# Use of autoresponders as fundraising tool

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2001/05/28/use-autoresponders-fundraising-tool/
- Published: 2001-05-28T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

We can’t all respond instantaneously to e-mail messages. There is however an automated method of offering such an immediate response, namely the autoresponder. This e-mail program allows a message to be bounced back instantaneously. We can’t all respond instantaneously to e-mail messages. There is however an automated method of offering such an immediate response, namely the autoresponder. This e-mail program allows a message to be bounced back instantaneously. This message could be a straightforward explanatory one, explaining that an individual response will be sent in due course. But enterprising fundraisers will note that these messages offer a fundraising or marketing opportunity. Advertisement Sophie Egan, Fundraising Manager at The Tank Museum, for example, offers the following automatic response to an e-mail enquiry: “This message has been created by an auto responder confirming receipt of your mail. While you await a reply, are you aware of the following. Easter events – http://www.tankmuseum.co.uk/special.html#actionman> Tiger Tank appeal http://www.tiger-tank.com/ – Spring Bank Holiday Events – http://www.tankmuseum.co.uk/special.html#actionman “ This is a good example of using one of the often underused elements of e-mail. Online promotion of conservation volunteering (28 May 2001) Update on Volunteer Your PC programme (28 May 2001) New online forum for charity HR professionals (28 May 2001)