5 Best Practices for Remittance Envelopes
Remittance envelopes serve a crucial purpose for the many church and nonprofit organizations that utilize donations to sustain themselves. To encourage donors to give back to your church or nonprofit, it’s important your envelopes appeal to your donors. Here are some best practices you should consider when designing and utilizing remittance envelopes as a donation method.
What are Remittance Envelopes?
Remittance envelopes, which come in bound booklets known as payment books, are envelopes used to collect donor contact information and enclose contributions or subscription payments. A large flap is then used to cover the donor’s payment and personal information to maintain the donor’s privacy. Remittance envelopes and payment books may also be used to hold offering envelopes.
Though remittance envelopes can be a primary giving method for churches or nonprofit organizations, they are also beneficial for other organizations that may operate on a monthly payment structure, such as:
- Neighborhood associations
- Day cares/schools
- Fitness centers
- Dance studios
Remittance Envelopes: What to Consider
You’ll want to consider several aspects of design and functionality when using remittance envelopes to reach your donors. These five best practices can help with making your envelopes effective.
Consistency
The look and feel of your remittance envelopes should be consistent with the branding (logo, colors, etc.) of your church or organization.
Simple layout and design
You want to make it as easy as possible for your donors to contribute. Make sure your messaging is concise, your text font size is readable, and that there is enough room for donors to write their information.
provide a suggested amount
Not only can suggesting a contribution amount help convenience your donors, it can also go a step further and share exactly what each suggested contribution amount can provide to your organization or cause. This will help your donors better visualize the impact their gifts can have.
include an appeal letter
A simple, compelling letter that tells a story to your donors can help drive a greater response. Use your appeal letter to present a problem or solution to your donors, and how donations can help. This is an opportunity to truly connect with donors who can support your community or cause, so make it personal.
test your techniques
Your remittance envelope is an important interaction your donors will have with your organization. Test variations of design and messaging to better understand what appeals most to your donors and is most effective for encouraging donations.
Remittance envelopes help make the act of giving convenient for donors. To learn more about One Write’s remittance envelopes for your church, nonprofit or organization, contact One Write or request a quote today.