Sometimes the simple things make all the difference.

One of the keys to successful fundraising is speaking to your donors in a way they can actually hear you.

Yes, your message is important and you must get that right. But what’s even more important is the way you get your message into their hands – and not their recycling bin.

Here’s the trick to making sure your donors open your mail and smile at the same time.

Hand-write the envelopes. Yes, all of them. If it requires recruiting volunteers or hiring teenagers, do it. DO NOT, I repeat, do not use labels. When was the last time you opened a solicitation letter with your name and address printed out on a label?

The writing doesn’t have to be calligraphy. Just legible and accurate. A real person’s handwriting is charming and personal.

And always use seasonal colorful stamps. No flags or Christmas trees. Be inclusive.

Take it up a notch

If your organization serves youth, take it up a notch and have the kids draw a little something on the outside of the envelopes. If you can’t do that for all of them, pick your 50 most loyal donors and last year’s first-time donors and do it for them.

Remember, the attrition rate for 1st-time donors is some insanely high percentage. 70-70%. Focus on getting them to make a 2nd gift and you’re more likely to keep them.

If you don’t serve cute kids, be creative. Maybe the person that signs the letter or the board member that wrote a note on the letter can hand write their first name next to the return address on the envelope. Just above, or wherever it fits.

When planning your year-end appeal, open your mind and think this way. Anything you can do to personalize the way you reach out to your donors, the more they’ll be able to hear you.

How might you change up and personalize your appeal?