When you do something for someone and they reply with a genuine “thank you,” it makes you feel pretty good, doesn’t it? By the same token, when your boss asks you to work on an urgent project and you complete the task in a timely and efficient manner, the appreciation you’re likely to receive usually results in increased motivation.
During this giving time of year, people are volunteering their time at food banks and their church, coats are being collected, gifts are being purchased for families who can’t afford to buy them on their own, and, of course, many, many donor gifts are being made.
And, of course, as most of you know, people give the most during these last two months of the year.
While many donors will say that they don’t need or want acknowledgement or a big deal made of their gift, what most people do need is to know their contributions are appreciated. If they tell you they don’t need an acknowledgement, don’t believe them.
At the least, you should do something, even if it’s small, to make sure those who are giving to your organization know that you appreciate them.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a big deal. The act of appreciation can be small and inexpensive, but do it. It will keep your donor engaged and connected to you and those you serve.
Earlier this summer, I gave a gift to an organization and then made another contribution in the early fall. What I got from them was the usual thank you tax-exempt letter. I received the exact same letter after the second gift of support.
What that means, of course, is that they have a form letter that they send out after every gift—with no update. It also means that there’s no one paying attention to keeping the appreciation fresh and meaningful.
The conclusion I’m forced to make is that my gift is just one of many. It’s nothing special to this organization. Too bad, I might have been in it for the long haul, but not now.
Please share with our readers meaningful, yet inexpensive ways to make your donors feel appreciated.