Blog | Jun 10, 2011 | 3 Comments

[nonprofit thank-yous]

[outstanding examples of gratitude]

I recently got some unusual thank-yous from local charities. This is one way for nonprofits to really stand out in the minds and hearts of their donors, but many just don’t take the opportunity.

I’m not a wealthy person and I never expect special treatment.

I’ve gotten the impression over the years that in most fundraising departments, special expressions of thanks are reserved for very large donors. The rest of us never get anything but a form letter or an email. Sadly, even though I used to write these, I rarely read them. I treat them like receipts, which is in fact what they legally are.

Imagine my surprise when I actually got a phone call recently.

I’m a member of the Caritas Society of Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, a former employer and a favorite cause of mine. They recently completed their largest annual fundraising campaign. I’d been at the same giving level for years and intended to stay there — until I realized I could spare more money this year and that my increased funds would be doubled through a challenge grant from the Sobrato Family Foundation.

I was delighted when someone from Catholic Charities called to personally thank me for responding to that challenge. And guess what? After I got the phone call about the increased pledge, I started to think I might want to stay at the higher level next year or maybe even increase my level of giving yet again.

And then a packet of children’s artwork arrived in my mailbox.

I recently posted a blog about nonprofit called Sunday Friends, and told an amazing story of the generosity of one of their young clients. I’m actually a consultant to Sunday Friends, not a donor. But a few weeks ago I received six beautiful letters like the one below. (This one was dictated to a volunteer.)

Sunday Friends sends notes like these to everyone who helps them in any way. It is an integral part of their mission and their organizational culture.

If this magic works on me, a fundraising professional, it could work on anybody.

Being acknowledged in a personal way means more to me than seeing my name in an annual report. I’m not knocking annual reports—I write them for a living, too—but donors need to feel special.

Today, I feel special and really good about giving.

What’s the best charity “thank you” you ever received? I’d love to hear more experiences.

P.S. Here is a bonus article from Joanne Fritz, my favorite nonprofit sector blogger, with some great thoughts about thank yous.

Author: Claire Wagner

I'm a seasoned freelance writer/editor and an enthusiastic community manager. I'm passionate about developing and sharing good content.

3 Comments

Claire,

Good post!

I too work with non-profits and spent many years working in the non-profit sector. Especially when working with fundraising, it is important to encourage gestures of gratitude — continually, consistantly.

In a class I took, a study revealed that people want to be thanked – 7 different times, 7 different ways. So, the creativity hat was always on to find ways that grabbed hearts and expressed thanks.

The note and picture you show above is terrific! I would do similar things when working with student groups.

The best thank you I received? Years later when I hear from students telling me I made a difference in their lives.

Thanks for sharing,

~Keri

[Reply]

Claire Wagner Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 9:54 pm

Keri, I was very interested to hear that 7×7 concept. I’m sure we can apply it to all forms of interactions. And teachers can never get enough thanks!

[Reply]

Keri

6/10/2011

Claire-

I once received a personal letter from someone saying that they opened up the donation and started crying. It’s wasn’t THAT big a donation, but it made a big difference to a small program.

I realize this was an unusual case and I’m not saying that everyone should break into tears – it was the very personal nature of the letter that really touched base. Personal is always nicer than automated.

[Reply]