If people do things that are very uncomfortable for them, it's really too much of a push, and then it doesn't become a good experience. Some charities also try to ease the pressure on board members and other volunteers by sending a charity official along on fund-raising visits. The official often has more detailed knowledge of the organization and can answer any specific program or finance questions that arise. For groups like the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, however, which has board members scattered around the country, it is usually not possible for a charity employee to go on fund-raising calls. To assist its board members, the human-rights group compiles a packet of information that is updated annually, with answers to frequently asked questions about the group and major selling points.
Some charities designate a specific time of year to emphasize solicitations among friends.
Encouraging Volunteers Ms. Reynolds, the executive director, also sends an acknowledgment letter to solicitors every time one of their contacts contributes. It's important to keep encouraging people. In addition, charities must not wear out solicitors by expecting them to keep asking the same contacts for contributions year after year, experts say. After the initial gift, the charity should take responsibility for keeping the donor interested in the cause. If charities do not forge relationships with those new donors, contributions will dry up if the donor's friend stops volunteering for the charity.