Do I smell?

I donate to a number of charities. Some of them I support because I know the people who run the projects, some are projects I have visited, but the majority are charities that simply found me, and asked me.

Now what really is beginning to wind me up is how few of these fine organisations have bothered to contact me again and tell me what the hell is going on. I know we all bang on about donor stewardship but despite all the evidence and research why are so few organisations bothering? And trust me, I'm getting fed up of being ignored.

The answer I suspect is simple. Money.

We have to face up to the fact that it costs to keep people giving. But the question we have to answer is how much are we prepared to spend. I've seen charities spend more than they actually save - which isn't difficult when you're forking out 27p just for a stamp.

Of course on-line offers us a glimmer of help. We're running a significant programme for BHF where donors and prospects are kept busy each month with on-line actions and activities, but they are blessed with a file rich with email addresses and a website rich with content. For other charities I support it's not always the case.

Sadly I know for a fact that eight of them don't have my email address. Their fault. They didn't ask me at the point of recruitment. But when we know that a 10% drop in attrition from a file of 5,000 donors will generate thousands of pounds, it's got to be worth rethinking our programmes. Especially as we now know that this is easily achieved through good on-line stewardship.

Getting my correct email address has to be a priority. I don't understand why someone hasn't just called me: "Hi Tim, we don't want any more money, just your email address. We want to show you how your money is making a difference. We've got some great pictures, a report, some analysis, a child's drawing (whatever) and wanted to email it over to you". I'd give them my address like a shot - and thank them for the call.

And it wouldn't cost much. It's quick and easy.

In fact none of this should cost much. We're working on programmes that are cost effective, simple to implement, immensely engaging and highly demonstrable.

So maybe soon I'll stop feeling ignored and start being involved - or maybe I should just go and have another shower.