In an age of digital outreach, a telephone call might seem old-fashioned. But that’s part of the appeal. Analog and human, phone calls are a vital part of any fundraising campaign – whether it’s making an initial appeal, following up to say thanks, or reaching out to donors who have given before. Here’s how phone calls can support your nonprofit fundraising efforts.
Phone calls are a great option to expand your reach.
Yes, the world is moving towards digital communications, but donors aren’t monolithic. While younger people prefer to text or communicate via digital channels, just 35% of consumers between 45 and 75 prefer these approaches. For individuals who are less tech savvy or who simply prefer to hear a human on the other end of the line, phone calls remain a powerful tool—and a great way for non-profits to reach the largest possible pool of donors.
Phone calls mean a human touch.
We live in a world with constant demands on our time, attention, and wallets. When impersonal donation requests are common – for example, “donate at the checkout” requests – a nonprofit that makes the effort to show the human face behind the organization is positioned for success. It’s a powerful way to foreground personalization, empathy, and real human interaction.
Phone calls allow for two-way conversations.
Outreach approaches such as newsletters, emails, text messages, and mail-outs are invaluable, but tend to encourage one-way communication. In contrast, phone calls provide an opportunity for potential donors to chat with a representative from a non-profit, giving them a chance to ask questions, address any concerns, and learn more about the positive change their gift will help create. This relationship-building is a powerful way to create trust and encourage giving.
Phone calls make it easy to share impact stories.
Impact stories demonstrate the real-world effect of a donor’s gift – and your non-profit’s efforts more generally. Phone calls offer a powerful and heartfelt way to share these stories, allowing each one to be personally tailored to the individual on the other end of the line. Stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts, making them a powerful part of your fundraising toolkit.
Phone calls are a great way to say thanks.
Everyone likes to receive recognition for their good deeds. Phone calls remain a great way to thank donors for a gift – and are vital for encouraging future giving. The 2020 Trends in Global Giving Report found that a follow-up call within a few days of a donation is not only important for rapport-building but can directly encourage additional gifts. A quick phone call is also a great way to communicate exactly where a donor’s gift is going and the good that it’s helped achieve. Don’t just limit thank you calls to large donors – even small gift givers appreciate the outreach.
Add phone calls to your nonprofit fundraising efforts with ACD.
Elevate your outreach efforts at every part of the fundraising cycle by engaging ACD’s remote call center support. With our powerful platform that provides real-time insights into your non-profit’s activities together with a pool of trained, US-based reps to help bolster your outbound call efforts, we can help you maximize your fundraising success. Get in touch to see a demo!
