5 IDEAS FOR THANKING DONORS
Thanking your donors is more than just being polite; it should be a key component of any nonprofit fundraising strategy.
The cost of acquiring a new donor is much higher than holding onto an existing one. A loyal donor base is also more likely to increase the size of their gifts. Large donations are typically the result of a long term relationship with a nonprofit. If you’re able to retain a donor, even if they make smaller donations, for many years, the numbers can add up quickly. Therefore, donor retention is a vital priority to keep your budget on track.
So make sure to show your gratitude and demonstrate the impact each supporter has had on your mission. How can you do that? Here are five easy ways:
Send an acknowledgement letter or email. The classics never go out of style. Set up an automated acknowledgement email to go out when someone donates online. For a more personal touch, send a handwritten note or printed letter to the donor. Include the tangible result of their gift. For example: “Your donation covered the cost of planting three trees downtown.”
Send branded thank you gifts. This strategy helps increase your brand’s visibility and awareness throughout the community. Be mindful with this one - you don’t want to just slap a logo on something they won’t use. Depending on your nonprofit’s mission, a branded t-shirt, mug, reusable water bottle, or tote bag could be appropriate.
Share your appreciation online. Be sure to ask your donors about their privacy preferences first. If they’re ok with it, recognize them publicly for their generosity. You can do this through social media or an online donor wall, making sure to link back to their profiles or websites.
Host a donor appreciation event. Celebrate what you’ve accomplished together. These events can also help your supporters cultivate relationships with each other, further solidifying their loyalty to your organization.
Create a donor wall. This could be digital or in-person at your headquarters. You can leave behind the basic metal plaques with lines of names in favor of a beautiful, branded experience that adds to the décor and serves as a focal point for visitors.
Ensure that you’re staying connected with both new and longtime donors by reinvigorating your donor thank you strategies. Need some help? Let’s chat!
