Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

  • About
  • Hands-On Fundraising Blog
  • Services
  • Contact

How to write a thank you letter when you’re feeling stuck

You’ve been working hard on that last campaign. And now, you have new gifts! After the celebration, you begin to wonder. How can you write a thank you that works? Where do you start? Here’s my quick thank you letter how-to First, a confession: I used to write rote, boring, perfunctory thank you letters. And […]

Filed Under: Blog, Thanks Tagged With: donor love, donor relations, thank you 16 Comments

Why you should write a thank you from the heart

Answer honestly: how much attention do you pay to the thank you letters or emails you receive after giving? Do you quickly review it to be sure it’s a thank you letter, then file it for your taxes? And does that make the whole experience feel a bit… impersonal? I’m asking not because I think […]

Filed Under: Blog, Thanks Tagged With: donor communications, thank you letters 2 Comments

Can we talk about donor care?

You know taking care of your donors is one of the most important things you can do I’ve recently written about thank you letters and donor retention. Yes, they’re very much connected. But it’s now that time of year… tax season. And your donors are likely going through the drudgery of pulling together their records, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donors, Thanks Tagged With: donor care, donor relationships, donor retention Leave a Comment

You CAN write a great thank you

Does writing a thank you letter make you feel sort of squeamish? Do you put it off, because… all those feelings? Or maybe just because you don’t know where to start? I got you. Read on… Your opening paragraph As you would with any letter, keep the first paragraph short. And make it all about […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Thanks Tagged With: donor communications, donor relationships, thank you letters Leave a Comment

Does your thank you letter really matter?

Yes. Your thank you letter matters. I recently saw an opinion that I couldn’t disagree with more. I’m paraphrasing, but it went something like this: Donors should be happy with whatever thank you letter they get. Worrying about a real signature or other things is a sign of donor dominance. I would bet that most […]

Filed Under: Blog, Thanks Tagged With: donor relationships, thank you letter, your thank you letter matters 4 Comments

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 8
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • 4 Ways to Turn One-Time Donors Into Long-Term Supporters
  • Looking for attention? Why the details matter
  • This is why you can’t find a great development director
  • The new way to fundraise? Trust your mail.
  • Donor identity: How do your donors see themselves?

Work with me!

Let's talk about how I can help your organization raise more money.

Contact

  • Donor communications
  • Fundraising Strategy

Copyright © 2025 · Mary Cahalane · Hands-On Fundraising · 847 S. Main Street · #183 · Plantsville, CT 06479