Taking time to thank those that make the stories possible

It's all about the stories...

In the last couple months I have been given the fortunate opportunity to work for Angel Foundation in Minneapolis. I have been in nonprofit work for almost 20 years and have always been drawn to the mission of the organizations I have served. I was drawn to the foundation because of their incredible mission. The foundation provides Emergency Financial Assistance along with emotional support to families impacted by cancer.

I wanted to write about my new adventure and share a little insight as I know I am connected with many nonprofit leaders.

As many of you know in the nonprofit world it is so important to thank supporters but also to make sure they know just how their donation is making a difference.

One of the many things I am very impressed with is, once a week our awesome development crew at Angel Foundation takes a moment to send out thank you notes to our wonderful donors. OK, call me weird but I love doing this. It gives me time to reflect on why our organization is so important. Taking time to connect our donors with how their gift is making a difference is such an important step to the appreciation process. Our wonderful supporters then know exactly how they made a difference. I am sharing this because I think this is a step all too often missed at nonprofits. This is a step that is necessary and just the right thing to do.

Below are some of the ways we are sharing how we are helping and connecting donors to how they helped...

• Because of our donors we are able to grant 388 families financial assistance in the last quarter of the year totaling $188,000 in support.
• Because of our supporters we are able to provide gas cards to a woman with stage 4 lung cancer, which allows her to continue her treatment.
• Because of generous donations we were able to pay the rent for a woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.
• Because of amazing people that support us we were able to keep the lights on for a man unable to work due to colon cancer treatment.

Remember to share the ways you are helping. Saying thanks is important and so is sharing how you are helping. Take the time to say thanks and share the stories!

If you are interested in learning more about the great work of Angel Foundation email me. I would love to share our story. [email protected]