How to Gather on Unpaid Fundraising Pledges
As Fundraisers, our objective is to secure items and pledges to assistance the function of our business. When a donor will make a pledge then doesn’t spend, it can be a sticky scenario. Here’s a concern I bought not long ago about managing unpaid pledges.
“We experienced a terrific occasion last March in which about 60 persons agreed to 1 – 3 year pledges. The first invoices have been sent a handful of months in the past and there are 3 or 4 folks who have even now not despatched in a payment. How do we cope with this?” Vic
I am assuming you thanked the donors properly immediately after the event and enable them know when their initially payment was because of and how substantially it is. It can be a great idea to remind donors of these facts of their pledge mainly because they probable really don’t remember what they fully commited to.
It is really time now to deliver them a further invoice with a letter reminding them of the function and the pledge they designed. Frequently, people get occupied and they overlook. A further reminder will most likely carry most if not all of the payments in.
In the letter, I’d explain to them that if their situation have changed and they need to have to change their pledge, to only simply call and let you know. With the economy the way it is, it truly is achievable that someone’s capability to pay a pledge proper now could be impacted. Be affected person and get the job done with individuals, and even permit them off the hook if need be. You will lose a pledge but get a very long-time period mate to the firm by dealing with them with the utmost respect.
If you still have unpaid pledges right after you ship the reminder letter, it truly is time to choose up the phone and contact. If you are unable to arrive at the donor, then you could have to basically write that pledge off as uncollectable. It’s unlucky, but it does take place from time to time.
Be type and comprehension when amassing on unpaid pledges and you’ll very likely get the result you are searching for – pledge payments!