Communication

Written communication to the church is a core task of Giving in Grace. The resources in this section are tried and tested and can be used with confidence. They give everything you need to communicate clearly, confidently, honestly and effectively about the financial facts of life now and your plans and hopes for the future.

• Careful preparation of the communication literature is essential. It should be simple and accessible, reflecting the biblical nature of the programme and not looking like a funding appeal.
• The written communication states the facts and critically makes the personal ask or challenge to church members to respond.
• Take time to think through an effective communications strategy through the printed word. There are three core elements: brochures, clergy "ask" letters and response forms
• An important part of communication is an effective follow up strategy which again has three core elements: thank you letters to those who respond, non response letters to those who do not responding and requests for additional information for envelopes, standing orders or Gift Aid and so on.
• Differentiation is fundamental to a communications strategy involving slightly different letters sent to the core, the congregation and to the fringe. Planning groups must be familiar with differentiation and work with a differentiated database.

Taken together the twin strategies of communication and follow up will ensure that the literature you send is good, clear and effective.