY TOTAL: |
$2,400 |
Creating a gift table involves several steps:
Setting the Overall Goal: Determine the total amount of money that needs to be raised.
Identifying Gift Levels: Break down the total goal into different donation levels, starting with the largest gifts necessary and working down to the smallest. Use historical data to fill this out.
Determining the Number of Gifts Needed at Each Level: Calculate how many gifts are required at each level to reach the total goal, ensuring that the sum of all gifts across levels meets or exceeds the fundraising target.
Developing Strategies for Each Level: Plan specific strategies for securing membership contributions at each level, identifying potential members and tailoring engagement efforts to match the characteristics and interests of donors in each segment.
Welcome Series
What is a Welcome Series?
A welcome series is a sequence of emails designed to introduce new subscribers, members, or donors to an organization. These automated emails kick off as soon as someone signs up or makes their first donation, laying the groundwork for a sustained relationship. The welcome series serves several crucial purposes, all aimed at enhancing the engagement and satisfaction of new contacts.
A welcome series provides the ability to connect with new donors, introduce them to your organization, and get them deeper involved in programming. The goal is to use targeted emails to slowly build affinity and relationship with your organization and ultimately give them a call to action. This call to action could be donating again or becoming a monthly donor, showing up to a rally, meeting, or any form of volunteer opportunity for them to engage with your organization. Giving donors opportunities outside of giving to support your organization has been shown to deepen and lengthen their relationship to your organization.
The primary goals of a welcome series include:
Educating Subscribers: It provides an opportunity to inform new members about the organization's mission, values, history, and the impact of its work.
Setting Expectations: A welcome series sets the tone for the type of communication subscribers will receive, including the frequency and types of messages. This helps in managing expectations and reducing the likelihood of future unsubscribes.
Encouraging Engagement: By introducing new contacts to various ways they can get involved—whether through donations, volunteering, attending events, or simply engaging with content—a welcome series can significantly boost engagement levels right from the start.
Segmentation: These initial communications will evenutally include calls-to-action (CTAs) that encourage subscribers to specify their interests or preferences, aiding organizations in segmenting their audience for more personalized and relevant future communications.
Building Relationships: Welcome emails are the first step in nurturing a relationship with new contacts. By starting with a warm, informative, and engaging series, organizations can begin to build trust and loyalty.
Why Create a Welcome Series?
Creating a welcome series is essential for a few key reasons:
First Impressions Matter: The welcome series is often the first detailed interaction subscribers have with your organization or brand. A well-crafted welcome email makes a strong first impression, setting the stage for a positive ongoing relationship. The importance of first impressions cannot be overstated, especially in the digital communication landscape where attention spans are short, and competition for that attention is fierce. A well-designed welcome email goes beyond mere introductions; it conveys the organization's personality, values, and the significance of the subscriber's decision to engage.
Higher Engagement Rates: Welcome emails typically boast higher open and click-through rates than standard marketing emails, making them an effective tool for engaging new subscribers from the outset. Welcome emails are uniquely positioned to capture the attention and interest of new subscribers at a moment when their engagement is naturally high. By providing content that is both relevant and valuable right from the start, organizations can maintain and even amplify this initial level of engagement. The strategic use of welcome emails sets precedent for interactive and engaging communication.
Long-Term Value: By effectively engaging subscribers early on, a welcome series can increase the lifetime value of your audience members. Subscribers who feel connected to your mission are more likely to remain engaged, advocate on your behalf, and contribute financially. Subscribers who feel understood and valued from the outset are more likely to develop a strong, positive affinity for your organization. This emotional investment drives long-term engagement, as subscribers are more inclined to open future emails, participate in campaigns, and champion your organization's mission within their own networks.
Stewardship
What is Stewardship?
Stewardship is the practice of nurturing and maintaining strong, respectful relationships with donors. Acknowledging and managing the trust and contributions that supporters provide to the organization shows an ongoing commitment to engage with, appreciate, and recognize donors in ways that resonate with them. Stewardship keeps donors informed about how their contributions are used and the impact they're making. Effective stewardship fosters a sense of partnership and community among donors and your organization, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and gratitude.
Why Do Stewardship?
This key to stewardship is maintaining and nurturing the relationship between donors and the organization over time. This not only reinforces the value of every donation but also deepens the donor's connection to the cause, creating a solid foundation for ongoing support. By consistently engaging with donors through thoughtful stewardship practices, organizations can significantly enhance donor satisfaction and loyalty. This is critical in a landscape where acquiring new donors can be considerably more challenging and expensive than retaining existing ones. Developing a sense of acknowledgment and inclusion motivates donors to continue their support and even increase their giving over time. Well-stewarded donors are more likely to become advocates for the organization, extending its reach and influence by sharing their positive experiences with their own networks.
Donor Retention: Proper stewardship significantly increases the likelihood of donors continuing their support. Effective stewardship practices transform the donor's initial contribution into the beginning of a long-term relationship. By acknowledging gifts promptly and personally, updating donors on the impact of their donations, and involving them in the work, nonprofits can significantly increase the likelihood of repeat donations.
Trust Building: Trust is the foundation of any lasting relationship, especially when financial contributions are involved. Through regular updates and open communication, stewardship builds and maintains trust between the organization and its donors. This transparency is crucial, as donors who trust an organization are more likely to continue their support and even increase their contributions over time. By making donors feel like they are an integral part of the team working towards a common goal, you can foster a strong and lasting bond.
Increased Engagement: Well-stewarded donors are more likely to increase their level of engagement with the organization. This can manifest as higher donation amounts, more frequent contributions, or broader advocacy for the cause. Engaged donors are invaluable assets, acting as ambassadors for the cause and helping to attract new supporters. The sense of ownership and belonging that comes from being closely involved with an organization's work can turn passive donors into active participants in the mission.
Community and Partnership: Stewardship cultivates a sense of community and partnership. Donors are not just seen as funders but as integral members of the organization's mission. By treating donors as vital members of the organization, nonprofits can cultivate a sense of community that transcends financial transactions. Developing a sense of partnership encourages deeper involvement and investment from donors, as they feel genuinely connected to the cause and responsible for its outcomes.
How to Choose Stewardship Touches?
Choosing the right stewardship touches is essential for cultivating a meaningful relationship with each donor. These touches should be tailored to reflect the organization's values, the donor's preferences, and the nature of their contribution. For instance, a personal phone call or a handwritten note can make a significant impact on a major donor, while regular email updates and newsletters might be more appropriate for a broader donor base. Inviting donors to exclusive events, or providing opportunities to meet with the leadership team can further deepen their engagement. By thoughtfully selecting stewardship touches that resonate with their donors, organizations can build lasting relationships that are beneficial for both the donors and the cause they support.. Consider the following approaches:
Personalized Communication: Tailor your communication to match the level and type of support donors have provided. This could mean sending a personalized thank-you letter that mentions the specific project their donation supports, regular updates on how their contribution is making a difference, or even customized reports that align with their interests. It's about making donors feel seen and appreciated on an individual level, which is critical for nurturing long-term relationships.
Recognition Programs: Whether it’s through naming opportunities for significant contributions, inclusion on a donor wall, or special mentions in newsletters and annual reports, these programs celebrate the impact donors have on your organization. Recognition not only expresses gratitude but also affirms the donor's decision to support your cause, enhancing their sense of connection and commitment. Additionally, such acknowledgment can inspire others to contribute, creating a culture of giving.
Engagement Opportunities:. Inviting donors to special events, offering site visits, or arranging meetings with the people benefiting from their support provides them with a firsthand view of the difference their contributions make. These experiences can be incredibly powerful, transforming donors into passionate advocates for your work. By providing these engagement opportunities, you not only deepen the donors’ connection to the cause but also empower them with the knowledge and experiences to champion your organization within their networks.
Feedback Channels:. Establish channels for donors to provide feedback and feel heard. Establishing regular surveys, forums, or advisory councils where donors can share their thoughts and suggestions demonstrates your commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. This feedback loop allows donors to feel heard and valued, fostering a sense of ownership and partnership in the organization's mission.
Educational Content: By providing access to workshops, webinars, or detailed reports, you equip donors with a broader context of your work, enhancing their appreciation of your work and increasing their political education. Knowledge is a powerful tool for building commitment; donors who are well-informed about your cause and the impact of their contributions are more likely to remain engaged and advocate for your organization in the long term.
Stewardship Touch Ideas
Send handwritten thank you cards to donors who made significant contributions during the previous month. Express gratitude for their support and the impact their generosity has on your organization's mission.
Choose one or more donors and highlight their stories and impact in your organization's newsletter, website, or social media platforms. This showcases their support and encourages others to get involved.
Assign staff members or volunteers to make personal phone calls to donors, expressing appreciation for their continued support and updating them on recent accomplishments and upcoming initiatives.
Share impact reports with donors, showcasing the progress and outcomes achieved through their contributions. Include statistics, success stories, and testimonials to demonstrate the difference their support has made.
Create short videos showcasing the impact of your organization's work, featuring beneficiaries or staff members sharing success stories. Share these videos through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters to engage and inspire donors.
Plan and host a special event to express gratitude to your major donors and supporters. This can be a luncheon, cocktail reception, or an exclusive tour of your organization's facilities, allowing donors to see firsthand the impact of their contributions.
Send holiday greetings or cards to all your donors, expressing gratitude for their support and extending warm wishes during the holiday season. Personalize the message whenever possible to add a special touch.
Recognize and celebrate significant milestones of donor contributions, such as reaching a specific donation amount or number of years of consecutive giving. Send personalized certificates or tokens of appreciation to acknowledge their commitment.
Conduct donor surveys to gather feedback, preferences, and suggestions for improvement. This demonstrates your commitment to donor satisfaction and helps tailor future stewardship efforts to their needs and interests.
Take the opportunity to recognize and appreciate your dedicated volunteers. Send personalized thank you notes, host a volunteer appreciation event, or feature their stories and impact on your organization's communication platforms.
Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing your organization's accomplishments, challenges, and financial statements for the year. Share this report with donors to provide transparency and demonstrate the responsible stewardship of their contributions.
Develop a compelling year-end giving campaign to encourage donors to make a final contribution before the year's end. Clearly communicate the impact of their donations and the urgency of supporting your organization's mission.
Stewardship Calendar
Stewardship Calendar Instructions
On the stewardship tracker page located here: Stewardship Tracker and Matrix Do the following steps:
- On the — lines in the Date column, Enter in the Name/Type of Contact information and leave the rest blank.
- For each interaction with each potential donor, add a line and fill out Name/Type of Contact/Stewardship Type/Notes
- If you have a subsequent contact with them add a line directly under it.
- For each new contact ensure that you jump to the next grouping.
- If you need to create a new contact, copy and paste an entire grouping and delete the information
- To minimize or expand the contact, click the -/+ button next to the row number at the top of the grouping.
Stewardship Matrix Instructions
On the stewardship matrix page located here: Stewardship Tracker and Matrix Do the following steps:
- Highlight each phase of Stewardship you wish to accomplish in column A
- Pick your different Communication Types in column B
- Determine how often you wish to do this communication with a donor yearly in column C
- Highlight whether it is a one time communications touch or recurring in column D
- In columns E-I determine which types of donors get which touches
Welcome Series Templates
Receipt: An email to send as soon as a gift is processed (24-48 hrs). Acknowledges gift and provides tax information.
[Your Organization's Letterhead]
[Date]
[Donor's Name]
[Donor's Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Donor's Name],
Thank you for your generous donation to [Your Nonprofit Organization]. We deeply appreciate your support and commitment to our cause. Your contribution will make a significant difference in our ongoing efforts to [briefly describe the mission or purpose of your nonprofit].
We are pleased to provide you with the following receipt for your donation:
Donation Details:
Donation Amount: [Amount]
Donation Date: [Date of Donation]
Donation Method: [Method of Donation]
Donation Reference/Confirmation Number: [Reference/Confirmation Number, if applicable]
[Your Nonprofit Organization] is a registered nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution.
Please retain this receipt for your records and consult with a tax professional for specific information regarding the deductibility of your donation.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support. It is with the support of donors like you that allows us to [Speak to your organization’s vision].
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact us at [Contact Information].
Thank you for your dedication to our cause.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Nonprofit Organization]
[Contact Information]
Welcome to the Fight: Programming email to be sent 1 day after the gift receipt for new donors. Gives a little more information on the organization as well as introduces them to your work.
Subject: [Nonprofit Organization Name] Welcome to the Fight!
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am the [Title] at [Nonprofit Name], a dynamic and passionate nonprofit dedicated to [briefly describe the mission or purpose of your nonprofit].
At [Nonprofit Organization], we believe in [explain your theory of change] to create positive change in our community. Our mission is to [describe the specific goals or objectives of your nonprofit]. Through [highlight some of your key programs, initiatives, or projects], we aim to [impact or benefit the target population or cause].
We are reaching out to you because you have gotten in contact with our work in some way recently. Maybe you attended a [normal event type], met a member of our base, or you donated to support our mission. We believe that you share our commitment to [cause or issue]. Your expertise, support, and collaboration can make a real difference in achieving our goals. Together, we can create lasting impact and transform lives.
I invite you to visit our website at [website URL] to learn more about our organization, the impact we have made, and the stories of those we have helped. Feel free to reach out to us at [contact information] if you have any questions, ideas, or would like to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email and for considering joining us in our mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for [cause or population].
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Nonprofit Organization]
[Contact Information]
Organizational Description: Deeper programming email to be sent 2 days after the “Welcome to the Fight” email that describes the organization history and current initiatives
Subject: Introducing [Nonprofit Organization]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m excited to share more with you about [Nonprofit Organization]. At [Nonprofit Organization], we are driven by a shared vision of [describe the overarching goal or vision of your nonprofit]. Our mission is to [briefly describe the specific mission or purpose of your nonprofit] in order to [state the intended impact or outcomes].
Since our founding in [Year of Founding], we have been deeply committed to addressing the critical needs of [target population or community]. Through our [mention key programs or initiatives], we have been able to make a tangible difference by [provide specific examples or statistics of the impact you have achieved].
Here are some highlights of our work:
[Program/Initiative 1]: Describe the program/initiative and how it addresses the needs of your target population. Highlight any notable achievements, success stories, or impact metrics.
[Program/Initiative 2]: Provide a brief overview of another significant program or initiative that showcases the breadth of your work and the diverse ways in which you make a difference.
[Program/Initiative 3]: If applicable, mention another program or initiative that highlights a unique aspect of your nonprofit's work or demonstrates your innovative approach to tackling the issue at hand.
We firmly believe in collaboration and partnerships to maximize our impact. We have established strong relationships with [mention any key partners or stakeholders] who share our passion and drive to create sustainable change. By working together, we can leverage our collective strengths and resources to achieve even greater outcomes.
Please visit our website at [website URL] to learn more about our organization, our programs, and the stories of those whose lives have been positively impacted by our work. Feel free to reach out to us at [contact information] if you have any questions, would like to discuss partnership opportunities, or explore ways to get involved.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about [Nonprofit Organization]. Together, we can make a real difference and create a brighter future for [cause/ community].
In solidarity,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Nonprofit Organization]
[Contact Information]
Call to Action: Email sent 1 week after Organizational Description that asks donors to get involved with you work. This call to action solidifies your relationship with the donor and gives them the opportunity to put their money to use.
Subject: [Nonprofit Organization Name] Get Involved!
Dear [Recipient's Name],
We are so grateful for your recent support of [Nonprofit Name]. We cannot do this work without the support of people like you. There are so many different ways to continue to support our mission of [briefly describe the mission or purpose of your nonprofit]. Here are a few ways you can get involved and support our mission:
Volunteer Opportunities: We have various volunteer opportunities available, ranging from [mention specific roles or tasks]. Your time and skills can make a tremendous impact on the lives of those we serve.
Donations: Financial contributions play a vital role in sustaining our programs and services. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly support our efforts in [specific area or program]. You can easily make a secure donation on our website or reach out to us for more information.
Advocacy and Awareness: Help us raise awareness about [issue or cause] by sharing our message on social media, organizing community events, or engaging in advocacy efforts. By amplifying our collective voice, we can drive meaningful change. Here are our social media pages. Please follow and share with your friends and family!
[Insert social media links]
Partnerships: We believe in the power of collaboration and are open to exploring partnerships with like-minded organizations, businesses, or individuals who share our vision. Together, we can accomplish even more and create lasting impact.
If you have any questions or require further information on how to get involved, please feel free to contact us at [Contact Information].
In solidarity,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Nonprofit Organization]
[Contact Information]