Your Board Should Make Thank You Calls

Studies show involving Board Members in the thank you process can increase donor engagement while reconnecting the caller to why they love your organization. Empower your Board Members to support your donors:

Give Board Members What They Need to Succeed

• A script or template (draft below)

• Remind them to lead by saying they’re a Board Member calling to say thank you

• If the donor has questions the caller cannot answer, have a system for getting that question back to a staff member quickly

Draft Phone Script for Thank You Calls

 Hi, is this [donor name]? Hi, this is [board member name]. I’m a volunteer board member with [name of organization]. I’m calling tonight to say thank you.

 I understand that you recently [renewed your support / made your first gift]. I trust you received a letter from the office – I just wanted to add my personal thanks. We are so grateful.

 Do you have any questions about our work?

 OK, I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your support. Have a good evening.

Helpful Hints

• Keep the call brief and take notes

• Follow the donor’s lead for when the call should end

• If the donor is talkative, record their thoughts and ideas

• If you get voice mail, leave a short message of thanks