Stand out from the rest
The only way you can make your thank you message is to personalize it. Whether it is a written message or a phone call, this note works best when leaders send it. It makes every reader feel special. Write handwritten thank you notes and send them to customers. However, handwritten notes and phone calls might not make sense for large organizations with many donors. However, you can segment your contact list by creating groups of donors with similar preferences, such as the causes they have donated. Include a thoughtful opening line that is creative and shows that you care. Write a short message or do short videos for different programs or causes. Doing a video message as a leader will show your commitment to all your supporters. Compared to handwritten notes, video messages are a great way to connect your leaders to supporters.
Show your volunteers the gifts received and how they are impacting your cause
A study conducted on the state of philanthropy in Silicon Valley has shown that donors, especially millennials, want to know how their contributions are making an impact and how their donations will eliminate poverty and improve the human condition in the coming years or decades. With this information, communicate the program results to your supporters. Explain how the gifts were used in your messages and how they have made a difference. Highlight a short story about the people or projects that have benefited from the contributions to demonstrate to the donors and supporters that their contributions are doing good work and are being used effectively. Include demographics and charts because pictures speak louder than words.
Explain how your nonprofit will continue supporting the program
Thanking your donors is never enough. It would be best to keep the conversation going by ensuring that donors and volunteers can continue supporting the causes. Let them know that you look forward to their cooperation in the coming year. If there is already a calendar of events planned for a program, include it in your email or thank you note. This will give time for your donors and volunteers to plan. With their busy schedule, this can be a great way to help them plan.
An unexpected thank-you note at the end of the year will show donors that you appreciate their contributions and pay attention to their gifts, time and causes they contribute. This is an excellent stewardship plan. If you have not prepared to thank your donors this year, you are indeed missing out on one of the important things you could do to keep your supporters. Perhaps now is the right time you need to start preparing your thank you note.
