My wife and I have been proud of supporting MassCOSH for many years because they keep workers safe on the job. Now, I am proud of them because they’ve sent me two shining examples of how to do donor communication the right way.
Inform first, ask later. Share on XThe Nonprofit, in the News
MassCOSH has a great program called Teens Lead @ Work. If an adult tells a state legislator that a workplace is unsafe, sometimes the legislator wonders if that adult has a hidden agenda.
Teens are straightforward and believable. When they speak up, their voices carry a lot of weight. Especially when they combine research with personal experience and make a passionate presentation, they can be the best advocates for a cause.
MassCOSH mailed me an article showing how fifteen-year-old Josh Ramirez and his fellow Teens Lead advocates are spreading the word at their schools and preventing teens from being killed at work. Attached to the article was a sticky note, saying simply, “We wanted to share this with you!”
No request for donations. Not even a reply envelope. This time, they’re giving something to me.
The Summer Intern, in the Story
Abigail Barton came to MassCOSH as an intern at the beginning of the summer. I know because she wrote and told me so.
Throughout the summer, I heard from Abigail in the mail: about the skills she was learning and about the values that working at the organization was solidifying within her.
I am so excited to see what the future holds, but I also know that I have a responsibility to fight for a future that’s fair and just. I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
Again, no “ask.” No appeal letter. But when MassCOSH sends its year-end appeal, I will remember Abigail. Wouldn’t you?
In fact, if the organization doesn’t mention her in its appeal letter, I’ll be very much surprised!
Donor Communication Done Right
Before you ask your donors for any money, first ask yourself: what have I shared with them? Did I let them know the impact of their gift? Did I make the donor the hero of the story?
If not, take a leaf from MassCOSH. Send your donors something they’ll value right now.
See how much of a difference it makes in December!