[Strategies for Success - Smart fundraising ideas from Kinetic]

Never Underestimate the Importance of Thanking Donors

imageEveryone enjoys feeling appreciated, including donors. Effective fundraisers understand the importance of saying “thank you” and expressing sincere appreciation in a variety of ways.

Seeing their gifts at work

Donors feel a great sense of satisfaction when they see their dollars at work. Arrange for a donor to observe or participate in an activity or event funded by their charitable gifts. For example, invite a donor who supports the arts to attend a children’s theatre performance. Nothing says “thank you” better than the face of a smiling child.

Support your donor’s cause

Chances are your donors support a variety of nonprofits in addition to yours. A unique way to demonstrate your appreciation for a donor is to support one of their causes. Volunteer for an agency or attend a fundraising event for an organization supported by your donor. You’ll not only send a message of gratitude to your donor, but also strengthen the relationship with the donor by sharing a common interest.

Handwritten notes

A simple notecard with a lovely compliment written just for Mrs. Tate” was a small gesture that meant so much. It was all it took to make her day. Today, electronic forms of communication are the norm, so receiving a personal handwritten card or letter in the mail is an uncommon occurrence that attracts notice. Sending handwritten notes to donors for any occasion – whether in thanks for a gift or to acknowledge a birthday, anniversary or other life event – conveys appreciation in a personal way.

“Thank you” should be second nature to effective fundraisers who express their gratitude in a variety of meaningful and individual ways. Donors who feel appreciated for their charitable nature are more likely to continue their support and increase their donations. The importance of saying thank you cannot be overstated.

Guest contributor: Theresa A. Hearn, Executive Director, Derby Community Foundation

logoJoin Us on the Growing Philanthropy Tour

Next stops on the road to achieving Kinetic’s mission of growing philanthropy by 25 percent in the next 20 years:

Dallas
May 23-25, 2018
Boy Scouts of America Annual Meeting

Roanoke, Va.
June 6-7, 2018
LeadingAge Virginia Annual Conference
Exhibitor: Hartsook

Bergen, Norway
June 18-19, 2018
NHH – Norwegian School of Economics
John List

Taipei, Taiwan
June 21-22, 2018
National Taiwan University
John List

Canberra, Australia
June 25-26, 2018
BX2018, Australian Government
Keynote: John List

Richmond, Va.
July 18-19, 2018
2018 Virginia Fund Raising Institute Conference
Successful Campaigns: Raising Million-Dollar Gifts
Karin Cox
John Warren
Lead Sponsor: Hartsook

London
July 2018
Iof Convention 2018
Adrian Sargeant
Jen Shang

Clayton, Australia
August 13-24, 2018
Monash University
John List

Washington, D.C.
August 29-31, 2018
Boy Scouts of America Top Hands

Chicago
September 19-20, 2018
Science of Philanthropy Institute Conference 2018
John List

Boston, Mass.
October 5-6, 2018
Boston University
Advances with Field Experiments
John List

Basel, Switzerland
October 16-18, 2018
University of Basel
8th Bernoulli Lecture for the Behavioral Sciences
John List

Past Stops on the Tour


Resources for Smart Fundraising Available on Kindle

Keep up to date on the latest fundraising trends with the Kindle ASR Media collection:

  • Fundraising Leadership – The definitive source for empowering board members to become pro-active fundraising leaders by Karin L. Cox
  • Performance-Driven Fundraising – Handy, yet entertaining reference tool for new and seasoned fundraisers by Matthew J. Beem

    Book Deal of the Month

imageFundraising Leadership: The Essential Guide for Nonprofit Board Members Who Want to Make a Lasting Difference (ASR Media) – an exciting book by Karin L. Cox – is the definitive source for empowering board members to become pro-active fundraising leaders. Click here for a special price of $10 (plus shipping and handling).

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Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with thousands of fundraising professionals. We welcome your best practices contributions or comments. Send to Strategies for Success editor Karin Cox, kcox@kineticfundraising.com. If you’d like a free subscription to Strategies for Success or its monthly companion, Philanthropy Success, contact info@kineticfundraising.com.