Membership tracking software can be of particular value for not for profit organizations. Such software provides an effective tool for monitoring gifts and contacts as well as donor information such as birthdates and interests. Many non-profits have experienced significant cuts in federal dollars in recent years. As the pool of operating funds narrows and competition grows more fierce it is important to manage donors and fund on hand more effectively.
Membership tracking software offers access to information not readily available with other tracking systems. Access and use of this information allows non-profits to develop more targeted fundraisers that yield a higher percentage of positive responses when compared with the number of appeals. Among the information membership software allows non-profits to track is:
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First gift – It is useful to know when and how your donor’s relationship was initiated with your agency. You can refer to this information to create personalized appeal and thank you letters.
·High and low gifts – Membership tracking software allows the non-profit to easily access the giving history of each donor. Using this information can help the non profit make an appropriate and targeted ask. For example, it would not generally be appropriate to ask a donor who has never given more than $50.00 for a $5,000.00 gift. It might; however, be appropriate to make an ask for $75.00.
·Spouse or partner information – It is absolutely imperative that all contacts contain correct information. Membership tracking software helps prevent mistakes such as addressing a wife by her husband’s last name when she has kept her own; or addressing your appeal to the spouse that did not sign the check.
·Address history- Membership tracking software helps non profits save on postage by helping to monitor changed address, or other contact, information.
·Donor interests – Which appeals did a particular donor respond to? Does this individual consistently respond to a particular appeal such as the mother’s day campaign? Has the donor expressed interest in a particular program or project of your agency” If so, membership tracking software can help keep those interests in your tickler file. When appropriate, solidify the relationship by inviting the donor to lend a hand on a project.
Membership tracking software can help non profits make the most of shrinking dollars. There are a number of programs available with features and pricing to meet virtually every need. Consider one to carve your niche among donors that share a commitment to your cause.
