Considerations to Donor Appreciation Communication
Designing the perfect thank you for donors is as easy as preparing their favorite dessert – if, of course, you know what they like.
Everyone has their favorite cake or dessert. Some enjoy a chocolate cake with layers of sweetness, while others prefer something light but memorable like meringue. And still others seek something with a powerful flavor like lemon bars.
Like these important elements for making your dessert, your organization should consider these seven recipe secrets when preparing donor appreciation communication.
Grease the pan or line it with parchment – Remind your donor why your organization’s work matters, which helps slide them into that mission mindset.
Preheat the oven –Make sure the communication you send fits the way the donor connects with you. Mailed gifts should receive a letter or card by mail. Online gifts should receive prompt and grateful emails.
Bake in the center of the oven – Allow the donor to see the impact of their gifts with a testimonial from an individual or specific statistics at the core of your work.
Bake in the right size pan – Know when to upsize your thank you with a personal message from the executive director or a board member tucked in.
Avoid doubling the recipe – Don't use a donor appreciation letter or email to make a new appeal for support. Your purpose is to thank the donor and confirm that the funds will be used as they intended. Save the new ask for another day.
Use fresh ingredients – We all know we receive standard letters, but they need not say the same thing every year. Show your sincerity and show the impact of their gifts.
Avoid substitutions – There is no good substitute for saying “thank you” to a donor. Make sure they see those words somewhere in your letter and know it is meant for them.
A cupcake tastes as good in a paper wrapper as it does on fine chinaware. Make sure the recipe behind your donor appreciation is tried and true.