By Joanna Nixon, Achieve Consultant

Staying in touch with a donor after a gift has been made is equally as important as soliciting the gift. Keeping donors informed and engaged is a critical component to the donor cultivation process, especially major donors. Whether you are communicating in-person as part of an update meeting or sending a written correspondence, touching base on an ongoing basis with your significant financial supporters is a must. Below is a template that can be used to frame your messaging to major donors. Be careful not to overwhelm with too much information and focus on those areas that you think would appeal to the individual supporter. A one page update is more than sufficient. While donors will likely receive your annual report and maybe an e-newsletter, a communication specifically targeted at the major donor from the Executive Director can go a long way.