Value of an annual tax receipt

By Jessica Carty

Happy New Year!

Year-end giving is over for 2011 and you may be thinking of ways to say “thank you” to those who remained steadfast throughout the past year. Or maybe you are looking for a way to extend your donors’ generosity into the New Year.

As fundraisers we are continuously searching for ways to cultivate relationships with our supporters and to do so in a way that doesn’t put a crimp in our budgets. A simple, inexpensive way to provide a service to your donors and prime them for another year of generosity is an annual tax-receipt mailing.

It needn’t be flashy or cumbersome to produce. A simple letter package with a listing of donation amounts and gift dates combined with a heartfelt thank you will do the trick. Including a response device and/or return envelope will generate additional gifts and help offset the cost to produce.

What makes an annual tax-receipt mailing valuable?

• It’s helpful… To all donors, regardless of how careful and organized they are with their own record keeping.
• It’s timely… This is done for the convenience of your donors, at the time of year the donors need this information.
• It’s appreciative… It gives you another chance to say thank you and show your donors the impact they are making.
• It’s inspiring… For donors who wished they could have done more, it is an opportunity to give again.

Your message can have even more impact by including lifetime giving milestone recognition. Now is a great time to thank the donor for another great year and recognize them for ALL they have done over the years. You can even recognize milestones achieved in 2011, such as, “2011 marked your 10th straight year of support! We are so grateful for all you have done since 2002!”

And why not consider announcing to each donor the next possible milestone to inspire even more giving? For example, “You are just one gift away from 20 gifts! Thank you so much!”

Just remember, since you are including a “receipt,” the United States Postal Service requires you to send packages First Class Mail. If you are on a tight budget, consider First Class Presort to save a few cents on each package.

Since tax filers who claim tax deductions cannot file before mid-February, you still have time to enter those year-end donations and get something in front of your donors!

Wrapping up the year with a letter that is helpful, timely, appreciative and inspiring will reap benefits throughout the New Year. To maximize those benefits, ask us how we can help you keep your donors engaged all year long.