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Boost donor support with the right telemarketing partner

In the ever-changing world of fundraising, charities are facing more challenges than ever before: donor fatigue, rising living costs, and the need to build genuine connections amidst endless digital noise. When you’re asking for support, especially from long-time donors, the way you communicate matters as much as the message itself.

Hot Leads specialises in charity telemarketing that goes beyond the ask – it’s about listening, understanding, and building lasting relationships. Our recent work with Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) is a great example of how the right telemarketing approach can help charities navigate even the toughest challenges.

The challenge charities face today

Donors are being pulled in all directions. Charities are competing for attention in inboxes, social feeds, and mailboxes. On top of that, economic uncertainty means people are more cautious with their giving. For many charities, keeping donor relationships strong is harder than ever.

A good telemarketing campaign can cut through this noise – but it needs to be done right. That means:

  • Empathetic communication that respects donors’ circumstances
  • Personalised outreach that acknowledges their previous support
  • Flexibility to adapt to donor needs and build goodwill, even if they can’t say yes right now.

This is where a skilled telemarketing partner can make all the difference.

Blind Low Vision NZ – a case in point

When BLVNZ wanted to relaunch their Your Impact membership programme, they faced a significant challenge. The goal was to invite donors who had given $500 or more annually to commit to regular monthly giving. But with a largely elderly donor base and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, this was no easy task.

Here’s how we helped BLVNZ navigate these challenges:

1. Human-centred outreach

We knew these weren’t cold calls – they were conversations with people who already cared deeply about BLVNZ’s work. We dedicated 150 hours to personalised calling, prioritising connection and gratitude. Many of these calls resulted in follow up emails to reinforce BLVNZ’s supportive services.

2. Flexible, empathetic communication

Many donors couldn’t commit to monthly giving, and that was okay. Instead of pushing for a yes, we focused on:

  • Thanking donors for their past contributions
  • Reassuring them that annual giving still made a difference
  • Leaving every conversation with donors feeling valued and appreciated.

3. Maintaining donor goodwill

The result? Even if donors couldn’t join Your Impact, they remained committed to BLV’s mission.

Joanne Eve, Relationships Manager at BLVNZ, shared her thoughts, “We gained several new members of Your Impact through the Hot Leads campaign. A little under our target but it’s great to hear that many people have positive feedback and are committed to supporting Blind Low Vision NZ.”

This kind of goodwill and loyalty is priceless – and it sets the stage for future campaigns.

What makes Hot Leads different?

Telemarketing for charities isn’t about quick wins – it’s about building relationships that last. When you partner with Hot Leads, you get:

1. Expert callers who understand the charity sector and can have genuine, meaningful conversations

2. Flexible strategies that adapt to donor needs and circumstances

3. Results beyond numbers – we focus on maintaining donor trust, not just immediate conversions.

Our work with BLVNZ shows that even in challenging times, the right approach can preserve relationships, nurture goodwill, and keep donors engaged.

Ready to strengthen your donor relationships?

If your charity needs a partner who understands the art of authentic connection, Hot Leads is here to help. We’ll work with you to design tele-fundraising campaigns that respect your donors, strengthen relationships, and drive lasting support.

Reach out at 0800 HOT LEADS (0800 62 33 11) or 021 797 919 and let’s start the conversation.