Invite, Renew, Repeat

Hello everyone,
 
I hope you are well.  The final month of the calendar year is here.  This represents a very important time to welcome new donors and invite repeat gifts from previous donors.  Forty percent of charitable donations are typically being made in December, according to The Fund Raising School and the School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.  In Addition, here are a few other things to think about that come from a host of giving research, such as the School of Philanthropy, Advancing Philanthropy, USA Giving and Volunteering, AFRC Trust, etc.   For example: 
 
1)   At least 50 percent of prior donors should repeat their gifts at the same amount.
 
2)   As many as 15 percent of prior donors will increase if asked.
 
3)   After making a third gift, the donor is likely to remain a consistent donor for five to seven more years.
 
4)   Gifts made by renewal donors are five to eight times higher than gifts made by first-time donors.
 
5)   After five years, gifts from renewal donors will provide 80 percent of money raised each year. 
 
As you think about this, we have a few summary items below to share as well for you to ponder from an array of research in the field.
  
I hope you enjoy your Christmas or Hanukkah, if you celebrate them, and have a Happy New Year.  I have really tried this year to keep my focus on loving people and not getting caught up into the distractions that can come with over commercialization and over politicization of this season.  Many of you have heard me say often that people are messy.  Well, I am messy, and people have chosen to love me.  I choose to do the same.  Thank you for choosing to show others they matter and for giving of yourselves to show that love.  I hope you can take time to reflect and see how much the year has brought, both glory and challenge, as well as how much love you have shared with others.  
 
All the best and warmest,
 
Jamie