30 Ideas for Fundraising Success, Part 3

Many organizations have seen 12 percent to 17 percent response rates from monthly donors in their annual year-end matching-gift appeals, Terpstra said.

Write and speak of benefits, not features
"Give your donors news they can use, and don't confuse efficiency with effectiveness," Thompson said.

She said you should promise your donors you will get back to them about how their support made a difference, and don't forget to say thank you.