Thanks They’ll Appreciate

By Michele Goodrich

 

I am often asked for new and creative ways to thank donors and volunteers.  However, it seems as though whenever I am asked, I can’t think of a single out-of-the-ordinary example to pass on.  So, I decided to ask some donors and volunteers to tell me about memorable ways they have been thanked by the organizations they support.

 

Here’s what they told me:

1. A hand-written thank-you note from the director with a personalized message.  “So I know it is written just for me.”
2. A picture of the donor/volunteer with the people they helped.
3. Something made by a client or member of the organization (examples include a garden stepping stone made by children and an asymmetrical clay vase hand-made by an adult with special needs).
4. A personal note from someone who benefited from the contribution.
5. A personal call from the organization’s director.
6. An invitation to an event that didn’t involve asking for another donation.
7. A surprise memorial tribute to a late spouse displayed in the organization’s facility.

 

No one I asked mentioned how special a plaque, form letter, annual report or newsletter made them feel. They also didn’t cite how much they valued a clever knick-knack, t-shirt, or bumper sticker. What they appreciated were the personal touches that indicated their gift/effort was noticed and treasured.

 

So, whenever you find yourself spending time thumbing through gift catalogues or scrolling through Internet shopping sites to find that “perfectly unique” thank you gift for a donor – stop!

 

Pick up the phone.

Make the call.

Say “Thanks!”

 

That’s the kind of thank you that donors and volunteers appreciate the most.

 

Last 5 posts by Michele Goodrich

• Spread the Love - February 26th, 2013
• What Makes a Story Great? - January 11th, 2013
• Gift Acknowledgement Policy - December 5th, 2012
• Writer's Block - October 16th, 2012
• Planting the seeds of generosity - September 19th, 2012

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