Those Dusty Remit Envelopes? It’s Time to Set Them Free.

I know—remit envelopes (aka: donation envelopes) aren’t exactly the most thrilling topic in fundraising.

But if you’ve got them—and I hope you do—they deserve more than a forgotten spot on your reception desk. They’re not a secret weapon or a silver bullet. They’re just one more tool in the toolbox.

Used appropriately, they do what they’re meant to do: give people a simple, tangible way to take action.

So, you’ve got remit envelopes. Maybe a whole box of them. Maybe they’ve been sitting in a drawer since your last annual report print run. Good. I’m glad you have them.

Now let’s get them right.

Because a remit envelope is more than just a place to stick a check. It’s a tiny invitation to keep showing up. To do a little more. To say yes again.

If you're going to hand someone that envelope—whether at an event, in a newsletter, or at your front desk—make it count.

Yes, it’s a giving tool—but it can be more than that. Include checkboxes for other ways people can get involved:

• I’d like to learn about volunteering

• I’m interested in giving through my IRA or Donor Advised Fund

• My company offers matching gifts

• I’ve included [Your Org] in my estate plans

• I want to talk with someone about giving monthly

  
  

You're planting seeds here. Make it easy for people to raise their hand.

While you're at it, make sure to include your EIN, a statement of your nonprofit status, and your legal name (& dba, if applicable).

It doesn’t need to be fancy—just human. Make sure the backflap expresses gratitude.

And be intentional about where and when you use them. That stash in your desk drawer? It should be in:

• Every outreach packet

• Event programs

• Advocacy materials

• Community bulletin boards (seriously, staple it to a flyer)

If you’re mailing program materials—drop one in. If you're tabling anywhere—set out a few.

And yes, if someone walks into your office and says, “How can I help?” You should be able to hand them an envelope that tells them exactly how.

If you’ve got remit envelopes—and I’m glad you do—it’s time to use them with purpose.

They’re not glamorous. They’re not groundbreaking. They’re just part of the job.

So stop saving them. Start using them.

Smartly.

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I'm Liz. I help nonprofits raise more money with less stress—so you can stay focused on the work that matters. You don’t have to figure out fundraising alone. Let’s talk.