Contact Update Effort

Natalie Bousquet · May 2021

We are planning an effort to update our constituent contact information by email or mail. For those who have done something similar, what worked well? What has not worked well? Have you found any creative ways to automate the process? Have you provided any incentives?

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!

Faith Murray · May 2021

We have done this for our alumni in the past, in advance of an alumni directory publication, with an option for opt-outs. We also have done similar smaller efforts on donor surveys and reply devices. What we have learned is:

Don't expect donors to fill out blank lines. Merge in the info you already have, and ask donors to mark any changes. Add a blank space for extra comments.
Provide an easy return mailer such as a reply card with #9 BRE to facilitate response.
Give them a reason to update - not necessarily a reward, but at least a reason:
- We need to update your info to print an alumni/membership directory
- We want to add you to our prayers/honors list
- We'd like to connect you with grateful students/scholarship recipients/charity recipients
- We want to give you an opportunity to update your communication preferences at the same time
Give them a deadline. There will always be people who trickle their replies in months later, but a deadline provides urgency so they don't forget to respond.
Add a splash of color so it stands out of the direct mail crowd. If an email, send a reminder the week before deadline.

Hope this helps!

Natalie Bousquet · May 2021

Faith, these are excellent points! Thank you for sharing your experience conducting a mass update.

Contact Update Effort

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