7 Ways to Say Thank You to Major Donors
Without major donors' generosity, many organizations would struggle to achieve their goals and make an impact. It's important to show gratitude to major donors, not just as a sign of respect, but also to foster strong relationships and encourage continued support.
In this article, we'll share seven awesome ways to say thank you to major donors. These ideas range from personalized gestures to public recognition, and can be tailored to fit each donor's unique preferences. By expressing gratitude in a thoughtful way, you can build strong connections with your major donors and help your organization thrive.
1. Personalized Thank-You Note
A personalized thank-you note is a timeless way to express gratitude to major donors for their support. It's a simple gesture, but it can go a long way in making donors feel appreciated and valued. By taking the time to craft a thoughtful note, you can convey the impact of their gift and demonstrate how it has helped your organization make a difference in the community. Including a handwritten message can also make the note feel more personal and genuine, and it shows that you took the time to write a message specifically for them.
To make the thank-you note even more special, consider sharing a specific story about how the donor's gift made a difference. This could be a heartwarming anecdote about a program that their gift helped fund or a story about how their support impacted a particular individual or family. Including a small token of gratitude, such as a branded pen or notebook, can also make the thank-you note feel more special and memorable.
2. Public Recognition
Public recognition is a powerful way to show major donors that their contributions are valued and appreciated. By recognizing donors in a public way, you not only show your gratitude, but you also inspire others to give and support your organization's mission. This recognition can take many forms, such as featuring the donor's name in a newsletter or annual report, publicly thanking them at an event, or even naming a space after them.
Public recognition can also be a strategic way to build relationships with major donors and encourage continued support. It demonstrates that their gift is making a significant impact and encourages them to stay engaged with your organization's work.
For donors who value recognition and public acknowledgement, this can be a particularly effective way to show your appreciation and encourage ongoing support. Public recognition is a powerful tool that can help your organization build strong, lasting relationships with major donors and ultimately achieve its mission.
3. Exclusive Event Invitation
Inviting major donors to exclusive events is a great way to show appreciation for their support and provide a unique experience that they will remember. By creating an exclusive event that is only available to major donors, you can make them feel like they are part of an inner circle of supporters.
These events can be designed to be intimate and memorable, such as a private dinner or a behind-the-scenes tour of your organization's operations.
At one organization I worked, we created a program called The Table and hosted local donor dinners around the country. We didn't ask for money at these dinners, but used them as engagement opportunities to both thank donors and find new ones with appointments setup out of the local events.
An exclusive event also provides an opportunity for donors to connect with your organization's leadership and learn more about your mission and impact. This can help them feel more connected to your organization and provide them with a deeper understanding of how their support is making a difference.
By providing a unique and meaningful experience, you can build strong relationships with major donors that will encourage continued support and engagement with your organization.
4. Personal Phone Call
A personal phone call is a thoughtful and impactful way to thank major donors for their support. A phone call provides a personal touch that demonstrates that their gift is valued and appreciated. This gesture also provides an opportunity to update the donor on the impact their gift is making and thank them for their contribution. By taking the time to connect with major donors in this way, you can strengthen relationships and encourage ongoing support.
A personal phone call from a board member, CEO, or executive director can also be an effective way to engage major donors in your organization's work. It provides an opportunity for the donor to ask questions, provide feedback, and learn more about the organization's mission and impact. By creating an open and transparent dialogue, you can build trust and foster long-term partnerships with major donors.
This phone call is often in addition to any calls received from the donor's rep, if you have a defined major donor program.
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5. Personalized Video Message
In today's digital age, a personalized video message is an innovative and creative way to thank major donors. A short video can be a fun and engaging way to show appreciation and share the impact of their support.
Consider including photos or video footage of your organization in action to help donors connect with your mission and see the tangible results of their contribution. You can also have key staff members share their gratitude directly to the camera, which can help personalize the message and make it more meaningful.
Personalized video messages are also easy to share on social media and other digital platforms, which can help spread awareness of your organization's work and attract new donors.
By creating a message that is engaging, informative, and personal, you can build relationships with major donors and inspire them to continue supporting your mission.
Need a script? Check out this resource for a nonprofit thank you video script.
6. Donor Appreciation Gift
A donor appreciation gift is a great way to show major donors that their support is valued and appreciated. By providing a small token of appreciation, you can create a positive impression and reinforce your organization's brand in the mind of the donor. A gift can also serve as a reminder of the impact their contribution is making and encourage continued support.
When choosing a donor appreciation gift, it's important to consider the preferences of the donor and align the gift with your organization's mission and values. This could be anything from a branded item like a water bottle or tote bag, to a gift card to a local restaurant or store. The key is to choose a gift that is thoughtful, personalized, and reflective of your organization's mission.
By providing a meaningful gift, you can show major donors that their support is valued and build long-lasting relationships that will benefit your organization for years to come.
7. Impact Report
Providing an impact report is a powerful way to show major donors the tangible results of their support. An impact report should be a detailed and informative document that outlines the specific impact their gift has had on your organization's mission. This could include metrics like the number of people served, the number of programs launched, or the specific outcomes achieved thanks to their support.
By providing this information, you can help donors understand the impact of their gift and reinforce their sense of connection to your organization's mission.
An impact report can also be a strategic way to build relationships with major donors and encourage continued support. By demonstrating the specific outcomes achieved thanks to their gift, you can reinforce the importance of their contribution and encourage them to continue supporting your organization's work.
Impact reports can also be a useful tool for donor stewardship, as they provide an opportunity to engage with donors in a meaningful way and keep them informed about your organization's progress.
Saying thank you to major donors is a crucial part of maintaining strong relationships and encouraging continued support for your non-profit organization. From personalized thank-you notes to public recognition and exclusive event invitations, there are many creative ways to express your gratitude and make major donors feel truly valued. By providing impact reports and other personalized tokens of appreciation, you can also keep major donors informed about the tangible results of their support.
Remember, each donor is unique, so it's important to tailor your thank-you strategy to their preferences and interests. By taking the time to express genuine appreciation and show the impact of their generosity, you can build strong, long-lasting relationships with your major donors and help your organization thrive.
Proudly developing support for TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue). Author: Daddin'; Listen to Life; LIFElines; Fundraisers Prayer Book & more. Photographer: Eye of a photographer, heart of a poet. Speaker.
2 年At one university, I discovered a MAJOR donor had not received appropriate thanks for her amazing gift of a ranch. I visited with her, learned her story and then commissioned one of our master's level art students to paint a large work that included all the aspects of her story, including her standing on the front porch of the house that was central to the painting. The artist did an amazing job. I delivered the painting as a surprise at her home with the Ag Chair, Dean and President in tow. She was so moved (it is a long story how and why). Years later, when I was no longer at the university, she asked my permission to have the painting moved from her home to the home at the ranch. I said it was her painting and I am sure the university would abide by her wishes. She said, "I know I would not have received that if it weren't for you. I'd appreciate your permission." Of course, I thought it was a great idea. A few months later, she passed away. The story of the photo album (these were film days) I sent her that set up the story above is another special story in my career.