Pledge Follow Up
Once you have a firm pledge, or even a consideration, from a donor, it’s important to track the date and specific amount.
You will want as much information as possible so that you can follow up with them until they complete their contribution. The schedule and examples below will help keep you on track to getting pledges in the door and keeping your donors engaged.
How to follow up on pledges:
When to follow up on pledges:
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Must go to everyone who pledges within 24 hours.
Includes pledge amount, website, address for checks, and thank you.
Use a letter in lieu of an email only if the donor specifically requests one.
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Scripted calls to donors under a certain amount.
Appropriate to do every two weeks, but at least once a month and before big deadlines.
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Personal calls from the candidate to remind donors about their pledge and why their investment is important.
Usually reserved for high dollar donors after they have already been reached by staffers with no return.
Call every outstanding pledge before a filing deadline.
Immediately
Send a pledge follow up email within 24 hours of receiving the pledge.
Every couple of weeks and at the end of every month
Staff should make calls to all outstanding pledges at the end of each month.
Create a sense of urgency around meeting the monthly goal before the deadline.
Before every filing deadline
Staff and the candidate should make calls to all outstanding pledges before filing deadlines. Again, create a sense of urgency around the deadline.
