07 Dec 2012 1 Comment

9 Ways to Thank Your Donors

According to Penelope Burk’s donor-centered research, 65% of first-time donors don’t make a second gift.  Your donors want to see value and how their donation is benefiting your nonprofit.  They want to feel that personal connection.  80% of donors say a simple thank you would convince them to make a second donation.

Your thank you should be specific and personalized, not merely a transaction receipt.  Below are 9 Clever Ways to Thank Your Donors by Kivi Leroux Miller, www.nonprofitmarketingguide.com.

  1. Send a Greeting Card, Not A Business Letter
    Your thank you should be relatively short with a warm, friendly feel.  Your message should be personal, even though your same message will go to many donors.
  2. Share Progress, However Small
    Show your donors they matter.  Share progress and how they are bringing change or making life easier for someone, or advancing a cause.
  3. Add An Invitation
    Invite your donors to your next free event, without asking for another donation.  Ask them to volunteer.  This will get them involved and make them feel connected.
  4. Personalized Opening
    Be creative.  Start your thank you with a personalized feel, “You made my day” instead of traditional openers like “Thank you for.”  Start with a success story and how their donation will create even more success stories.
  5. Success Photos
    Sharing your success photos will create an instant connection between your nonprofit and your donor.  A photo of a group of people who your organization helps with a “Thank You” banner can make a huge impact.
  6. Email A Video Message
    Your spokespeople do not need to be professional speakers.  Gather individuals that your nonprofit serves and create a message thanking your donors.
  7. Send A Postcard
    There are several apps available that allow you to send a personalized postcard with a photo.  Send a photo detailing everyday work in the public eye with a personalized message to your donors.  (See Postagram or Touchnote for examples of postcard apps)
  8. Be Specific About How Their Donation Is Being Used
    Let your donors know how their donation is helping.  Be specific, if you are fundraising for a specific program let them know what that program is and how their gift is making a difference.
  9. Ask Volunteers to Send Thank You Notes
    Ask those who are benefiting from your donors to write a personalized thank you.  Your board members can also write a hand-written thank you or even an email as a follow up to your thank you letter. 

Download your free guide to Understanding Donor Behavior.

Photo Courtesy of Pete. 

by Andrea Cowan in Fundraising Ideas, Fundraising Tips, Nonprofit Resources Tags: ,