Spring is here, yea! Spring is a time for new beginnings. It’s a time to clean up what’s old and make room for something new.
Many of you may take on spring cleaning projects in your home. Here are a few spring cleaning projects you can do that will benefit your nonprofit organization.
Clean up your mailing lists
Did you have an influx of address changes, returned mail, and bounced emails after you sent out your annual appeal? Now is a good time to clean up and update both your print and email mailing lists.
You should be emailing your supporters regularly, so you need to keep your list up-to-date. Remember never to add people to your list without their permission.
You may not mail as often, but why wait until right before your next big mailing to clean up your list.
Update your donor database
Most likely your print mailing list is part of your donor database. Besides updating that, make any other additions, changes, and deletions you need to make in your database. For example, if you had a conversation with a donor, include that. Your donor database is an important tool and you need it to be up-to-date and filled with accurate information about your donors.
Spring Cleaning Your Database
Spring Cleaning Your Database
Check in with lapsed donors
As you are cleaning up your mailing lists and database, you may come across some lapsed donors. These folks can be an untapped source of revenue, so don’t let them get away. Find your best prospects and give them a call. This is something your board can help you with.
There are many reasons these donors haven’t given recently – they were too busy to donate last fall, they can’t afford to give right now, or they may not be interested in your organization anymore. If it’s the last one, hopefully it’s not because you aren’t engaging with them regularly. Whatever the reason, it’s always good to get feedback.
Update your website
Your website is often one of the first places a newcomer will visit. Your current supporters may also visit regularly. It’s very important that you keep it up-to-date, that it looks good, and it’s easy to navigate.
Use this checklist to help ensure that you have an effective and engaging website.
Come up with fresh content
In the spring we can open the windows and let in some fresh air. Have you been using the same stories and photos for awhile? Start coming up with fresh stories, quotes, testimonials, and photos to use in all your materials. It’s fine to use the same stories and photos in different materials, but it’s also a good idea to come up with some new ones.
Take advantage of this time to make any updates and changes you need to make. What spring cleaning projects do you have in mind for your organization?
Ann Green's Nonprofit Blog 
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