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 with 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.)
- In the annual report
- At your office
- On your website
- Public recognition in your print or email newsletter
- Social media mentions
- Invitation to your annual board meeting
- An invite to a town hall conference call or an in-person meeting about a topic connected to your mission
- Ask them 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 the comments!
Photo thanks to Courtney Hedger
Love the one about having them join your board, or a committee of the board – great engagement approach.
Thanks, Jenny!
I liked all your ideas.. I recommend to send a handmade gifts from the production of orphans..
Great ideas. Let donors tell you what they want. Sometimes they have good ideas that you can use.