26 ways to show your donors they matter

How many different ways can you engage and thank your donors?

One great thing about this time of year is that we are thinking about gratitude. Donors aren’t like mushrooms – if you ignore them, they WILL go away.

There is no end to the ways you can create great experiences for your donors.

Here is a list to get your creative juices flowing.

(And thank you for reading!)

• Tours to show off your programs – and the donor’s impact
• Educational opportunities (like a speaker) connected to your mission
• Small events in hosts’ homes with senior staff (it’s easier to feel loyal when you feel you know the organization’s people.)
• Small events with other donors at the organization’s venue (these relationships around you can strengthen their relationship to you.)
• Giving groups or circles with social opportunities (see above)
• Emailed links or clippings of articles connected to your mission AND the donor’s interest
• Personal cards on dates like the donor’s giving anniversary or birthday
• A set of notecards with photos of your work
• If you have a nice space, the opportunity to use or rent the space at a discount
• A thank you video – personalized with the donor’s name – made for them
• Public recognition (if the donor wants it! Be sure first.)
  • Public recognition in the annual report
  • Public recognition at your office
  • Public recognition on your website
  • Public recognition in your print or email newsletter
  • Social media shout outs
• Invitation to your annual board meeting
• Invitation to a townhall conference call or an in-person meeting about a topic connected to your mission
• Invitation to a staff-led discussion of a timely/important mission issue
• Invitation to serve on a committee (not only a fundraising event committee!)
• Invitation to serve on the board
• A personal phone call –  hold a Thankathon
• A handwritten note
• Where appropriate, a note from a beneficiary of their gift
• A donor profile in your newsletter or on your website
• A small gift of cookies or candy
• Candid photos of your mission at work, clipped to a personal thank you note

Let’s spread the gratitude around. Add your ideas in comments!

Photo thanks to: Courtney Hedger