One question I’ve heard very often is:
HOW DO I KNOW IF SOMEONE IS A MONTHLY DONOR?
The answer depends on a few different factors.
Giving by Mail
If the donor mailed their check to AIM — AND FILLED OUT THE SUPPORT CARD WITH MONTHLY COMMITMENT INFORMATION — their donation should be identified as a monthly commitment in the notes section to the right of where their donation appears on your profile. This information is entered manually by our accounting department.
This is one of the reasons that it is very important you include a Support Card with each support letter you mail. Your customized Support Card can be found on your profile on the “My Mobilization Info” tab, under the documents section by the “Support Letter” heading.
Giving Online
If a donor gives through your blog using bank information or a credit card to set up monthly giving, they will NOT be identified as a monthly commitment in the notes on your profile.
However, if the exact same donation comes in on the exact same date two months in a row, you can assume that person has committed to a monthly pledge. While you can assume that person will be giving monthly, you still won’t know how many months they have pledged. This brings us to the bottom line…
The Bottom Line
It’s always a good idea to follow up with your donors. This is particularly true if you have suspicions or confirmation that they intend to give monthly. I’m going to sound like a broken record on this, but it is imperative that you have face-to-face conversations with your supporters. We try to give you as much information as we can in the support section of your profile, but the best way to understand in the intentions of your supporters is to ask them yourself.
Maybe you’ve seen an online donation come in two months in a row. Give that person a call. Ask about their family. Then say something like “It looks like you’ve committed to giving monthly. How long were you planning to pledge for?” You can make sure they have all the information they need and are comfortable with the process.
We’re Here to Help
If you ever have questions about what’s going on with your fund-raising account, or something you’re seeing on your profile doesn’t make sense, call your mobilizer.
On Thursday we’ll cover in depth the four ways donors can give and make sure you understand how folks can use the DynaPay system (an automatic donation with no processing fees!)
