When you reach out to your donors, it’s important to remember that they are doing something special for you. A donor might give their time or money, so you must thank them with a little extra effort and kindness. Here are six creative ways you can say thank you to your donors in a way that will make them feel appreciated and valued.
Say thank you with a handwritten card
It doesn’t take much time to write a handwritten card and make it special. You can do so in just a few minutes! One of the best things about cards is that they’re easy to personalize.
Start by writing your name on one side of the card, then write thank you on the other. Write an endearing message like “thank you for your generosity,” or “thank you for helping me fulfill my mission.”
Another way to personalize your card is to include the recipient’s name and their favorite animal (or anything else they love). You could also include a picture of them or their loved ones if that would help them feel more included.
Thank them in person with a gift
It might seem like a small thing, but donors appreciate gratitude in the form of a gift. Be sure to thank your donors for giving to you by giving them something in return.
If you’re running out of time, consider a quick and easy thank-you gift that is easily transportable and can be given on the spot. A coffee mug or water bottle are always good choices.
Send them an email with a personal note
One of the best ways to show your donors that you appreciate their support is by sending them an email with a personal note.
When you reach out to your donor, don’t just say thank you for their donation in a generic email. Tell them how much the donation means to your organization and why you’re grateful for it.
No matter if they gave $10 or $1,000, let them know what it means to your organization—and let them know how much you’re appreciative for their generosity and support.
An easy way to do this is through an email template like this one. The template will automatically include information about the date, time and amount donated; but it also includes a personalized note from you as well as a link to more information on the donation process.
Throw a donor appreciation event
Donors love to feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves. It’s not often that you have the opportunity to be a part of something as amazing as your company. It’s important, then, that you thank them for their contribution by throwing a donor appreciation event.
A donor appreciation event is a fun way to give back and show your donors that they are more than just an investment in your company—they are important members of your team! For example, host a group picnic with games where you can all play together. This will put everyone in the mindset of being on the same team, rather than just contributors of money or time.
Another idea is to bring in new food ideas for your staff or customers during the celebration. Every day is about giving back, but it’s also about giving so why not do both? You want to make sure that you provide value for your donors so they know how much you appreciate them!
Create personalized thank-you videos
You could create a personalized video for every donor and share it on social media. This would be an easy way to show your donors that you care about them.
If you’re worried about the cost of creating these videos, you could use this as a way to show how much your donors mean to you and the work they do for your organization.
This is a great idea if you want to create something different than your typical thank-you postcard, which is pretty standard these days.
Thank them on social media.
If you reach out to your donors on social media, creatively thank them.
When a donor gives their time or money, they are investing in something bigger than themselves. You must acknowledge this once they’ve helped you out by thanking them for their contribution.
Maybe your donor commented on one of your posts and shared it with their friends. Thank them for spreading the word about your business!
Thank them on Instagram if they liked one of your photos. If they’re following you already, that is!
Thank them on Facebook if they liked one of your posts from the last week or month.
If you’re trying to get someone to donate, it might not be the best idea to send an email instead of a text message. One study found that only 2 percent of people who donated via text message said they would have donated had the contact been via email.
ALSO READ
