Thank you calls are much more than a polite gesture – they’re a strategic and cost-effective tool that can strengthen your relationships with supporters, improve retention, and increase long-term donor value. Here at Purity, we’ve witnessed the tremendous impact these calls can have. Here’s why thank you calls should be a key part of your donor stewardship strategy:
1. Boost donor retention with personalised gratitude
A simple thank you can go a long way, but when it’s delivered through a personalised phone call, the effect is even more profound. Research by DonorVoice showed that thank you calls with tailored gift checks for high-risk donors increased retention rates by over 47%.
2. Gather valuable supporter insights
Thank you calls are a golden opportunity to learn what really makes your supporters tick. It’s your chance to ask them how they found you, what inspired them to give, and what they’d love to see more of. These calls aren’t just about gathering data – they’re about understanding the heart of your community so you can make every interaction more meaningful.
3. Stand out from the crowd of charities
Many supporters donate to several charities, so it’s vital to ensure your organisation stands out. With so many voices competing for donors’ attention, a personalised phone call can help cut through the noise. By reaching out directly, you show that you care about each supporter as an individual, making your charity the one they remember.
4. Achieve higher engagement than email
Email remains an important communication tool, but it often falls short in terms of engagement. Open rates can be disappointingly low, and many emails get lost in crowded inboxes. Thank you calls, on the other hand, provide a direct and personal way to connect. In a recent campaign by Purity Fundraising, over 40% of targeted supporters answered our thank you call – far exceeding typical email open rates.
5. Create a tailored personal experience
No two donors are the same, so a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for building strong relationships. With tailored thank you calls you can match each supporter’s time and needs, making the experience truly personal.
6. Improve future contact rates
Thank you calls do more than simply acknowledge a donation – they lay the groundwork for future engagement. We find that supporters who receive a personal thank you are far more likely to answer a phone call again.
7. Don’t be surprised if you get an extra gift!
Thank you calls aren’t just about saying thanks – they can often spark even more generosity. When supporters feel genuinely appreciated and valued, it’s not uncommon for them to want to give again, right there on the call. It’s a lovely reminder of how a simple, personal connection can make all the difference!
Partner with us
Working with Purity Fundraising means collaborating with a team dedicated to donor-centric communication. Here’s why we stand out:
Integrity: We believe in ethical, respectful conversations that align with your charity’s values.
Experience: Our experienced fundraisers, many of whom have over 5 years of charity calling experience, know how to connect with supporters effectively.
Insight: Through detailed reporting and A/B testing, we provide insights that help you better measure supporter LTV and retention, refining strategies and strengthening donor relationships.
Ready to strengthen your donor relationships?
Thank you calls can make a huge difference to donor retention, engagement, and overall value. If you want to build deeper connections with your supporters, we’re here to help.
Contact us to learn more about our tailored thank you call services and discover how we can help you nurture a loyal, engaged donor base.