5 things you can still do to help ring in a happy 2011

#5 - Make sure your giving site is up and working. Check for broken links, errors on pages, talk to the gift preprocessing team and make sure that they are getting and seeing everything that they need to. Make a small gift and check all of your post gift communications - serves two purposes, helps make sure that everything is in order now and allows you to see how your gift processing and receipting processes are working in this very busy season - maybe a need to make a change or two before 12/31/11.

#4 - Ensure that everyone who has their name and number out there for all to see puts up a message letting donors know what to do and who to call if they want to make a gift up to 11:59 PM on the 31st - odds are nobody is going to use it but the perception is great and chances are that if someone does call, they are not going to be looking to make a $10 gift.

#3 - Send a simple text based email from you personally (use a tool to send it) to anyone with a pledge thanking them for the commitment and reminding them that the calendar (and tax) year ends Friday night. Make it friendly, casual and sound like a service.

#2 - Voice broadcast messages. Try it - simple, short and direct. Ask that donors remember you in the next couple of days and thank them for helping you achieve a great 2010.

#1 - 33% of all online gifts will be made in the next 48 hours. Make sure that you ask donors to send some of that in your direction via all electronic channels - have an alum post something on social networking sites - odds are good your constituents are wishing each other a happy new year and will see your message.