Not all churches and nonprofits can afford fancy donor software that would allow you to send out personalized letters and emails to your members or donors. Not all churches even have the desire to buy donor software even if they can afford it. That doesn’t mean you are stuck sending out a copy of the same generic letter to all your members.
In the video, I walk you through an example of how to use Mail Merge to send personalized emails or letters or attachments. This is something I use all the time. Here is why I do it.
#1 – I’m Cheap!
In most nonprofits and churches, we don’t have extra money to waste. I like to make do with the tools I have, and only purchase new software or online services when I can’t make do. Since I already have Microsoft Office, I have some great tools already. It may take a little more effort, but it’s bought and paid for already.
#2 – Free to Create
I have used mail merge for 1099’s, donor statements, clergy compensation forms, password notifications, tax exemption letters, and so much more. Is there a pre-packaged product designed to do all of this? No! Is there one product that you can use to do all of this if you are willing to create…Microsoft Office.
#3 – I love Excel
I sometimes joke the my native language is Microsoft Excel. I love Excel! It can be a powerful and beautiful tool.
#4 – I want people to Read what I Send
Guess what…most people won’t spend the time to read a letter or email if they don’t think it personally applies to them. It’s tough enough to even keep up with personal emails and letters. If your communication strikes people as generic, the odds of them reading it is greatly diminished. Adding their name and personalized information makes a big difference.
Useful Links
- Google Sheet for Tracking Donations: https://jctaccounting.com/2023/09/29/how-to-track-donations-in-google-sheets/
- Giving Statement Template: https://jctaccounting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/giving_stmt.docx
- TechSoup (Adobe for $60): https://www.techsoup.org/