Q: Do you recommend a specific method of billing Multiple-Year Giving Society Donors in the second, third, etc. years of their pledge? Also, if these donors are not serving as Table Captains, should they be invited to another Ask Event^™?

Leigh in Louisiana

A: One way of billing Multiple-Year Giving Society Donors after the first year of their pledge is to invite them to the Ask Event again, and provide a special box on the pledge card for them: "I would like to pay my annual pledge of $X at this time." You can also include the options for paying off their entire pledge, or increasing the amount of their annual pledge. If your Multiple-Year Giving Society Donors cannot attend the Ask Event, call them and ask what would be the best way for them to pay their pledge. You'll also send them a bill or invoice in the mail—the updated pledge card can serve this purpose well, as long as it is accompanied with some personal contact from you. Also, make sure that the billing is not the only time they hear from you throughout the year—you should keep in touch with them on a regular basis, to make sure they continue to feel connected to your organization and your work.

Terry