Five Ideas for Motivating Donors - Part 5

Recognition and Unexpected Thank Yous

If you’ve been a reader of this blog, you’ve heard me say this in the past: many organizations tend to do a poor job of thanking donors. If you don’t have a donor recognition and thank you process in place, that will be the single biggest impact on your overall development program. If you have a plan in place and your givers are hearing from you at least occasionally with a thank you, today’s blog will help you layer in some unexpected ways to show gratitude for their generosity.

As part of our series of 5 ideas for motivating donors, we’re exploring ways you can build generosity and philanthropy among your givers. Today, we’re sharing creative thank yous that you can consider adding to your calendar or communications schedule:

🎖️ Recognition and Honor Lists

One proven way to thank donors is to establish a donor honor roll or donor societies. This could look like a:

“Sustainers Society,” listing all those who have made a gift of any size year-over-year.
This honors consistent givers each year (at all levels), enforcing how they are sustaining your programs or ministries. So this list would include:

The family who gave $50 last year and again this year
The family with a weekly $500 commitment

This kind of recognition list enforces the importance of continual and recurring giving… this is one list and is not based on amount or wealth.

“Legacy Circle,” listing those who have included the nonprofit in their estate or bequest plans.

Again, this is a way to thank those donors and also share the impact they have with all your audiences. Some organizations offer special dinners or thank you events just for those Legacy givers.

💌 Notes, Cards and Calls

Whether it’s tied to your annual pledge drive, an event or a holiday like Thanksgiving, plan at least one unexpected thank you to your givers. While this can certainly be a token (a magnet, a bookmark, a mug), a simple handwritten note from a leader or board member can be deeply meaningful to those who give of their time and treasure to your organization each month.

📞 A thank you calling campaign or plan can have the same impact.

We hope these ideas will get you thinking about how your nonprofit can create a donor experience that keeps givers excited and feeling valued.

Tim Smith

Major Donor Engagement

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