TIP of the Day: Call now

The magic of calling donors to improve retention

One of the most powerful donor stewardship tools isn’t high-tech—it’s human. A simple phone call to say thank you can deepen connection, increase retention, and make donors feel seen. In fact, donors who receive a personal call are significantly more likely to give again.

Even better? You don’t have to do it all yourself. Volunteers can be incredible ambassadors, especially when equipped with a little training and a lot of heart. This is low-cost, high-impact stewardship—and a smart move for any organization looking to build donor loyalty.

Here’s how to start:

• Run a report of last month’s donors. Focus on new donors, returning donors, and anyone who gave a meaningful or unexpected gift. Even a handful of calls can make a big difference.

• Recruit a small team of volunteers. Provide each one with 3–5 names. This keeps the task manageable and ensures no one feels overwhelmed. Bonus: they’ll feel more connected to your mission, too.

• Provide a script and set a deadline. Share a brief, heartfelt script that emphasizes gratitude, rather than solicitation. (“Hi, I’m calling on behalf of [Organization] just to say thank you—your support really matters.”) Give volunteers one to two weeks to complete the calls and report back. Remind callers that leaving a voicemail is just as impactful. People remember being acknowledged.

Donor retention isn’t magic—it’s momentum. And thoughtful, personal touches like this help build the kind of relationships that last. So pick up the phone. Gratitude sounds even better out loud.