Woman’s Royal Voluntary Service: face-to-face postcard
- Exhibited by
- John Grain
- Added
- September 11, 2009
- Medium of Communication
- Direct mail.
- Target Audience
- Individuals, regular gift.
- Type of Charity
- Seniors.
- Country of Origin
- UK.
- Date of first appearance
- 2007.
SOFII’s view
Another clever and appropriate attempt to reduce the usual drop-out rates associated with face-to-face-fundraising, this idea from WRVS wisely focuses on making the experience personal, with rapid contact in the early stages of the supporter’s relationship with the cause.
Creator / originator
John Grain and Michael Dent at WRVS
Summary / objectives
Early attrition is a recognised issue for face -to-face fundraising. It has become almost acceptable that up to 50 per cent of signed- up donors will just fail to make more than one or two gifts after recruitment. Working with WRVS, we developed a series of three digitally personalised A5 postcards that are sent after each of the first three direct debit claims, to reinforce the importance and significance of the gifts. Compelling text on the reverse and a powerful image ensure the donor is left in no doubt of the value of their support.
Background
The concept came from a holiday company that sends a postcard to customers after they have returned from their vacation containing personalised digital prints that are from the region or area that that particular family spent their holiday. We adapted the idea to provide personalised stewardship to new supporters.
Special characteristics
A high degree of personalisation. Digitalising the text on the front and reverse adds a much stronger personal aspect.
Test details
Tested face-to-face and house-to-house concepts.
Costs
£950 to develop concept, copy and artwork. Additional costs included print costs plus digitalisation.
Results
Initial results indicate attrition levels have been reduced by 40% on first gift and by 20 – 30% on subsequent gifts.
Merits
Because this is a wonderful example of outstanding stewardship. It also shows that developing a strong relationship with the donor at the earliest possible stage can significantly affect loyalty and reduce attrition in a notoriously difficult and challenging type of donor recruitment.
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