4 things you can still do to make year-end-fundraising count

By Pamela Barden

Thank them for their past support. Mention a few things that you've accomplished in 2011 because of their 2010 partnership. And ask them to give before Dec. 31 so you can have more success in 2012.

Be ready to take credit card donations over the phone, direct them to your website or offer to mail them an envelope to use to mail in their year-end gifts. Remember: The postmark from the U.S. Postal Service determines the date of contribution. However, if a donor uses an alternate delivery service like UPS or FedEx, the IRS considers the date of the gift the date it is put in your hands. Sending a donation on Dec. 31 via FedEx is, by law, a 2012 donation because you won't physically take possession of it until Jan. 2.